If you’re preparing to become a licensed nurse in Oregon, fingerprinting for a nursing license in Oregon is one of the most critical and most misunderstood steps in the entire process. Skip it, rush it, or complete it out of order, and you could delay your license by weeks.
This 2026 guide breaks down exactly what the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN) requires, how the Fieldprint LiveScan system works, what fees to expect, and the proven tips that help applicants avoid the most common, and costly, mistakes.
Why Fingerprinting for a Nursing License in Oregon Is Non-Negotiable
Oregon law mandates that every applicant for a new nursing license or for reinstatement of an expired license undergo a state and federal criminal history background check. This is not optional, and it cannot be waived.
The background check is performed by running your fingerprints through both the Oregon State Police (OSP) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The results are sent directly to the OSBN, where licensing staff review them and either complete your licensure or follow up with you for more information.
Important: Fingerprints collected for any other agency, employer, or organization including a school district or hospital cannot be used for your OSBN application. Every applicant must complete a separate, dedicated fingerprinting session specifically for the Board.
Renewal applicants are exempt license renewals in Oregon do not require fingerprinting. This requirement applies only to first-time licensees and those reinstating an expired license.
The Complete 2026 Process: Fingerprinting for a Nursing License in Oregon
The OSBN uses a digital LiveScan system administered by Fieldprint Inc. the company with the largest network of LiveScan collection sites in the country. Here is the complete, step-by-step process for 2026:
1. Submit Your Application First, Always
You must complete and submit your application through the OSBN Online Licensing Portal before scheduling fingerprinting. Fingerprints taken before your application is on file cannot be matched to your record and will cause serious delays.
2. Wait for Your Fieldprint Email
Once the OSBN accepts your application and payment, they will email you a unique Fieldprint link and a personal code. This code is unique to your application and cannot be shared or reused by any other applicant.
3. Create Your Fieldprint Account
Visit fieldprintoregon.com, click “Schedule an Appointment,” and create a secure user account using your email address. Enter your demographic information as required by the State of Oregon.
4. Enter Your Unique Fieldprint Code
Enter the code provided in your OSBN email. For nursing applicants, the standard code is FPORBoardNursingDAS. Using the wrong code will send your prints to the wrong agency and void your submission.
5. Book Your Appointment, Don’t Delay
Search for a location near you and schedule promptly. Near metro hubs like Portland, appointment slots fill fast. Aim to book within 21 days of receiving your Fieldprint email. Walk-ins are not accepted at any collection site.
6. Pay the $70.50 Background Check Fee
Pay the $70.50 fee through Fieldprint’s website during scheduling. Fieldprint accepts most major credit and debit cards. Print your confirmation page and bring it with you along with two valid forms of government-issued identification.
7. Attend Your Appointment
Arrive at the Fieldprint site with your confirmation page and two forms of ID. Your fingerprints are captured digitally (LiveScan), then transmitted electronically to the Oregon State Police, who forward them to the FBI for the federal check.
How Long Does Fingerprinting for a Nursing License in Oregon Take to Process?
Processing time is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for nursing applicants. The honest answer: it varies. Once your fingerprints are submitted via Fieldprint, the Oregon State Police processes them and forwards the results to the OSBN. The minimum fingerprint processing time is currently around 8 weeks during periods of high application volume. Fingerprint results can take up to 30 days just to come back from the FBI, and additional Board review time is layered on top.
This is why scheduling your fingerprinting appointment as soon as possible after receiving your Fieldprint email is so critical. Every week you wait is a week added to the back end of your wait for a license.
Pro Tip: If your fingerprints are rejected by the Oregon State Police or FBI due to poor quality, Fieldprint or the OSBN will notify you to schedule a retake. This can add additional weeks to your timeline, so read the preparation tips below carefully before your appointment.
Fingerprinting for a Nursing License in Oregon: Fees and Total Cost
Fingerprinting is just one part of the overall cost of getting licensed. Here is a clear breakdown so there are no surprises:
| Fee Item | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Licensure by Examination (RN) | $160 | OSBN |
| Licensure by Endorsement (RN/LPN) | $195–$204 | OSBN |
| Fieldprint Background Check / Fingerprinting | $70.50 | Fieldprint |
| NCLEX Registration (if applicable) | ~$200 | Pearson VUE |
| Estimated Total (Examination Path) | ~$430–$435 | Various |
Note that the fingerprint processing fee of $70.50 is paid directly to Fieldprint and is separate from any fees paid to the OSBN. Keep your receipts for both.
Where to Get Fingerprinted in Oregon for a Nursing License
Fieldprint Inc. operates the largest LiveScan fingerprinting network in the United States, with locations throughout Oregon and nationwide. This is particularly helpful for applicants who are currently living out of state and applying for an Oregon nursing license by endorsement.
To find the location nearest to you, visit fieldprintoregon.com and search by zip code. In the Portland metro area, there are multiple convenient locations to choose from.
Out-of-State or Remote Applicants
If your address is more than 75 miles from the nearest Fieldprint location, or you currently reside internationally, you do not need to travel to Oregon. Instead, contact the OSBN through the Message Center of the Online Licensing Portal to request an accommodation. Fieldprint’s national network means you can be fingerprinted in another state and have results transmitted directly to Oregon.
Similarly, if you are unable to produce usable fingerprints after multiple attempts, the OSBN may initiate an internal process to complete your criminal background check.
What Happens After Fingerprinting for a Nursing License in Oregon?
Once Fieldprint transmits your fingerprints to the Oregon State Police, the OSP conducts the state-level criminal history check. The results, along with the FBI federal results, are forwarded to the OSBN licensing team. Staff then either complete your application or reach out for additional information if anything requires clarification.
You will not receive direct feedback from the Oregon State Police. If you have questions about the status of your fingerprint processing, contact the OSBN directly through the Online Licensing Portal. Do not attempt to contact the Oregon State Police directly.
Proven Tips to Avoid Fingerprinting Delays in 2026
Healthcare professionals are at a higher-than-average risk for fingerprint rejection. Frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizers can dry out the skin, making prints harder to read digitally. The OSBN specifically addresses this on their website. Here is what works:
- Complete your OSBN online application and pay your fee before scheduling fingerprinting, never the other way around.
- Moisturize your hands thoroughly the night before and the morning of your appointment. The OSBN recommends Cornhusker’s Oil, available at most pharmacies.
- Bring your printed Fieldprint confirmation page and two valid, government-issued forms of identification to your appointment.
- Book your appointment as soon as you receive your Fieldprint email, slots near Portland and other metro areas fill quickly.
- Use only the Fieldprint code provided by the OSBN in your email. Using another agency’s code will invalidate your submission.
- Do not use fingerprints collected for a previous employer, hospital, or school, these cannot be transferred to the OSBN application.
- If your fingerprints are rejected, respond promptly to retake notifications to avoid additional processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fingerprinting for a Nursing License in Oregon
Do I need to be fingerprinted when I renew my Oregon nursing license?
No. Fingerprinting is only required for new applicants and those reinstating an expired license. Standard license renewals in Oregon do not require fingerprinting.
Can I use fingerprints I already submitted to my employer or another Oregon agency?
No. Fingerprints collected for any other organization, including a hospital, school district, or state agency, cannot be used for your OSBN nursing license application. You must complete a fresh, dedicated submission through Fieldprint specifically for the OSBN.
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
If the Oregon State Police or FBI rejects your fingerprints due to poor quality, both Fieldprint and the OSBN will notify you. You will need to schedule a retake at a Fieldprint site. To reduce this risk, moisturize your hands before your appointment, especially if you are in a healthcare role with frequent handwashing.
How long does the fingerprint background check take in 2026?
Processing time varies, but applicants should plan for a minimum of 8 weeks during busy periods. The Oregon State Police processes the prints and forwards results to the FBI for the federal check. Total processing can take 30 days or more before the OSBN completes its review.
I live out of state. Do I need to travel to Oregon to be fingerprinted?
No. Fieldprint operates locations nationwide. If you live more than 75 miles from a Fieldprint site, or you live internationally, contact the OSBN through the Online Licensing Portal to request an accommodation. You can be fingerprinted at any Fieldprint location and have the results sent electronically to Oregon.
Will a criminal history automatically disqualify my nursing license application?
Not necessarily. The OSBN reviews criminal history results on a case-by-case basis. If something in your background requires clarification, licensing staff will contact you directly. A history of criminal activity is reviewed and may result in denial, but it is not an automatic disqualifier in all cases.
The Bottom Line: Start Fingerprinting for Your Nursing License in Oregon Early
The single most important thing you can take away from this guide is this: do not delay your fingerprinting appointment. The moment you submit your OSBN application and receive your Fieldprint email, schedule your appointment immediately.
Fingerprinting for a nursing license in Oregon is a straightforward process when you follow the correct order of steps, but the processing pipeline involving Fieldprint, the Oregon State Police, the FBI, and the OSBN means that delays compound quickly. Starting early is the single most effective strategy to get your license in your hands faster.
If you need professional fingerprinting assistance in the Portland area, PDX Fingerprinting is here to help you navigate the process with speed and confidence.
