Utah Nursing License Requirements 2026
Utah licenses RNs and LPNs through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), which works in conjunction with the Utah Board of Nursing. Both credentials require completing a board-approved nursing program and passing the NCLEX. Utah is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so qualifying residents can obtain a multistate license valid in all compact states.
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The Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) processes all nursing license applications in the state. The Utah Board of Nursing sets education standards, determines who qualifies to sit for the NCLEX, and handles disciplinary matters. Whether you’re applying for an initial license, transferring from another state, or renewing, the process runs through DOPL at dopl.utah.gov.
If you’re looking for CNA requirements in Utah or APRN license requirements in Utah, use those links to go to the right page.
Use the links below to jump to the requirements for your license type, application steps, and renewal information.
- LPN license requirements in Utah
- LPN endorsement and international nurses
- RN license requirements in Utah
- RN endorsement and international nurses
- Renewing your Utah nursing license
- Nursing organizations in Utah
How Utah’s Nursing Licensure System Works
DOPL is a division of the Utah Department of Commerce. It handles the administrative side of licensure: processing applications, collecting fees, and coordinating fingerprint-based background checks through the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI. The Utah Board of Nursing sets education requirements, reviews eligibility, and handles any disciplinary matters.
Utah participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs and LPNs who declare Utah as their primary state of residence can apply for a multistate license, which is valid in all other compact states without additional applications. If you hold a compact license from another NLC state and move to Utah, you have 30 days to apply for a new Utah-based multistate license. You can’t continue practicing under your prior state’s compact license once Utah becomes your primary residence.
LPN Requirements in Utah
Education
LPN candidates must complete a nursing program approved by the Utah Board of Nursing. State programs are required to hold national accreditation once their initial provisional approval period ends. Programs are accredited by ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing). A current list of approved programs is available on the DOPL website.
Students enrolled in an RN program may apply for LPN by equivalency after completing coursework equivalent to an ACEN-accredited practical nursing program. Verification of equivalency is required before the application can proceed.
The article LPN programs in Utah covers what to look for when comparing programs, including accreditation status and program format.
Applying for Licensure
LPN candidates can apply in the final semester of their program. The $100 application fee covers both required background checks. Candidates who get fingerprinted at the DOPL office don’t pay a separate fingerprinting fee. If you can’t come to the office, fingerprint cards (Form FD-258) are accepted.
After completing the program, submit an official transcript to DOPL. To take the NCLEX-PN, register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee. DOPL communicates your eligibility to Pearson VUE, and you can schedule your test once that clearance is confirmed. The Board recommends registering at least two months before your planned test date.
Exam results are available within two weeks. Licensure is typically issued within several weeks after passing the exam and completing all requirements. You can verify your license through DOPL’s online lookup at dopl.utah.gov. If you don’t pass, you must wait 45 days before retesting and submit a short retake application to the Board.
All fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts with DOPL before applying.
LPN Endorsement and International Nurses
LPNs with an active license in another state can apply by endorsement. Transcripts aren’t required, but you’ll need to submit license verification from your current state. BCI and FBI background checks are required for all endorsement applicants.
International LPNs applying by examination need a credential evaluation report from the Foundation for International Services, Inc. (FIS). Candidates with adequate credentials can then sit for the NCLEX-PN. International nurses who’ve already passed the NCLEX and hold a U.S. license must still provide a credential evaluation from an approved organization before being endorsed in Utah.
RN Requirements in Utah
Education
RN candidates must graduate from a Utah Board-approved nursing program. Many approved programs also hold national accreditation through ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing), CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education), or another recognized accreditor. Most BSN programs in Utah hold CCNE accreditation. A current list of approved programs is available through DOPL.
Out-of-state programs are considered approved if they meet DOPL’s standards and hold accreditation from an approved agency or are approved by the state board in the program’s state. Programs that place students in Utah clinical sites must also satisfy Utah’s approval and accreditation requirements.
Read RN programs in Utah for guidance on choosing between ADN and BSN paths and what accreditation to look for. For more on what Utah RNs do and where they work, see RN career paths in Utah.
Applying for Licensure
Apply in your final semester to get your license as quickly as possible after graduation. The $100 application fee covers a $60 processing fee and two $20 background check fees. Fingerprinting runs through BCI and the FBI. Candidates fingerprinted at the DOPL office don’t pay a separate fee.
The application includes qualifying questions. A “yes” answer requires additional documentation submitted to the Board. An LPN with an existing disciplinary sanction who completes an RN program can still apply. The new license will carry the same restriction.
Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee. Once DOPL confirms your eligibility, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) and can schedule your exam. Licensure is typically issued within several weeks after successful examination and completion of all requirements. You can verify your license through DOPL’s online lookup. If you don’t pass, file a notice of intent to retake with the Board so DOPL can reauthorize your eligibility with Pearson VUE.
All fees are subject to change. Verify current amounts with DOPL before applying.
RN Endorsement and International Nurses
Out-of-state RNs with an active license can apply by endorsement. You’ll submit license verification from your current state. Transcripts aren’t required. Apply promptly after establishing Utah as your primary state of residence.
International RNs applying by examination are required to have a credential evaluation through CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) before taking the NCLEX-RN. Check current DOPL requirements for internationally educated nurses, as the specific evaluation process can change.
Renewing Your Utah Nursing License
Utah nursing licenses renew on a two-year cycle. To renew, RNs and LPNs must meet one of three continuing competency options:
- 400 hours of licensed nursing practice
- 200 hours of licensed practice plus 15 hours of approved continuing education
- 30 hours of approved continuing education
All renewing nurses must also complete at least one suicide prevention training from an approved provider. The training qualifies for CE credit and is listed on the DOPL website.
The renewal fee is $68 for both RNs and LPNs. DOPL mails renewal notices 60 days before expiration. Licenses can be renewed online through the DOPL nurse portal. If your license lapses, reinstatement requires the standard renewal fee plus an additional $20 if it expired within 30 days, or $50 if it’s been longer. Fee amounts are subject to change. Check DOPL for current figures before renewing.
Nursing Organizations in Utah
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Utah participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Utah is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). RNs and LPNs who declare Utah as their primary state of residence can apply for a multistate license, which allows them to practice in all other NLC member states without obtaining a separate license for each.
Can I apply for a Utah nursing license while still in school?
Yes. Both LPN and RN candidates can submit their applications in the final semester of their program. The license won’t be issued until all requirements are met, but applying early lets DOPL start processing your background check so you can get your license faster after graduation.
What happens if I fail the NCLEX in Utah?
You must wait 45 days before retesting. LPN candidates submit a short retake application to the Board. RN candidates file a notice of intent to retake so DOPL can reauthorize eligibility with Pearson VUE. Each attempt requires a new $200 registration fee paid directly to Pearson VUE.
How do I apply for a Utah nursing license by endorsement?
RNs and LPNs with an active license in another state apply through DOPL. You’ll provide license verification from your current state. Transcripts aren’t required. If Utah becomes your primary state of residence, apply promptly upon arrival. BCI and FBI background checks are required for all endorsement applicants.
How do I verify a Utah nursing license?
License verification is available through DOPL’s online license lookup at dopl.utah.gov. The lookup is publicly accessible and shows license type, current status, and any disciplinary actions on record.
Key Takeaways
- DOPL handles all applications — The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing processes every nursing license application in Utah. The Board of Nursing sets the standards and reviews eligibility.
- Both credentials require the NCLEX — LPN candidates to sit for the NCLEX-PN and RN candidates to sit for the NCLEX-RN. Both are scheduled through Pearson VUE after DOPL confirms eligibility.
- Utah is an NLC member state — Qualifying residents can obtain a multistate compact license. Nurses moving to Utah must apply for a new Utah-based license promptly after establishing primary residency.
- Licenses renew every two years — Renewal requires meeting CE or practice-hour requirements and completing suicide prevention training. The renewal fee is $68 for both RNs and LPNs.
- Endorsement skips the NCLEX — Active licensees from other states can transfer to Utah by endorsement without retaking the exam. License verification from your current state is required.
Find approved RN and LPN programs in Utah, along with application links and state-specific licensing requirements.