Nebraska Nurse Licensing Guide

Permanent License

Approximately 4-5 weeks upon receipt of all required materials

Temporary License

Approximately 5-7 business days upon receipt of all required materials

Permanent License

1. Complete the application for Licensure by Endorsement, mail it in, and pay the fee.The process is the same for RNs and LPNs.
2. Provide evidence of citizenship or lawful presence
3. Provide documentation of any conviction or discipline records (if applicable).
4. Provide a background check with fingerprints. Instructions for fingerprinting can be found in the Nebraska DHHS endorsement packet (PDF), on page 5. Complete all areas of the fingerprint cars and be fingerprinted by an authorized professional. Nebraska State Patrol has 6 Locations in Nebraska. A fee of $123.00 (personal checks accepted) made payable to DHHS - Nebraska Board of Nursing.
5. An official nursing transcript received by mail directly from your school of nursing or the institution maintaining the record. Transcripts in sealed envelopes received from the graduate will be accepted. Electronic transcripts are also acceptable.
6. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure and any 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 Nebraska BON
   

Temporary License

1. Temporary permits are valid for 60 days.
2. Once all items have been received by the BON except the results of your background check, you may be issued a provisional license as long as you hold a valid license in another state.

Endorsement application: $123

Fees are the same for RNs and LPNs.

• You are encouraged to complete all application requirements within 90 days to avoid the closure of your file. If you do not submit all required documents within 150 days, your application will be destroyed.
• If you indicate on your application when you need licensure to be distributed, the BON will do everything they can to try and get your application processed by then.
• View the Nebraska BON’s FAQ section on the Nebraska DHHS website.
• See the licensure fee schedule on page 8 of the Nebraska DHHS exam application document. Due to the renewal schedule, licenses issued in May- October of even-numbered years for RNs and odd-numbered years for LPNs are offered at a reduced rate of $30.75.

• Renewal cadence: Biannually for RNs and LPNS. RN licenses must be renewed by October 31st of each even-numbered year, and LPN licenses must be renewed by October 31st of each odd-numbered year.
• Renewal fee: $123.00
• Required contact hours: 20 hours per renewal period. You must meet one of the continued competency requirements or waivers listed on the Nebraska renewal and CE page.
• It can take up to a week to process your renewal application.
• Renewal cannot be completed online. You may scan and email to dhhs.nursingrenewals@nebraska.gov, fax to (402) 742-2360, or mail to:
  - Licensure Unit, PO Box 94986, Lincoln, NE 68509-4986.
  Please be sure to include your name, profession, license number, and email address in the fax, email, or written correspondence.
• You can check your license status by going to License Lookup and searching for your name, as shown on your license. You can print a wallet card or certification of your license at any time

• You must have graduated from an approved nursing program and have passed the NCLEX or SBTPE exam.
• You need to meet one of the following continuing competency requirements:

• Practiced nursing for at least 500 hours within the previous 5 years
• Graduated from an approved nursing program within the previous 5 years
• Completed a Board-approved refresher course within the previous 5 years

• You must be a United States Citizen, a legal United States immigrant, or be able to live and/or work in the United States lawfully.

Foreign Educated Nurses - See additional requirements.