This page helps users handle an Illinois nurse license task, including lookup, renewal, application, printing, reinstatement, and contact options through official Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation services.
Use IDFPR’s online tools to check a license, manage an account, or begin the correct licensing path for a nursing profession in Illinois.
IDFPR License Lookup for nurse licenses
The IDFPR License Lookup tool is the main public search option for checking an Illinois nurse license record. Use the IDFPR License Lookup to search by license type and other available fields.
- License type
- License status
- License number
- First name and last name
- City, state, county, or ZIP
- CAPTCHA
Search results may show credential details. If you do not know an expiration date, the renewal page directs users to use License Lookup to find it.
eLicense Online account services
The IDFPR eLicense Online portal supports account access, online services, license printing, and license lookup routing. The portal asks users to sign in with a user ID and password or use a license number and date of birth where prompted.
Only active, non-expired licenses are listed for printing. The portal says to allow 2–4 business days for an application to post in IDFPR systems and for a license status to update.
Printing note: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print a license through the portal.
CORE online licensing system
IDFPR launched the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment, known as CORE, on October 30, 2024. The CORE public portal is an official IDFPR online licensing system for public access.
The CORE portal includes access to instructional videos and IDFPR contact information. Nursing applicants using online applications should create or use the appropriate IDFPR online account before moving through related licensing steps.
Nurse renewal and license status
IDFPR lists several nursing professions in renewal, including Registered Professional Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Full Practice Authority, RN CE Sponsor, APRN-FPA Controlled Substance, and APRN Controlled Substance. The renewal deadline for those listed licenses has been extended to June 30, 2026.
Use the IDFPR Nurses page for nursing renewal links, license maintenance, applications, reinstatement resources, and nursing profession information.
Online renewal is generally available for approximately 2–3 months before the expiration date shown on the license. If the online renewal window has closed and the portal does not allow renewal, the license must be reinstated by requesting a reinstatement application from IDFPR.
Applications and testing for nurses
Illinois nurse licensing can involve different paths depending on the credential. IDFPR lists nursing under Healthcare Professions on its new applications page, and the nursing page provides RN, LPN, APN, APRN-FPA, controlled substance, CE sponsor, and maintenance resources.
For nurse testing, applying to sit for an exam is a dual process. Applicants apply to Continental Testing Services and Pearson Vue for the State Board Exam. That testing process is separate from the IDFPR licensure application.
- Create an IDFPR account and receive the required unique identifier.
- Apply through Continental Testing Services when directed for the exam process.
- Register with Pearson Vue for the NCLEX.
- Wait for approval and the Authorization to Test before scheduling the exam.
- After a passing result, follow the licensure instructions sent after the official results process.
Reinstatement, certification, and personal information changes
For expired or inactive nursing licenses, use IDFPR’s Reactivate Your License page. Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse are listed among the professions with reinstatement or restoration options.
For official license certifications, IDFPR states that all nursing profession license certifications or verifications must be made through NURSYS and should not be sent directly to IDFPR. For most other professions, online certification can be requested through an IDFPR online services account.
Licensees must keep IDFPR updated with current name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number. The Personal Information Change Request page explains the update process and supporting documentation examples.
IDFPR nurse license contacts
Use these IDFPR contacts for public licensing help, professional licensing questions, and office information.
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Chicago Office, 555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661; phone: (888) 473-4858; TTY/TDD: (866) 325-4949
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Springfield Office, 320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786; phone: (888) 473-4858; TTY/TDD: (866) 325-4949
- Professional Licensing; phone: (800) 560-6420
- Division of Professional Regulation General Assistance; phone: (888) 473-4858
- Complaint Intake Unit; phone: (312) 814-6910
Common questions
Where can I look up an Illinois nurse license?
Use IDFPR License Lookup to search by license type, license number, name, location fields, and CAPTCHA. The lookup page is the public tool for checking credential details.
How long does it take for an Illinois nurse license status to update online?
IDFPR says to allow 2–4 business days for an application to post in its systems and for license status to update.
Can I print my Illinois nurse license online?
Yes. Use eLicense Online and select the print license option when available. Only active, non-expired licenses are listed for printing.
What should I do if I missed the nurse renewal window?
If the online portal no longer allows renewal after the renewal period closes, IDFPR directs applicants to reinstate the license by requesting a reinstatement application.
Where do nursing license certifications or verifications go?
IDFPR states that all nursing profession license certifications or verifications must be made through NURSYS and should not be sent directly to IDFPR.