Texas Nurse License Overview

eNLC:
Yes
Walk-Through:
No
Temp License:
Yes
Nursys:
Yes
BON website
P:
(512) 305-7400

Fees

Endorsement Application: $150.00

Fees are the same for RNs and LPNs.

Temporary Permit: No extra charge

How long does it take to get a Texas Nursing License?

Permanent License

Approximately 15 business days upon receipt of all required materials.

Temporary License

Approximately 10 business days upon receipt of all required materials.

TX License Renewal

  • Renewal cadence: Renewal cadence is the same for RNs and LPNs. Renewal of your license occurs every 2 years during your birth month. If you were born in an even-numbered year, your license will expire every 2 years during even years. If you were born in an odd-numbered year, your license will expire every 2 years in odd-numbered years. 
  • Renewal fee: RNs: $68.00, LPNs: $45.00 every 2 years. 
  • Required contact hours: Your first renewal does not require any continuing education hours. All subsequent renewals require 20 hours of continuing education.
    - You can view the online CNE course catalog here.
    - In lieu of contact hours, you can demonstrate the achievement, maintenance, or renewal of a Board-approved national nursing certification in the nurse’s area of practice within the licensing period.

  • You must renew your license on the online portal
  • You must renew your license within 60 days of your expiration date. If you do not renew your license during the renewal period, your license will lapse. If you wish to practice in Texas, you will be required to apply for reinstatement.
  • If you receive your initial credential over 6 months previously leading up to your renewal window, you are still required to renew your license and begin the 2-year renewal cycle.
  • Renewals will be processed in approximately 15 business days.

Important Things to Know about Texas Nurse Licenses

  • There is no separate application for a Texas temporary license, the temporary and permanent licenses are both issued based on the same application.
  • Your application is valid for 12 months. If incomplete after 12 months have passed, your application will be discarded and you must reapply and repay the application fee.
  • You can see the Texas BON’s licensure FAQs here

TX Licensure by Endorsement

Process

Permanent License

  1. Submit an application via the online portal and pay the fee.
  2. You can view a list of the requirements for the application here
  3. To be eligible for licensure by endorsement, you must have graduated from an approved LPN or RN nursing program and taken and passed the NCLEX examination. 
  4. Provide a background check with fingerprints. For nurses residing in TX, you can complete the fingerprinting requirement by following these instructions
  • For nurses residing outside of TX, you can complete the fingerprinting requirement by following the instructions here.
  1. You must pass the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination, which is available here. The fee for this exam will not exceed $25.00. 
  2. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure and from all other states where you have held a license, active or inactive. If these states do not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the Texas BON via the Verification of Licensure form.
  3. Provide proof of primary state of residency with one of the following documents:
  • A driver’s license with a home address
  • Voter registration card displaying a home address
  • Federal income tax return declaring the primary state of residence
  • Military Form No. 2058 - state of legal residence certificate; or
    ‍W2 from the US Government or any bureau, division, or agency thereof indicating the declared state of residence.
  1. Additional items may be required by the BON after your application has been reviewed.


Temporary License

  1. Temporary permits are valid for 120 days.
  2. Once all items have been received by the BON except the results of your fingerprints and the verification of license, you may be issued a provisional license.
  3. Temporary licenses are issued once per lifetime and cannot be extended or renewed.

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