Arizona Nurse License Overview
Getting your Arizona nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Arizona Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Arizona does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $160.00 | $160.00 |
| Background Check | ~$50–$75 | ~$50–$75 |
Key Sections:
Arizona License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Arizona RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Arizona Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN) | Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC State) | Yes (eNLC State) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys or state board verification | Via Nursys or state board verification |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | AZBN Online Portal | AZBN Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Temporary License | Available | Available |
| Processing Time | Typically 2–4 weeks after all required documents are received and verified | Typically 2–4 weeks after all required documents are received and verified |
AZ Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Arizona Board of Nursing online portal
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
License Verification
- Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state
- If your state does not participate in Nursys, request verification directly from that board
- 3.
Education Requirements
- Provide proof of graduation from a Board-approved nursing program
- Must have passed the NCLEX
- 4.
Identity & Legal Status
- Submit documentation of citizenship, nationality, or legal presence
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Fingerprinting is required
- Must be completed through an approved fingerprint card
- Permanent license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received
- 6.
Practice Requirement (Competency)
- Must meet one of the following: minimum 960 practice hours within the past 5 years or at least 6 months of nursing employment
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Must request a temporary license and pay the required fee
- 2.
Special Compact Rule
- If you hold an active multistate license (eNLC), you should NOT apply for a temporary license
- You may practice in Arizona for up to 90 days using your compact license
- 3.
Eligibility Requirements
- To qualify for a temporary license, you must: meet education requirements, have passed NCLEX (or SBTPE if applicable), submit fingerprint card, and meet practice/competency requirements (960 hours / 6 months)
- 4.
Restrictions
- You are NOT eligible if you have: criminal history, disciplinary actions, pending complaints, or "Yes" responses to background or disciplinary questions
- 5.
Validity & Use
- Temporary license is valid for 6 months
Walk-Through (Emergency Temporary License)
- 1.
Availability
- Available as a 48-hour emergency temporary license (on request)
- 2.
Requirements
- Submit a complete application and all required documents
- Submit fingerprint card (in person or by mail)
- Provide a job offer with a start date within 7 days
- Upload proof of legal presence and photo ID
- Meet practice requirement (960 hours in last 5 years)
- 3.
Additional Conditions
- Foreign-educated nurses must provide: VisaScreen or CGFNS documentation (if applicable) and proof of English proficiency
- 4.
Restrictions
- Not eligible if you have: disciplinary history or any "Yes" answers to regulatory questions
Arizona Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Arizona
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | Not fixed (see competency options) | Must meet practice or CE requirement | Must meet minimum practice hours or CE equivalent — 960 hours of nursing practice within the past 5 years, OR completion of a Board-approved refresher course, OR graduation from a nursing program within the past 5 years |
| LPN | Not fixed (see competency options) | Must meet practice or CE requirement | Same requirements as RN |
| APRN | Varies by certification | Maintain national certification | Must meet certifying body requirements |
Key Notes for Arizona
- Arizona does NOT require standard CE hours — requirements are competency-based, not hour-based
- Renewal is based on continued competency, not CE hours alone
- Approved competency options: 960 hours of nursing practice within the past 5 years, OR completion of a Board-approved refresher course, OR graduation from a nursing program within the past 5 years
- CE may be used as part of a refresher course or to support competency if required
- If you do not meet practice requirements, a refresher course may be required
- All requirements must be met before renewal
- The Board may audit your compliance — documentation may be required if audited
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How much does an Arizona nursing license cost?
Renewal Fee (RN/LPN): $160. Additional fees may apply for late renewal or reinstatement.
How long does it take to get an Arizona nursing license?
Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks after all required documents are received. Processing may take longer if background checks or documentation are incomplete.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Arizona?
Arizona does not require a fixed number of CE hours. To renew your license, you must meet continued competency requirements, such as: 960 hours of nursing practice within the past 5 years, OR completion of a Board-approved refresher course, OR graduation from a nursing program within the past 5 years.