Washington, D.C. Nurse License Overview
Getting your Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C. 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, Washington, D.C. 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 | $150.00 – $230.00 | $150.00 – $230.00 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | ~$25 | ~$25 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $195 | $195 |
| Background Check | ~$50–$70 depending on vendor | ~$50–$70 depending on vendor |
Key Sections:
Washington, D.C. License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Washington, D.C. 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: Washington, D.C. Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | District of Columbia Board of Nursing | District of Columbia Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | No (DC is not part of the eNLC) | No (DC is not part of the eNLC) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting & CBC) | Required (Fingerprinting & CBC) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | DC Health Online Licensing Portal | DC Health Online Licensing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed by the Board | Must be disclosed and reviewed by the Board |
| Processing Time | Varies depending on application completeness, transcript verification, CBC, and documentation review | Varies depending on application completeness, transcript verification, CBC, and documentation review |
DC Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the DC Health online portal
- Pay the required application fee
- The endorsement process is similar for both RNs and LPNs
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Complete license verification through Nursys
- If your state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly from that Board of Nursing to the DC Board of Nursing
- 3.
Identification & Documentation
- Upload a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Upload proof of name change if your current name differs from supporting documents
- Upload a recent passport-style photo with a plain white background
- 4.
Education Requirements
- Applicants must have graduated from a board-approved nursing program
- Additional documentation may be required for internationally educated nurses
- 5.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose prior disciplinary actions
- Applicants must disclose criminal convictions
- Applicants must disclose pending investigations or license restrictions
- Supporting documents may be required and reviewed on a case-by-case basis
- 6.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprinting and criminal background checks are required
- After payment is completed, applicants receive instructions by email to schedule fingerprinting through the approved vendor
- Additional fingerprinting guidance is available through the DC Board of Nursing
Washington, D.C. Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Washington, D.C.
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 24 contact hours every 2 years | Must include DC-required content (e.g., LGBTQ cultural competency + public health priority topics); subject to audit | CE must be relevant to nursing practice and approved by recognized providers |
| LPN | 18 contact hours every 2 years | Must include DC-required content (e.g., LGBTQ cultural competency + public health priority topics); subject to audit | CE must be relevant to practical nursing practice and approved providers |
| APRN | Varies (based on certification body) | Must maintain current national certification | Additional pharmacology or specialty CE may be required depending on prescriptive authority and certifying body |
Key Notes for Washington, D.C.
- CE must be relevant to nursing practice
- CE must be completed through Board-accepted or recognized providers
- License renewal is based on fixed CE hour requirements, not competency choice pathways
- All CE documentation may be audited by the Board
- Mandatory topics include LGBTQ cultural competency training and public health priority education identified by DC Health
- APRNs must maintain national certification and complete any additional pharmacology or specialty CE required by certifying body or prescriptive authority rules
- Online payments are typically accepted using major credit or debit cards through the DC Health licensing portal
- Applications may become invalid if not completed within the Board's required processing timeframe; applicants may need to reapply and repay applicable fees if documentation is not submitted timely
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How much does a Washington, D.C. nursing license cost?
$195 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 Washington, D.C. nursing license?
Most applicants receive their permanent license within 2–4 weeks once all materials are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Washington, D.C.?
Nurses in Washington, D.C. must complete 24 contact hours every two years for RNs (18 for LPNs). APRNs must also meet pharmacology and certification-based requirements. Additional mandatory coursework includes LGBTQ cultural competency and public health priority topics.