Arkansas Nurse License Overview
Getting your Arkansas 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 Arkansas 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, Arkansas 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) | $125.00 | $125.00 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Background Check | ~$36–$50 | ~$36–$50 |
Key Sections:
Arkansas License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Arkansas 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: Arkansas Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Arkansas Board of Nursing (ASBN) | Arkansas Board of Nursing (ASBN) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC State) | Yes (eNLC State) |
| Background Check | Required (State and FBI fingerprint-based background check) | Required (State and FBI fingerprint-based background check) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys or state board verification | Via Nursys or state board verification |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | ASBN Online Portal | ASBN Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Temporary License | Available | Available |
| Processing Time | Varies (typically a few weeks depending on application completeness, background check, and verification) | Varies (typically a few weeks depending on application completeness, background check, and verification) |
AR Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Arkansas Board of Nursing online portal
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
Identity Requirement
- Provide a valid U.S. Social Security Number
- 3.
Primary State of Residence (PSOR)
- Declare your primary state of residence
- Provide proof, such as: driver's license with home address, federal tax return, voter registration, military form (if applicable), or W-2 showing state of residence
- 4.
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
- 5.
Practice Requirement (Recency of Practice)
- Provide employment verification
- If you have not practiced nursing for more than 5 years, you must complete one of the following: Arkansas Board-approved refresher course (within 1 year of application) or graduation from an approved nursing program within 1 year
- 6.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- State and federal criminal background check is required
- Must be completed through the Arkansas Criminal Background Check System
- This process is separate from the application system
Temporary License (Provisional Permit)
- 1.
Availability
- Temporary permit may be requested for an additional fee
- 2.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must hold an active, unencumbered license from another jurisdiction
- 3.
Issuance Conditions
- May be issued once most required documents are received
- Can be issued before background check results are completed
- 4.
Validity & Use
- Valid for up to 180 days (6 months)
- Non-renewable
- 5.
Important Notes
- You must indicate on your application if you want a provisional/temporary license
- License status can be verified via Nursys
Arkansas Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Arkansas
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 15 contact hours | CE or approved alternative required | 15 contact hours — must be relevant to nursing practice and completed through approved or accredited providers. OR national certification/recertification (ASBN recognized). OR completion of an academic course in nursing or related field (grade C or better). |
| LPN | 15 contact hours | CE or approved alternative required | Same requirements as RN |
| APRN | Varies by certification | Maintain national certification | Must meet certifying body requirements |
Key Notes for Arkansas
- CE (or an approved alternative) is required for license renewal only
- Approved alternatives to 15 CE hours: national certification or recertification (ASBN recognized) or completion of an academic course in nursing or related field (grade C or better)
- CE must be relevant to nursing practice and completed through approved or accredited providers
- All requirements must be completed before the renewal deadline
- The Board may audit CE or competency records
- Failure to meet competency requirements may result in delay or denial of license renewal
- Only Visa, MasterCard, or Discover payments are accepted
- A state and federal background check is required unless one is already on file within the past 12 months — background checks from other agencies are not accepted
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How much does an Arkansas nursing license cost?
Renewal Fee: RN ($100), LPN ($90). Additional fees may apply for late renewal or reinstatement.
How long does it take to get an Arkansas nursing license?
Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 6 weeks after all required documents are received. Processing may take longer if background checks or license verification are incomplete.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Arkansas?
Nurses must complete 15 contact hours every 2 years, or meet an approved alternative requirement. Accepted alternatives include: national certification or recertification, or completion of an academic course in nursing or a related field.