California Nurse Licensing Guide

Permanent License

Approximately 10-12 weeks upon receipt of all required materials.

Temporary License

Approximately 2-3 weeks upon receipt of all required materials.

Permanent License

1. Submit an application online via BreEZe and pay the fee. The process is similar for RNs and LPNs, but each license has its own separate Board of Nursing. Visit rn.ca.gov for the CA Board of Registered Nursing and visit bvnpt.ca.gov for the CA Board of Vocational Nursing.

• RNs may also mail in the completed application packet. However, the Board indicates the process is significantly faster if you opt for the online route.

2. Provide a background check with fingerprints. Instructions for fingerprinting for RNs can be found here, and information for LPNs can be found on the California BRN fingerprint page.

• For residents in California: If using a LiveScan method, you must use a Live Scan site located in California. The Board will not be able to receive results for fingerprints taken at Live Scan locations that are outside of California.
• At the Live Scan site, they will scan your fingerprints electronically and transmit them immediately for processing.
• Before requesting a copy of the Live Scan fingerprint form, you must first submit your application for licensure.
• Most local law enforcement agencies in California have Live Scan equipment. Hours of operation and fees vary, so please contact the Live Scan site directly for information.
• For residents outside of California or CA residents who are are unable to access Live Scan, you may use the manual fingerprint (hard card) method:

1. You will need to use FD-258 for fingerprinting. Please check the facility at which you will be fingerprinted to determine whether they will provide an FD-258 card or require you to bring your own.
2. You may also obtain an FD-258 card at your local law enforcement agency, such as a police station or sheriff’s office. RNs may also request one from the Board of Registered Nursing by using our Fingerprint Request Form. LPNs can find more fingerprinting information on the BVNPT fingerprint page.

3. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure and the state where you are currently employed. If these states do not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the California Board of Registered Nursing or Board of Vocational Nursing.

4. RNs only- Submit transcripts.

• For graduating California RN students: California Board-approved registered nursing programs will submit your transcripts to the Board electronically upon completion of your program.
• For out-of-state nursing programs: If you attended an RN nursing program in another State, you may have your transcripts sent to our Board electronically from a certified third-party electronic transcripts vendor such as Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, or directly from your school. Electronic transcripts must be sent to brn.etranscripts@dca.ca.gov.
• International nursing programs: If you attended a nursing program in another country, you must have your official transcripts sent to the Board by mail.

5. LPNs only- Submit proof of 12th-grade education.All applicants must provide proof of 12th-grade education or its equivalent. A high school diploma or GED certificate is acceptable.

6. Documents and/or letters explaining prior convictions or disciplinary action and attesting to your rehabilitation (if applicable).

Temporary License

1. You may apply for a temporary RN or LPN license at the same time that you apply for licensure by endorsement or at any time prior to the issuance of a permanent registered nursing license.

2. A temporary license is valid for a period of six months, allowing an applicant to work pending issuance of a permanent license.

3. The Board must receive and process fingerprint results from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before a temporary license is issued. There may be a delay if the application or fingerprint results indicate a prior conviction(s) or other basis for denial.

Endorsement Application: $350.00, $300.00 for LPNs

Temporary License: $100.00 for RNs, CA does not currently offer temporary licenses for LPNs

Fingerprint Card (If Out-of-State): $49.00

• Active duty military spouses or partners receive expedited review.
• The Board must receive and process fingerprint results from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as review and approve transcripts before a license is issued. There may be a delay if the application or fingerprint results indicate a prior conviction(s) or another basis for denial.
• At the end of the application process, you will have the opportunity to attach documents to the application. Please attach as much information as possible to reduce paperwork, speed up the review process, and reduce the need for deficiency letters.
• See Important Notice Regarding Your Application for additional information for applicants with criminal convictions or discipline.
• Click through to the BRN FAQ page for the CA Board of Registered Nursing FAQs.
• Click through to the BVNPT FAQ page for the CA Board of Registered Nursing FAQs.

• Renewal cadence: Your first California RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years, and will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date on, it will expire every two years, if renewed timely.‍
• RN Renewal fee: $190.00
• LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
• Required contact hours: 30. No contact hours are required for your first renewal.
• Renewal of your license is done online through BreEZe
• You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee has been submitted on time and all renewal requirements have been met.

California does not participate in Nursys and if you need to verify your CA RN license, please follow the following steps.

Process

1. Fill out the license verification form provided by the state in which you are seeking licensure. If there is no form, write and sign a letter of request on a blank piece of paper. Be sure either form you use indicates your CA RN license number, your current name, the name you used when you became licensed in CA and your birth date.

2. Mail both the verification form and a check or money order of $100.00 to:

• Board of Registered Nursing PO BOX 944210 Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

3. Allow 4 weeks for the request to be processed.

• Refer to your bank account as it’s processed the date your check is cashed.

4. Allow another 2 weeks for the verification to be emailed to the receiving Board of Nursing.

5. If the receiving Board of Nursing indicates that they have not received the verification, wait 30 days (no more than 90 days) before reaching out to the California Board of Nursing.

6. After the 30 days, they will make another attempt and send a second email.