Delaware nursing license rules
Compact stateRN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources
Delaware is a compact state (since January 2018). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in Delaware in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in Delaware, your multistate license is issued here.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- When it expires
- Expires Feb 28, May 31, or Sept 30 of odd years depending on original issue date (new RN licenses expire Sept 30 of odd years)
- Renewal fee
- Not published as a fixed amount; the board gives the amount at renewal time Board page
- Continuing education
- 30 contact hours per renewal cycle
- Required CE topics
- None found on the board's pages.
- Endorsement fee
- $181
- Fingerprints for endorsement
- Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
- Temporary permit
- Available. $40; requires a pending Delaware application and a Delaware job offer; expires 90 days after issue
- How to apply
- Apply in DELPROS; Nursys verification from the state of NCLEX eligibility; Delaware and FBI background check via IdentoGO fingerprinting; must meet a practice requirement (recent graduation, recent practice hours, or refresher) and CE.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- When it expires
- Expires Feb 28 of even years
- Renewal fee
- Not published as a fixed amount; the board gives the amount at renewal time Board page
- Continuing education
- 24 contact hours per renewal cycle
- Required CE topics
- None found on the board's pages.
- Endorsement fee
- $181
- Fingerprints for endorsement
- Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
- Temporary permit
- Available. $40; same rules as RN, expires 90 days after issue
- How to apply
- Same as RN: DELPROS application, Nursys verification, state and FBI fingerprint background check, practice requirement.
Moving or traveling
Moving to Delaware from another compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days (rule effective 2024-01-02). May keep practicing on the old multistate license until the new one is issued; the old one is then deactivated. Can apply before moving.
Moving here from a non-compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state; a multistate license may be issued if residency and uniform requirements (incl. state and federal fingerprint background checks) are met. The old single-state license is unaffected.
Board of nursing
Delaware Board of Nursing (Division of Professional Regulation)
Licenses: RN, LPN
Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rulesSources
- https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/
- https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/fees/
- https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/renewal/
- https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/reciprocity/
- https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/rnlpntemppermit/
- https://www.nursecompact.com/files/NLC_Map.pdf
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