Mississippi Nurse License Overview
Getting your Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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, Mississippi 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 | $100 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $25 | $25 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $100 | $100 |
| Background Check | $75 | $75 |
Key Sections:
Mississippi License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Mississippi 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: Mississippi Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Mississippi Board of Nursing (MSBN) | Mississippi Board of Nursing (MSBN) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check) | Required (Fingerprint-based Criminal Background Check) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Board-approved or equivalent nursing program | Board-approved practical nursing program |
| Application Portal | Nurse Gateway (MSBN Online Portal) | Nurse Gateway (MSBN Online Portal) |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed; subject to Board review | Must be disclosed; subject to Board review |
| Processing Time | Varies (typically within 10 business days after all requirements are met) | Varies (typically within 10 business days after all requirements are met) |
MS Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Mississippi Nurse Gateway
- Pay the required application fee
- Complete all required sections before submitting supporting documents
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Request license verification via Nursys from your original state of licensure
- If your state does not participate in Nursys, submit manual verification
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Request your nursing program to submit an official transcript
- Transcripts must be sent directly from the school or an approved service
- 4.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting
- Follow instructions provided by the Board to complete fingerprinting
- 5.
Additional Requirements
- A valid Social Security Number (SSN) is required
- Additional documentation may be requested based on your application
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- A temporary (provisional) license may be issued while your application is being processed
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Temporary licenses are typically valid for 90 days
- Non-renewable
- 3.
Requirements
- All application requirements must be submitted except final background check results
- Must hold an active, unencumbered license in another state
Mississippi Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Mississippi
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No standard CE hours required | Must maintain continued competency in practice | No mandatory CE hours required for routine renewal. If out of practice for more than 5 years, must complete 20 contact hours before renewal. CE becomes mandatory only under specific conditions (e.g., re-entry after time out of practice). |
| LPN | No standard CE hours required | Must maintain continued competency in practice | No mandatory CE hours required for routine renewal. Same re-entry requirement applies as RN: if out of practice for more than 5 years, must complete 20 contact hours before renewal. |
| APRN | Varies by certification and role | Must maintain national certification | Must complete CE required by certifying body (including pharmacology if applicable). Must complete 5 CE hours related to controlled substances per certification period. |
Key Notes for Mississippi
- Continuing education is not required for routine license renewal
- If you have not practiced for an extended period (e.g., 5+ years), you may be required to complete continuing education or additional requirements before renewal
- Additional requirements may apply based on disciplinary history or Board review
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Mississippi Nursing License
How much does a Mississippi nursing license cost?
Endorsement costs about $100, while renewal fees are typically around $100 for RNs and LPNs. Renewal fee may vary by license type.
How long does it take to get a Mississippi nursing license?
Processing times vary, but licenses are typically issued within a few weeks once all required documents are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Mississippi?
Continuing education is not required for routine renewal, but additional requirements may apply in certain cases (e.g., extended inactivity).