A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Montana
How to Acquire Your Montana Nursing License via Examination
Step 1: Education
Successful nursing begins with a strong educational background. Montana provides a variety of state-approved nursing degree programs, including both bachelor's and associate degrees. Graduates from accredited out-of-state programs are also eligible for licensure.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Accelerated BSN for those with a degree seeking additional coursework to become registered nurses.
Step 2: Application
New graduates can either send a paper application or start an online application for a Montana registered nursing license through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Citizen Portal. After creating an account, complete the application and pay the $100 License by Examination fee. (Add $25 if requesting a temporary permit.) Paper applications require payment via check, money order, or cashier’s check to the Montana Board of Nursing, mailed to:
Montana Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 200513
Helena, MT 59601
Additionally, register for the NCLEX exam and pay the $200 fee. This can be done online at Pearson VUE or by calling 1-866-496-2539.
Step 3: Transcript Submission
Arrange for the Montana Board of Nursing to receive your official transcripts, showing the degree awarded and date conferred, sent directly from your institution to the Montana Board of Nursing at the address above.
Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)
All Montana license applicants must provide fingerprints to the Montana Department of Justice (MDOJ). The application includes a consent form for the state to obtain and evaluate your fingerprint background check results.
You have two options for fingerprinting. Contact your local law enforcement agency for non-criminal fingerprinting and the necessary Fingerprint Card (Form FD258 rev. 5-15-17) or request the card from MDOJ. This may take 4-8 weeks.
Alternatively, schedule an appointment at the Montana Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations—Criminal Records in Helena. Visit their website for fingerprint appointments, log in, or create an account. Present the fingerprint technician with the Fingerprint Card Example for registered nurse licensure. The example's information is specific to this license type; all fields on the fingerprint card must be completed for MDOJ acceptance. The technician will capture your fingerprints twice and produce two cards.
If using a Local Law Enforcement Agency, mail the completed Fingerprint Card in a manila envelope with the correct postage and a $30 check or money order to the Montana Department of Justice to:
Montana Criminal Records
2225 Eleventh Avenue
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620
Do not fold or staple the fingerprint card.
Step 5: Taking the NCLEX
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the final step to licensure. Once the Montana Board of Nursing processes your information and fee, Pearson VUE will send you an Authorization to Test. The NCLEX evaluates your understanding of key nursing education areas, such as:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment
- Management of Care
- Safety and Infection Control
- Health Promotion and Maintenance
- Psychosocial Integrity
- Physiological Integrity
- Basic Care and Comfort
- Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
- Physiological Adaptation
If you pass the NCLEX, you’ll be notified of your license issuance. If not, you may retake it 45 days after your last exam. To retake the NCLEX, submit the Application to Retake the NCLEX form with a $50 fee. If over a year since your original Licensure by Examination application, you’ll need to complete the full application again and pay the full fee.
Licensing by Endorsement (Already Have RN Licensure)
Nurses with valid, active licenses in other states can apply for a Montana nursing license by Endorsement, paying a $200 registration fee, and meeting state requirements. Applications can be submitted online via the Citizen Portal or downloaded and mailed with payment to the Montana Board of Nursing. Include:
- Official license verification from states where you hold or held a license. If a state participates with NURSYS, use that site for verification. Otherwise, ensure verification is sent directly to the Montana Board of Nursing.
- A fingerprint background check. Contact your local law enforcement agency for non-criminal fingerprinting and the required Fingerprint Card (Form FD258 rev. 5-15-17) or request it from MDOJ. This usually takes 4-8 weeks.
Alternatively, schedule an appointment with the MDOJ, Division of Criminal Investigations—Criminal Records in Helena via their website. This typically takes 3-5 days. Present the fingerprint technician with the Fingerprint Card Example for the registered nurse license type. The card must be fully completed for MDOJ acceptance. The technician will capture your fingerprints twice, producing two cards.
If using a Local Law Enforcement Agency, mail the Fingerprint Card in a manila envelope with a $30 check or money order to:
Montana Criminal Records
2225 Eleventh Avenue
P.O. Box 201403
Helena, MT 59620
Do not fold or staple the card.
How to Renew Your Montana Nursing License
Step 1: Renewal Application Timing
Montana requires registered nursing licenses to be renewed biennially, with a $100 fee. Expiration is December 31, and late fees apply for online or postmarked renewals after this date. Renewal begins in early November, with reminder emails sent to licensees.
Step 2: Continuing Competency Requirements
Registered nurses must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years. Though no proof is needed for renewal, keep records for two years in case of an audit. Continuing education offers free Montana CEU units accessible online, with a completion certificate for records.
Step 3: Submit Your Renewal Application
Renew through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Citizen Portal, or mail paper applications with payment to the Montana Board of Nursing.
Montana Nursing Licensing Fees
Below are fees for nursing in Montana, whether new or relocating. For more info, visit the Montana licensing page.
- Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):
- NCLEX fee: $200
- Application fee: $100
- Fingerprint fee: $30
- Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
- Application fee: $200 (RN/LPN); $75 (APRN, $100 for Rx authority)
- Fingerprint fee: $30
- License renewal fees:
- Application fee: $100 (RN/LPN); $50 (APRN, per certification type)
Montana is a nursing compact state, allowing multi-state licenses.
Fees are subject to change.
Continuing Education Requirements
Montana requires RNs, LPNs, and APRNs to complete 24 contact hours each two-year licensing period, from January 1st to December 31st of the following year. Licenses expire on odd or even years based on half the nursing workforce. At the period's end, verify 24 contact hours completion. No proof submission is needed, but maintain records for two years due to audits. Continuing education offers ANCC-accredited courses for all states, free and online. The Montana Board of Nursing approves ANCC-accredited courses.
Contacting the Montana Board of Nursing
- Montana Board of Nursing
For licensing inquiries: Phone: (406) 444-6880
For practice or education questions, contact the Executive Director: Phone: (406) 841-2380.
