Ohio License Overview
Compact / eNLCYes — Compact
Endorsement Fee$75
Typical Timing30-60 days
NursysYes
Temporary LicenseYes
Board Phone(614) 466-3947
How Long Does It Take?
Typical timing: 30-60 days.
TGL Recruiter tip: Processing estimates change with fingerprint delays, missing documents, and application volume. Confirm the current timeline with the Board before promising a start date — and always start early.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
✓ Ohio is an eNLC compact state. Nurses holding a multistate license from a compact primary state may practice in Ohio without a separate license.
Permanent License — Endorsement
- Apply online through the Ohio Board of Nursing eLicense Ohio portal and pay the $75 fee.
- Request license verification via Nursys. Ohio participates in Nursys.
- Submit fingerprints for a background check through BCI & I (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation) — out-of-state applicants submit FBI hard-card fingerprints.
- Processing typically takes 30–60 days.
Temporary License
- Ohio issues a temporary license valid for 180 days (6 months) while your endorsement is processed.
- Request the temporary license through the eLicense Ohio portal when submitting your endorsement application.
- Ohio's 180-day temporary license is longer than most states and provides a comfortable window for most assignments.
TGL Recruiter tip: Start the licensing process as early as possible — especially for non-compact states, which can take 8–12 weeks. Your TGL recruiter will track your application status and help you time your assignment start date.
Fees
Endorsement fee is $75. Temporary license is an additional $25. Biennial renewal is $65. Background check fees are separate.
Fees change. Always verify current amounts at the official Ohio Board of Nursing website before applying.
License Renewal
Ohio RN licenses renew biennially. Renewal requires 24 hours of continuing education per renewal period, including 1 hour on Ohio nursing law and rules. Renewal fee is $65.
Important Notes for Travel Nurses
- Ohio is a compact (eNLC) state — nurses with a multistate license from a compact home state may practice without endorsement.
- Ohio's 6-month temporary license is one of the most generous in the country — particularly useful for longer assignments.
- Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State, and Cincinnati Children's are major Ohio travel nursing destinations.
Last reviewed by TGL MedStaff: September 2026 —
Licensing requirements change. Always verify with the
Ohio Board of Nursing.
