Tennessee Nurse License Overview
Getting your Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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, Tennessee 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 | $115.00 | $115.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $140 | $140 |
| Reinstatement | $200 | $200 |
| Background Check | ~$45–$60 | ~$45–$60 |
Key Sections:
Tennessee License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Tennessee 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: Tennessee Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Tennessee Board of Nursing | Tennessee Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | YES (eNLC) | YES (eNLC) |
| Background Check | Required (IdentoGO fingerprinting) | Required (IdentoGO fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Licensure and Regulatory System portal | Licensure and Regulatory System portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
TN Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit through the Licensure and Regulatory System 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)
- 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
- IdentoGO with specific OCA codes (RN: 1703, LPN: 1704)
- Fingerprinting must be completed within 2 weeks of IdentoGO registration
- 6.
Declaration of Citizenship
- Notarized Declaration of Citizenship form required for all initial applications
Multistate License Information
- 1.
Important Note
- If you already hold a multistate license in another compact state where you declare residency, you do NOT need to apply for a Tennessee license until Tennessee becomes your primary state of residence
- Compact state nurses relocating to Tennessee must apply for Tennessee licensure within 60 days
Tennessee Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Tennessee
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No fixed CE hour requirement (10 CE hours is only ONE option) | Continuing competence requirements apply based on license issue date | Must complete 2 of 15 approved activities — approved activities include: accredited CE hours, employer evaluation, national certification/recertification, academic coursework, teaching, nursing publication/presentation, or professional development activities |
| LPN | No fixed CE hour requirement (same as RN) | Continuing competence requirements apply based on license issue date | Must complete 2 of 15 approved activities — same as RN list of approved activities |
| APRN | Varies by national certification body | Must maintain national certification | Must maintain national certification + meet Tennessee competence model where applicable — CE + certification maintenance + role-specific requirements (e.g., prescriptive authority requirements if applicable) |
Key Notes for Tennessee
- Tennessee has no fixed CE hour requirement, using a '2-of-15' continuing competence model instead
- Completed competency activities cannot be carried over to the next renewal cycle
- Nurses must retain documentation of completed activities for audit purposes
- APRNs have additional role-specific requirements, depending on national certification and scope (e.g., prescriptive authority rules)
- Nurses holding an out-of-state compact license (eNLC) do not need a Tennessee license unless they establish Tennessee as their primary state of residency or practice requirement changes
- Renewal fee increases from $100 to $140 effective April 8, 2026 — plan accordingly
- Compact state nurses relocating to Tennessee must apply for Tennessee licensure within 60 days
- Tennessee nursing licenses renew every 2 years — license expires at midnight on the last day of your birth month during your renewal year
- 60-day late renewal period after expiration date — NO practice permitted during the 60-day late period; after 60 days, reinstatement fee ($200) required
- 2-of-15 continued competence model is unique to Tennessee
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Tennessee Nursing License
How much does a Tennessee nursing license cost?
After April 8, 2026, renewal costs $140 every two years. Endorsement is $115 for both RNs and LPNs. Reinstatement fee is $200 (prorated depending on case).
How long does it take to get a Tennessee nursing license?
Processing typically takes 6–8 weeks.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Tennessee?
Tennessee uses a '2-of-15' continued competence model. You can choose 10 CE hours as one option, or select from 14 other professional development activities. There is no fixed CE hour requirement — nurses must complete any 2 of 15 approved competency activities every two years.