Nevada Nurse License Overview
Getting your Nevada 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 Nevada 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, Nevada 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 (Exam) | $100 | $90 |
| Application by Endorsement | $105 | $95 |
| Temporary License | Included (no additional fee) | Included (no additional fee) |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $100 | $100 |
| Background Check | ~$40 | ~$40 |
Key Sections:
Nevada License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Nevada 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: Nevada Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN) | Nevada State Board of Nursing (NSBN) |
| Compact Status | No (Nevada is not currently an eNLC state) | No (Nevada is not currently an eNLC state) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprint-based FBI and state check) | Required (Fingerprint-based FBI and state check) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program required | Approved practical nursing program required |
| Application Portal | Nevada Nurse Portal | Nevada Nurse Portal |
| Criminal History | Criminal and disciplinary history must be disclosed and reviewed | Criminal and disciplinary history must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | Fingerprint processing may significantly affect final license timelines | Fingerprint processing may significantly affect final license timelines |
NV Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Application Submission
- Nevada requires endorsement applicants to apply online through the Nevada Nurse Portal
- Applicants must create a portal account before submitting documents to the Board
- The endorsement process is generally the same for both RNs and LPNs
- 2.
Social Security Number Requirement
- Applicants must provide a valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Applicants must graduate from an approved and accredited nursing program
- Official transcripts or diploma documentation may be required
- Nursing schools may submit transcripts electronically or by mail according to Nevada Board requirements
- International nursing graduates may need additional credential evaluation and documentation review
- 4.
Verification of Licensure
- License verification must be completed through Nursys for the original state of licensure
- If a state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly to the Nevada Board of Nursing using the Board's verification process
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprint-based criminal background checks are required for endorsement applicants
- Fingerprints are processed through state and FBI systems
- Nevada strongly recommends completing fingerprinting immediately to reduce delays
- Background check processing may take several weeks or longer depending on fingerprint processing timelines
- 6.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose: criminal convictions, prior disciplinary actions, and previous license issues or investigations
- Additional supporting documentation and Board review may be required depending on the disclosure
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Nevada may issue a one-time temporary license for eligible endorsement applicants while the permanent license application is being processed
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Temporary licenses are generally valid for up to 6 months
- Temporary licenses cannot be renewed, extended, or reissued
- 3.
Important Notes
- Eligibility for a temporary license is determined after initial application review
- Applicants should monitor the Nevada Nurse Portal for temporary license updates and application requests
- Applications involving criminal, disciplinary, or regulatory concerns may require additional review before temporary license eligibility is determined
Nevada Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Nevada
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours | Newly licensed nurses may be exempt from the 30-hour CE requirement during their first renewal period, but the one-time bioterrorism course is still required | 4 hours of Nevada BON-approved Cultural Competency / DEI training — one-time 4-hour bioterrorism course required after initial licensure |
| LPN | 30 contact hours | Newly licensed nurses may be exempt from the 30-hour CE requirement during their first renewal period, but the one-time bioterrorism course is still required | 4 hours of Nevada BON-approved Cultural Competency / DEI training — same requirements apply as RN |
| APRN | 45 contact hours | Must maintain current national certification | 4 hours Cultural Competency / DEI training + specialty-related CE — 15 hours must relate to specialty area; additional opioid/substance-use and suicide-prevention requirements may apply |
Key Notes for Nevada
- Newly licensed nurses may be exempt from the 30-hour CE requirement during their first renewal period, but the one-time bioterrorism course is still required
- Nurses must retain CE certificates for at least 4 years in case of Nevada BON audit
- APRNs with prescribing authority may need additional continuing education related to controlled substances, opioid prescribing, and substance use disorders
- Nevada also requires HIV stigma/discrimination training for nurses who provide or supervise emergency medical services or primary care
- Nevada licenses cannot be issued without a valid U.S. Social Security Number or taxpayer identification number
- Nevada Continuing education requirements include mandatory instruction related to cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
- Nurses are responsible for monitoring their Nevada Nurse Portal messages for additional requests or application updates
- Renewal status updates and new expiration dates may take up to 72 hours to appear in the Nurse Portal after successful renewal submission
- Nevada RN and LPN licenses renew every 2 years — licenses expire on the nurse's birthday
- Nevada does not provide a grace period after expiration — late renewals may incur an additional late fee
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Nevada Nursing License
How much does a Nevada nursing license cost?
Nevada endorsement application fees are approximately $105 for RNs and $95 for LPNs. Renewal fees are about $100, with additional fingerprint/background check fees required.
How long does it take to get a Nevada nursing license?
Processing times vary, but temporary license review may take about 1 week, while full licensure can take several weeks after all documents and fingerprint results are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Nevada?
Nevada requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for both RNs and LPNs, including cultural competency/DEI education requirements.