Louisiana Nurse License Overview
Getting your Louisiana 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.
Stay Compliant Without the Stress
Track your credentials and monitor your license
Get free CEs + track your remaining contact hours with CerTracker
Everything you need to renew your license, in one place.
How long does it take to get a Louisiana 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, Louisiana 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) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Renewal | $100 | $100 |
| Temporary Permit | $25 | $25 |
| Background Check | $~50–60 | $~50–60 |
Key Sections:
Louisiana License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Louisiana 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: Louisiana Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Louisiana State Board of Nursing | Louisiana State Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (Nurse Licensure Compact State) | Yes (Nurse Licensure Compact State) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Louisiana State Board of Nursing Online Licensing Portal (LSBN Portal) | Louisiana State Board of Nursing Online Licensing Portal (LSBN Portal) |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 2–6 weeks depending on background check + verification speed | 2–6 weeks depending on background check + verification speed |
LA Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Apply via Louisiana State Board of Nursing Online 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
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Required
- Fingerprint-based background check
- Notarized Affidavit of Verification – Must be mailed in (unique to Louisiana)
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available for endorsement applicants
- Issued for endorsement applicants (90 days)
- Typical processing: within 5–7 business days
- Requirement: must have a pending permanent application
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid 90 days (one-time only)
- Application submitted and pending review
Louisiana Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Louisiana
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours (Pathway A) or 900 practice hours (Pathway B) | CE may be waived if licensed within 12 months of renewal deadline | Pathway A: 30 contact hours every 2 years, no mandatory topics. Pathway B: 900 practice hours verified by employer (no CE required). |
| LPN | 30 contact hours (Pathway A) or 900 practice hours (Pathway B) | CE may be waived if licensed within 12 months of renewal deadline | Pathway A: 30 contact hours every 2 years, no mandatory topics. Pathway B: 900 practice hours verified by employer (no CE required). |
| APRN | 30 contact hours + pharmacology (Pathway A only) | Requirements may vary based on prescriptive authority and certification timing | 30 contact hours + pharmacology. Additional pharmacology and prescribing requirements apply. Practice hours pathway (Pathway B) not available for APRN. |
Key Notes for Louisiana
- Two renewal pathways — choose the one that fits your practice
- Practice hours must be verified by employer
- First renewal may be exempt from CE if licensed within 12 months of deadline
- All nurses must retain CE records for 3 years in case of audit
Get your unlimited free CEs with CerTracker
Managing your
Louisiana nursing license doesn't have to be stressful.
Track everything in one place with CerTracker and get automated reminders
Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Louisiana Nursing License
How much does a Louisiana nursing license cost?
Initial endorsement application fee is $100, and license renewal is $100 every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Louisiana nursing license?
Processing typically takes 3–5 weeks, depending on document submission and verification.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Louisiana?
2–6 weeks depending on background check + verification speed