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Minnesota Pharmacist License

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$282
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / BCA
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Pharmacy School Transcript — Must be sent directly from an ACPE-accredited college of pharmacy to the Board verifying your PharmD degree.
  • Internship Hours Certification — Affidavits or progress reports documenting the completion of 1,600 required internship hours. Internship Forms
  • Fingerprint Cards (FD-258) — Completed fingerprint cards submitted to the Criminal Background Check Program office. Fingerprint Info
  • Proof of Identity — A copy of a birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID may be required during the background check or application process.

How to Apply

  1. Create an Online Account ▾
    Register for a new user account on the Minnesota Health Licensing Boards (HLB) portal to begin the application process.
  2. Submit Initial Application ▾
    Complete the online Pharmacist License application and pay the required fees ($225 application fee plus the criminal background check fee).
  3. Complete Criminal Background Check ▾
    After paying the fee, you will receive a packet from the Criminal Background Check Program (CBCP). Follow the instructions to submit your fingerprints.
    CBC Process Guide
  4. Register for NAPLEX and MPJE ▾
    Apply for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) through the NABP website.
    Register via NABP
  5. Verify Internship Hours ▾
    Ensure that 1,600 hours of internship experience are certified and submitted to the Board. At least 800 hours must be in traditional compounding and dispensing.
    Internship Info
  6. Pass Examinations ▾
    Successfully pass both the NAPLEX and the Minnesota MPJE with a minimum score of 75. Scores are automatically forwarded to the Board by NABP.
Total Fee
$282
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Pharmacists licensed in another state can often apply via license transfer (reciprocity) through the NABP, though most states still require passing their specific MPJE.

Steps

  1. NABP License Transfer (e-LTP) ▾
    Initiate the license transfer process through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Electronic Licensure Transfer Program.
  2. Minnesota Online Application ▾
    Once the Board receives your NABP application, create an account on the MN HLB portal and submit the state-specific reciprocity application.
  3. Criminal Background Check ▾
    All reciprocity applicants must complete a new fingerprint-based criminal background check for Minnesota.
    CBC Program
  4. Pass the Minnesota MPJE ▾
    Register for and pass the Minnesota-specific Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination.
    MPJE Registration
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Minnesota Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

Minnesota Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$250
Endorsement application$250
Fingerprint check$32.00
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal150.0

Slow Downs

Background Check Processing ▾
The CBC process typically takes 2-3 weeks. Delays occur if fingerprints are rejected due to poor quality or if forms are incomplete.
Incomplete Internship Documentation ▾
Failure to ensure that all 1,600 hours (including the specific 800 compounding/dispensing hours) are certified by preceptors can stall the final license issuance.
NABP Score Transfer Window ▾
NAPLEX scores must be transferred to Minnesota within 90 days of the exam date. Missing this window requires applying via the more complex license transfer process.

Questions

How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal? ▾
Pharmacists must complete 30 hours of approved CE every two years. The reporting period ends on September 30th of even-numbered years.
When does a Minnesota pharmacist license expire? ▾
Pharmacist licenses expire annually on March 1st. Renewals open on January 1st and must be completed by February 1st to avoid late fees.
Is a background check required for every renewal? ▾
No, a fingerprint-based background check is generally a one-time requirement for initial licensure or licensure by transfer, though the Board may require one for reinstatement.
Can I practice while my reciprocity application is pending? ▾
No, you must wait until your Minnesota pharmacist license is fully issued and you have received your license number before practicing in the state.

Board Info

Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
Phone(651) 201-2825
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25