New Jersey Nurse License Overview
Getting your New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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, New Jersey 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 | $200 | $200 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $120 | $125 |
| Background Check | ~$58–$63 | ~$58–$63 |
Key Sections:
New Jersey License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first New Jersey 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: New Jersey Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | New Jersey Board of Nursing | New Jersey Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program required | Approved practical nursing program required |
| Application Portal | NJ MyLicense Portal | NJ MyLicense Portal |
| Criminal History | Criminal and disciplinary history must be disclosed and reviewed | Criminal and disciplinary history must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | Varies depending on fingerprinting, application review, and document verification | Varies depending on fingerprinting, application review, and document verification |
NJ Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the NJ Board of Nursing portal
- Pay the required application fee
- Applicants should review the Board checklist carefully before submission
- 2.
Identification & Supporting Documents
- Applicants may be required to upload: a recent passport-style photograph, proof of U.S. citizenship, passport, birth certificate, or lawful immigration documentation, and legal name change documents if the current name differs from official identity records
- 3.
Verification of Licensure
- License verification must be completed through Nursys for the original state of licensure and all states where a nursing license has ever been held
- If a state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly to the New Jersey Board of Nursing
- 4.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprint-based criminal background checks are required for endorsement applicants
- Applicants should wait for fingerprinting instructions from the Board before completing fingerprinting
- In-state applicants are generally scheduled for electronic fingerprinting appointments
- Out-of-state applicants may receive fingerprint cards for processing through local law enforcement agencies
- Delays in fingerprint processing may affect endorsement timelines
- 5.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose: criminal convictions, prior disciplinary actions, and previous licensing or regulatory issues
- Additional supporting documentation and Board review may be required depending on the disclosure
- 6.
Internationally Educated Nurses
- International nursing graduates may need credential evaluation and immigration-related documentation depending on educational background and licensure history
- Additional Board review may be required for foreign education verification
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- New Jersey does not generally issue temporary nursing licenses for standard RN/LPN endorsement applicants.
New Jersey Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in New Jersey
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours | Newly licensed nurses may have different CE expectations during their first renewal cycle depending on licensure timing | At least 1 contact hour on prescription opioids, alternatives to opioids, pain management, and addiction risks — CE must be completed through approved providers |
| LPN | 30 contact hours | Newly licensed nurses may have different CE expectations during their first renewal cycle depending on licensure timing | Same opioid-related CE requirement applies — same renewal requirements apply as RN |
| APRN | 30 contact hours minimum | Must maintain current national certification | Pharmacology CE required for prescriptive authority — additional specialty-related CE may apply depending on certification and prescribing status |
Key Notes for New Jersey
- APRNs with prescriptive authority must maintain compliance with pharmacology and controlled-substance education requirements
- Newly licensed nurses may have different CE expectations during their first renewal cycle depending on licensure timing
- Up to 15 excess CE credits may be carried into the next renewal cycle
- CE courses must be completed through approved providers
- Nurses should retain CE documentation in case of audit
- Practicing with an expired license is prohibited — additional fees or reinstatement requirements may apply for expired licenses
- New Jersey RN and LPN licenses renew every 2 years
- Online renewals are typically processed within several business days if all renewal requirements are satisfied
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About New Jersey Nursing License
How much does a New Jersey nursing license cost?
New Jersey endorsement application fees are approximately $200 for RNs and LPNs. Renewal fees are about $120 for RNs and $125 for LPNs, with additional fingerprint/background check fees required.
How long does it take to get a New Jersey nursing license?
Processing times vary, but applications are generally processed within several weeks after all required documents and fingerprint results are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for both RNs and LPNs, including opioid-related continuing education requirements.