Oregon Nurse License Overview
Getting your Oregon 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 Oregon 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, Oregon 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 | $175.00 | $175.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $140.00 | $140.00 |
| Temporary Permit | $50 | $50 |
| Background Check | $66 | $66 |
Key Sections:
Oregon License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Oregon 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: Oregon Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Oregon Board of Nursing | Oregon Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | No | No |
| Background Check | Case-by-case (fingerprinting may be required) | Case-by-case (fingerprinting may be required) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Oregon Online Licensing Portal | Oregon Online Licensing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 3–6 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
OR Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit through the OSBN portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- Transcripts (if required)
- Additional documents for foreign graduates
- 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
- Fingerprint-based background check required
- May be required case-by-case
- Keep your fingerprint receipt until your license has been issued
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available for endorsement applicants
- Issued case-by-case basis after application review
- Must have a pending permanent license application
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid up to 6 months (non-renewable)
- Allows practice while application is processed
- Application submitted and pending review
- Usually issued within 1–2 weeks
Oregon Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Oregon
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No set CE hours (competency-based) | CE/practice hour requirements may be waived for first renewal | 1 hr Pain Management (once) — 960 practice hours in last 5 years OR board-approved refresher course OR CE (varies) |
| LPN | No set CE hours (competency-based) | CE/practice hour requirements may be waived for first renewal | 1 hr Pain Management (once) — 960 practice hours in last 5 years OR board-approved refresher course OR CE (varies) |
| APRN | 100 contact hours (every 2 years) | Must maintain current national certification | 1 hr Pain Management (once); opioid prescribing if applicable — must include pharmacology |
Key Notes for Oregon
- Oregon is unique: no minimum CE hours for RN/LPN renewal
- Instead: 960 practice hours in last 5 years OR board-approved refresher course OR CE
- One-time 1-hour Pain Management training required for all nurses
- APRNs require 100 contact hours every 2 years
- All nurses must retain competency records for 3 years in case of audit
- Oregon is a no-CE-requirement state for RNs/LPNs; renewal is based on practice hours or competency
- Oregon has higher fees than many other compact states
- Oregon nursing licenses renew every 2 years — renewal deadlines fall on the last day of the licensee's birth month in even-numbered years
- No grace period after expiration — license becomes inactive immediately; must apply for reinstatement to return to practice
- Renewal processing is typically completed within 5–10 business days after submission
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Oregon Nursing License
How much does an Oregon nursing license cost?
Oregon nursing license renewal typically costs $140 every two years for both RNs and LPNs (higher than many states). Initial application fee is $175 for both RNs and LPNs.
How long does it take to get an Oregon nursing license?
Processing typically takes 3–6 weeks, depending on document submission and verification.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Oregon?
Oregon does NOT require specific CE hours for RN/LPN renewal; instead, you need 960 practice hours in 5 years or a refresher course. APRNs require 100 contact hours.