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Kentucky Nurse Licensing Guide

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Kentucky Nurse License Overview

eNLC:
Yes
Walk-Through:
No
Temp License:
Yes
Nursys:
Yes
BON website
P:
(502) 429-3332

Fees

Endorsement Application: $165.00

Fees are the same for RNs and LPNs

Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam: $15.00

Temporary Permit: No extra charge

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

Permanent License:

Approximately 4 weeks upon receipt of all required materials.

Temporary License

‍Approximately 14 days upon receipt and review of all required materials.

KY License Renewal

  • Renewal cadence: Annually. Renewal is the same for RNs and LPNs. Licenses are renewed every year from September 15 -October 31. If you do not renew your license during the annual renewal period, your license will lapse. If you wish to practice in Kentucky, you will be required to apply for reinstatement.
  • Renewal fee: $65.00 
  • Required contact hours: 14 hours. Click here for more information and approved continuing education sources. 
  • If you received your license on or after 5/1, you will not have to renew your license until the following year's renewal cycle.
  • The Kentucky Board of Nursing has a one-time requirement of 3 hours of approved domestic violence continuing education, 1.5 hours of pediatric abuse head trauma continuing education, and 2 hours of suicide prevention continuing education. These need to be completed within 3 years of the date you are issued a Kentucky Nursing License.

Important Things to Know about Kentucky Nurse Licenses

  • If you respond "yes" to the disciplinary or conviction questions, it can take up to 3 months to process your application.
  • You can check the status of your application here. 
  • The application is best viewed using Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Desktop and laptop devices are encouraged, tablets and mobile devices are not supported.
  • 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 are encouraged to complete the online application. You may use a paper application, but there is a $40 fee to process the paper application.
  • Click here to see the Kentucky BON’s FAQ section. 
  • Kentucky does not issue license cards. You will receive an email notification when the permanent license has been issued. You may validate the temporary permit and permanent license number through the License Verification Portal.

KY Licensure by Endorsement

Process

 Permanent License:

  1. Submit an application online and pay the fee. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. 
  2. If you are a Kentucky resident, provide a background check with fingerprints via IdentoGo. You can register here using the KBN Service Code # 27GKJR. IDentoGo separately charges a $53.25 fee that is not collected by the Kentucky BON. 
  • Out-of-state applicants still need the register with the above directions but can complete the fingerprinting process at any authorized agency. However, obtaining a live scan at an out-of-state IdentoGO center improves the fingerprint quality and is more secure. It also makes the process much more streamlined when compared to completing hard cards, mailing them in, and waiting for them to be processed. 
  1. If you were originally licensed in California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, or Washington, you must request that your nursing program send KBN an official transcript with the degree and graduation date posted.
  • An official transcript is a transcript that is sent directly from the program of nursing through a clearinghouse to the KBN or a copy obtained by the applicant that is in the original sealed, unopened envelope from the program of nursing.
  • Transcripts can be sent by mail or electronically via a clearinghouse such as Parchment or the program of nursing directly to the KBN at the email address: kbn.credentials@ky.gov.
  1. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure. If this state does not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the Kentucky BON. 
  2. Complete the Kentucky Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 80% or higher. This is an open-book, online exam on Kentucky nursing laws and regulations. The exam can be taken on the KY nursing online portal. 
  3. If you have not worked 500 hours in the past 5 years (not required for new graduates) will need to submit 120 hours of continuing education within 1 year of the application date.
  4. Report any criminal convictions and provide any supporting documents. Click here for more information if this applies to you. 


Temporary License:

  1. Temporary permits are valid for 6 months. 
  2. Once all items have been received by the BON except verification of licensure, you may be issued a provisional license.
  3. A temporary permit will not be issued to nurses who completed a program of nursing in and were originally licensed in CA until the transcript is received.

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