Kansas Nurse License Overview
Getting your Kansas 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 Kansas 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, Kansas 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) | $135.00 | $135.00 |
| Renewal | $50 | $50 |
| Temporary Permit | $85 | $85 |
| Background Check | $~40–55 | $~40–55 |
Key Sections:
Kansas License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Kansas 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: Kansas Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Kansas Board of Nursing | Kansas Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes | Yes |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Kansas Board of Nursing Online Licensing Portal | Kansas Board of Nursing Online Licensing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | ~2–6 weeks (after full documents) | ~2–6 weeks (after full documents) |
KS Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Apply via Kansas Board of Nursing Portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- Official Transcripts
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Must disclose prior disciplinary actions or criminal convictions; reviewed case-by-case.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Required
- Required via IdentoGO/KBI
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available for endorsement applicants
- Issued within 5–10 business days
- Requirement: must have a pending permanent application
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid 90 days (non-renewable)
- Application submitted and pending review
Kansas Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Kansas
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours | CE may be waived or reduced depending on initial license timing within the renewal cycle or KSBN discretion | 30 contact hours every 2 years. No mandatory topics required. CE must be relevant to nursing practice and approved by KSBN. Alternative: 1,000 practice hours + 15 CE hours. |
| LPN | 30 contact hours | CE may be waived or reduced depending on initial license timing within the renewal cycle or KSBN discretion | 30 contact hours every 2 years. No mandatory topics required. CE must be relevant to nursing practice and approved by KSBN. Alternative: 1,000 practice hours + 15 CE hours. |
| APRN | 30 contact hours + pharmacology | Requirements may vary based on certification and prescriptive authority timing | 30 contact hours + pharmacology. Additional pharmacology requirements apply. Alternative: 1,000 practice hours + 15 CE hours. |
Key Notes for Kansas
- CE requirements must be completed every 2-year renewal cycle
- Options: 30 CE OR 1,000 hours + 15 CE
- First renewal: Sometimes CE-adjusted or waived
- All nurses must retain CE records for 3 years in case of audit
- 2026 update: New late renewal option available
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Kansas Nursing License
How much does a Kansas nursing license cost?
Initial endorsement application is ~$135–$165; renewal is ~$85 every 2 years (birth month cycle). Temporary permits are available for eligible applicants at no additional fee.
How long does it take to get a Kansas nursing license?
Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on document submission and verification.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Kansas?
Nurses must complete 30 contact hours every 2 years, or 1,000 practice hours + 15 CE hours.