Nebraska Nurse License Overview
Getting your Nebraska 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 Nebraska 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, Nebraska 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 / Endorsement Application | $123 | $123 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | Included / No separate major fee | Included / No separate major fee |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $123 | $123 |
| Background Check | ~$45.25 | ~$45.25 |
Key Sections:
Nebraska License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Nebraska 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: Nebraska Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) | Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) |
| 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 | Approved nursing program | Approved practical nursing program |
| Application Portal | Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit Portal | Nebraska DHHS Licensure Unit Portal |
| Continuing Education | Continued competency required for renewal | Continued competency required for renewal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | Varies depending on application completeness and background check review | Varies depending on application completeness and background check review |
NE Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Application Submission
- Nebraska requires RN and LPN endorsement applicants to complete the Licensure by Endorsement application and submit the required fee
- Applications may be submitted according to Nebraska DHHS Board instructions, including approved online or mailed submission methods
- 2.
Citizenship & Lawful Presence
- Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful presence, or eligible immigration status as required by Nebraska law
- 3.
Verification of Licensure
- License verification must be completed through Nursys for the original state of licensure and all other states where a nursing license has been held
- If a state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly to the Nebraska Board of Nursing
- 4.
Education & Documentation
- Official nursing transcripts must be sent directly from the nursing school or institution maintaining the records
- Electronic transcripts are generally accepted if sent through approved transcript services
- Applicants may be asked to provide additional documentation if education or licensure information cannot be verified
- 5.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose: criminal convictions, prior disciplinary actions, and previous professional license issues if applicable
- Additional supporting documentation and Board review may be required depending on the disclosure
- 6.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprint-based criminal background checks are required
- Fingerprints must be completed through approved fingerprinting processes and authorized personnel
- Incomplete fingerprint cards or missing information may delay processing
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Nebraska may issue a temporary or provisional permit while the endorsement application is being processed
- Available for eligible endorsement applicants with an active nursing license in another state
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Temporary permits are generally valid for up to 60 days, or until the expiration of the out-of-state license, whichever occurs first
- Applicants must hold an active license in another jurisdiction to qualify
- 3.
Important Notes
- Temporary permits are typically considered only after most application requirements have been received
- Must have a pending permanent licensure by endorsement application and meet Nebraska Board eligibility requirements
- Applications with disciplinary, criminal, or regulatory concerns may require additional review before temporary permit eligibility is determined
Nebraska Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Nebraska
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 20 contact hours every renewal cycle OR approved continued competency option | Nurses licensed within the previous 24 months may qualify for a CE waiver during their first renewal cycle | CE must relate to nursing practice — at least 10 contact hours must be peer-reviewed nursing education |
| LPN | 20 contact hours every renewal cycle OR approved continued competency option | Nurses licensed within the previous 24 months may qualify for a CE waiver during their first renewal cycle | CE must relate to practical nursing practice — same competency requirements apply as RN |
| APRN | National certification maintenance plus APRN-specific requirements | Must maintain current national certification | Additional pharmacology/prescribing requirements may apply depending on role and prescriptive authority |
Key Notes for Nebraska
- No more than 4 contact hours may come from CPR or basic life support certifications
- Nurses licensed within the previous 24 months may qualify for a CE waiver during their first renewal cycle
- Nebraska BON may audit CE records, so nurses should retain proof of completed education
- APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete opioid-related continuing education requirements, including PDMP-related training where applicable
- RN licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years; LPN licenses expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years
- Accepted competency options include: 20 contact hours of CE, active nursing practice hours, refresher course completion, national certification, or nursing education coursework
- Nebraska renewal applications may be submitted by email, mail, or other approved submission methods depending on the renewal period and Board instructions
- Criminal history, disciplinary actions, or incomplete documentation may significantly delay application or renewal processing
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Nebraska Nursing License
How much does a Nebraska nursing license cost?
Nebraska endorsement application fees are approximately $123 for both RNs and LPNs. Renewal fees are about $123, with additional fingerprint/background check fees if required.
How long does it take to get a Nebraska nursing license?
Processing times vary, but applications are usually processed within a few weeks after all required documents are received. RN (Exam/Endorsement) processing typically takes approximately 8–10 weeks after all required documents are received, including fingerprint/background check processing.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Nebraska?
Nebraska requires 20 contact hours or another approved continued competency option every renewal period for RNs and LPNs.