South Carolina Nurse License Overview
Getting your South Carolina 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 South Carolina 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, South Carolina 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) | $90.00 | $90.00 |
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $75.00 | $75.00 |
| Temporary Permit | +$10 | +$10 |
| Background Check | Varies | Varies |
Key Sections:
South Carolina License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first South Carolina 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: South Carolina Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | SC Dept of Labor, Licensing & Regulation (LLR) | SC Dept of Labor, Licensing & Regulation (LLR) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC) | Yes (eNLC) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting - SBI/FBI) | Required (Fingerprinting - SBI/FBI) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | LLR Online Portal | LLR Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed + certified court documents | Must be disclosed + certified court documents |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
SC Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit through the LLR Online 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)
- Legal name verification — legal name on application must match official identity documents (birth certificate or legal documents such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
- 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.
- Applicants with criminal history (misdemeanor within recent years or any felony) must submit: certified court documents and a detailed written explanation of the incident(s)
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Required through SBI & FBI; instructions sent after application received
- Fingerprint-based background check
- May be required case-by-case
- Applications not completed within 1 year may become null/void, requiring a new application and a new background check
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available with endorsement application
- Issued case-by-case basis after application review
- Must have a pending permanent license application
- Temporary license available while CBC processes
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid 90 days
- Application submitted and pending review
- Usually issued within 2–3 weeks
South Carolina Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in South Carolina
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours OR approved alternative competency method | Standard requirements apply based on license issue date | 30 CE hours from approved provider OR national certification/recertification OR completion of academic nursing program OR employer competency verification — no specific mandated topic requirements |
| LPN | 30 contact hours OR approved alternative competency method | Standard requirements apply based on license issue date | Same options as RN (CE, certification, academic program, or employer competency verification) — no specific mandated topic requirements |
| APRN | Varies by certification body | Must maintain active national certification | Must maintain active national certification — prescribers may be required to complete controlled substance/prescribing-related education (varies by role and certification) |
Key Notes for South Carolina
- No fixed CE hour requirement (competency-based renewal system)
- No mandatory statewide CE topics (Implicit Bias, Cultural Competency, SUD not required statewide)
- APRN opioid/prescribing CE depends on certification & prescriptive authority rules
- First renewal may have adjusted requirements
- CE records must be retained for audit compliance
- CE hours cannot be carried over to the next renewal cycle
- Active-duty military personnel are exempt from license fees and CE requirements for any calendar year they serve active duty — contact the Board directly for paper application
- South Carolina nursing licenses renew every 2 years — renewal deadline is April 30 of even-numbered years
- Renewals submitted after April 30 require reinstatement + additional fees; online renewal access ends May 31; after May 31, paper reinstatement application + new background check required
- Email address must be valid and active to receive renewal notifications and board communications
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About South Carolina Nursing License
How much does a South Carolina nursing license cost?
South Carolina endorsement application fees are $100 for both RNs and LPNs. Renewal fees are $75 every two years for both RNs and LPNs, with additional fingerprint/background check fees that vary by vendor.
How long does it take to get a South Carolina nursing license?
Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks, depending on document submission and verification. Applications are valid for 1 year.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in South Carolina?
South Carolina uses a competency-based renewal system. Nurses must meet ONE of the following: 30 CE hours from a Board-recognized provider, national certification/recertification, completion of a Board-recognized academic nursing program, or employer verification of continued competency and practice hours.