California Nursing
License Requirements &
Renewal Guide
California Nurse License Overview
Getting your California 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 California 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, California 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Endorsement Fee | $350.00 | $300.00 |
| Temp/Interim Fee | $100.00 | $50.00 (Graduates only) |
| Renewal Fee | $190.00 | $305.00 |
| Fingerprint Fee | $49.00 (Hard Card) | $49.00 (Hard Card) |
| Official Website | rn.ca.gov | bvnpt.ca.gov |
| Phone | (916) 322-3350 | (916) 263-7800 |
Key Sections:
- California License Renewal
- Important Things to Know about California Nurse Licenses
- California Licensure by Endorsement
- California Continuing Education Requirements
California License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first California 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: California Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) | Board of Vocational Nursing (BVNPT) |
| Expedited Review | Available for military spouses, partners, refugees, and asylees. | Available for military spouses, partners, refugees, and asylees. |
| Background Check (In-State) | Must use Live Scan. $49 fee + separate vendor "rolling fee." | Must use Live Scan. $49 fee + separate vendor "rolling fee." |
| Background Check (Out-of-State) | Must use FD-258 Hard Card. $49 fee paid to the Board. | Must use FD-258 Hard Card. $49 fee paid to the Board. |
| License Verification | Done via Nursys ($100 fee) for most states. | Requires manual form + $150 fee for many state transfers. |
| Education Standards | Must meet California BRN accredited program standards. | Must meet California BVNPT accredited program standards. |
| Application Tip | Use the BreEZe portal for faster processing. | Use the BreEZe portal for faster processing. |
| Criminal History | Prior convictions may cause delays or denial of license. | Prior convictions may cause delays or denial of license. |
CA Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application via the BreEZe online portal. While RNs and LVNs (LPNs) have separate boards, both use this system.
- Note: Online submission is processed significantly faster (approx. 30 days) than mailed paper applications.
- 2.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- In-State Applicants: You must use a Live Scan site located within California. The Board cannot receive results from Live Scan locations outside the state.
- Out-of-State Applicants: You must use the manual FD-258 Hard Card method.
- Timing: You must submit your license application before completing your fingerprints to ensure the results are linked to your open file.
- 3.
Submit Supporting Documents
- Official transcripts from your nursing education program.
- Verification of your current license from the state(s) you are licensed in.
- Any additional documentation required by the Board.
- 4.
Pay Fees
- RN Endorsement Fee: $350.00
- LVN Endorsement Fee: $300.00
- Fingerprint Card (Out-of-State): $49.00
- 5.
Education Proof (LVNs/LPNs Only)
- All LVN applicants must provide proof of 12th-grade education or its equivalent (High School Diploma or GED certificate).
- 6.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Attach any documents or letters explaining prior convictions or disciplinary actions against any healthcare license, along with evidence of rehabilitation if applicable.
Temporary License
- 1.
Eligibility & Application
- RNs: You may apply for a Temporary License ($100 fee) at the same time as your endorsement application or while it is pending.
- LVNs: No Temporary License. California does not offer temporary licenses for LVNs/LPNs by endorsement. Out-of-state LVNs must wait for the permanent license to be issued.
- 2.
Validity & Use
- A temporary RN license is valid for six months and allows you to work while the Board finalizes your permanent license.
- 3.
Background Check Requirement
- A temporary license will not be issued until the Board receives and processes fingerprint results from the DOJ and FBI. There may be a delay if results indicate a prior conviction.
California Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in California
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN / APRN | 30 Hours | 1 Hour (Mandatory Course) | 30 Hours |
| LVN / LPN | 30 Hours | Exempt (0 Hours) | 30 Hours |
| CNA | 48 Hours | 48 Hours | 48 Hours |
Mandatory CE for First Renewal
If you are an RN or APRN in your first two years of California licensure, you are exempt from the standard 30-hour CE requirement. However, you must complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training as a mandatory course within the first two years.
Required Course: Implicit Bias in Healthcare
- Duration: 1 Hour (Direct participation)
- Deadline: Must be completed before your very first license expiration.
- Content Focus: Identification of unconscious biases, structural barriers to inclusion, and corrective measures to decrease healthcare disparities.
Key Rules for All Licenses
- CNA Work Mandate: To renew a CNA certificate, you must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing services under a licensed supervisor during your 2-year cycle.
- The "12-Hour" Cap: Do not complete more than 12 hours of CE in a single 24-hour period. The Board may flag and invalidate hours if your certificates show you did too many in one day.
- Provider Verification: Only use providers with a California Provider Number (CEP #). Always verify the CEP number on the DCA License Search before paying.
- NP Prescribing Rule: Nurse Practitioners with a Furnishing Number must include 3 hours on Schedule II Controlled Substances as part of their 30-hour requirement.
- Record Keeping: You are legally required to keep your CE certificates for 4 years in case of a random Board audit.
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About California Nursing License
How much does a California nursing license cost?
California nursing license renewal typically costs $190 for RNs if renewed on time. Fees may be higher for late renewals or vary depending on your license type and application status.
How long does it take to get a California nursing license?
The processing time is typically 2 to 3 weeks for a temporary license and 10 to 12 weeks for a permanent license.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in California?
In California, most nurses are required to complete 30 CE hours every two years to renew their license. Requirements may vary depending on your license type and individual circumstances.