Help, please!! Changing license to different state

[NinetyNine]

Hi everybody,

I know for a fact this question has been posted somewhere else but there was no definite answer. I am wanting to move from California to Illinois and I was wondering how do I go about changing my RN license to Illinois?

I have checked the Illinois website and although it discusses it, it doesn't give any straight forward answers and when I try to call the number on the website, I get a busy tone - everytime.

SO, if any of you know the process - it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[elkpark]

You're not "changing" your CA license to IL, you're applying for a new IL license based on the fact that you are already licensed in another state. You'll still have your CA license (until it expires, and, at that point, you can choose to renew it or let it expire). This is called applying for licensure "by endorsement" (the endorsement of your current state BON).

Here is the application packet for RN licensure by endorsement from the IDFPR website --

http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/apply/forms/rn-en.pdf

[NinetyNine]

Awesome!

Thank you so much. That clears up everything.

One more quick question, can I apply for the license while still in California or do I have to have an Illinois address?

[nyteshade, BSN]

You can have your license sent wherever you want. Just remember to change your info when you get an IL address.

[elkpark]

You can have your license sent wherever you want. Just remember to change your info when you get an IL address.

Yes -- even when you simply move within a particular state, you are responsible for notifying the BON promptly of your new address. And that means the BON in every state in which you are licensed, so you'll need to notify CA as well when you move.

[sophie03]

I'm also in the process of applying for a license through endorsement and have been trying to call the number on the Illinois site for a few days now with the same problem... always getting a busy signal- it's very frustrating. The website is confusing enough!

I have another question dealing with the application.

Does everyone have to submit fingerprints for background checking when applying for a license in Illinois? Or is it only when applying for your first license as a RN?

I was already fingerprinted for my initial license in my current state a year and a half ago and was confused by the information regarding this in the application packet.

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

Page 6 of the application packet states you must submit fingerprints for the process. You will still need to go through a background/criminal check when you apply to Illinois. http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/apply/forms/rn-en.pdf