New-York Nursing
License Requirements &
Renewal Guide
New-York Nurse License Overview
Getting your New-York 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-York 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-York 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | $143.00 | $143.00 |
| Temporary Permit | Included | Included |
| Renewal (3-year cycle) | $73.00 | $73.00 |
| Fingerprinting | ~$85.00 | ~$85.00 |
Key Sections:
- New-York License Renewal
- Important Things to Know about New-York Nurse Licenses
- New-York Licensure by Endorsement
- New-York Continuing Education Requirements
New-York License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first New-York 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-York Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | New York State Education Department Office of the Professions | New York State Education Department Office of the Professions |
| Compact Status | No (Not part of NLC) | No (Not part of NLC) |
| Background Check | Not required (No fingerprinting for licensure) | Not required (No fingerprinting for licensure) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys (for other states) / NYSED online verification | Via Nursys (for other states) / NYSED online verification |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program required | Approved nursing program required |
| Application Portal | New York State Education Department Office of the Professions | New York State Education Department Office of the Professions |
| Criminal History | Reviewed on application; may affect licensure depending on severity and disclosure | Reviewed on application; may affect licensure depending on severity and disclosure |
NY Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions portal.
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Verification is completed through Nursys for participating states.
- If your original state does not participate in Nursys, you must request manual verification directly from that state board.
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Applicants must have completed an approved nursing program and submit:
- Official transcripts
- Form 2 (Certification of Professional Education)
- Additional documentation if educated outside the U.S.
- 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
- Not required. New York does not require fingerprinting or a formal background check for licensure.
- However, applicants must meet good moral character requirements and provide accurate disclosures.
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Not issued in New York. New York does not provide temporary permits for endorsement applicants.
- 2.
Implication
- Applicants cannot practice until full licensure is approved.
- 3.
Processing Time
- Processing times may vary depending on verification method (Nursys vs manual) and completeness of submitted documents.
New-York Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in New-York
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No fixed CE hours required | Infection Control (3 hrs every 4 years) + Child Abuse Reporting (mandatory training) | Infection Control (3 hrs every 4 years) + Child Abuse Reporting (mandatory training) |
| LPN | No fixed CE hours required | Infection Control (3 hrs every 4 years) + Child Abuse Reporting (mandatory training) | Infection Control (3 hrs every 4 years) + Child Abuse Reporting (mandatory training) |
| APRN | Varies by specialty | Infection Control (3 hrs every 4 years) + Child Abuse Reporting (mandatory training) + Specialty-specific requirements | Infection Control (3 hrs every 4 years) + Child Abuse Reporting (mandatory training) + Specialty-specific requirements |
Mandatory CE Requirements
New York has no universal CE hour requirement. However, all nurses must complete specific mandatory trainings. There is no fixed total hour count — compliance is based on completing required modules.
Required Mandatory Trainings
- 3 Hours: Infection Control (required every 4 years)
- 2 Hours: Child Abuse Identification & Reporting (one-time requirement, with periodic updates depending on employer or role)
Key Notes for New York
- There is no universal CE hour requirement like in many states
- Compliance is based on mandatory trainings, not total hours
- Infection Control is recurring, while Child Abuse Reporting is typically one-time (with documentation required)
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About New-York Nursing License
How much does a New York nursing license cost?
Initial application costs approximately $143, while renewal costs $73 every 3 years.
How long does it take to get a New York nursing license?
Processing typically takes 4–12 weeks depending on background checks and document submission.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in New York?
Most nurses must complete mandatory training modules including infection control and implicit bias training, with additional employer-specific requirements.