Texas Nursing
License Requirements &
Renewal Guide
Texas Nurse License Overview
Getting your Texas 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 Texas 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, Texas 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) |
|---|---|---|
| Endorsement Fee | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Temp License | Included if eligible | Included if eligible |
| Renewal Fee | $68.00 | $68.00 |
| Fingerprint Fee | Varies | Varies |
| Official Website | bon.texas.gov | bon.texas.gov |
| Phone | (512) 305-7400 | (512) 305-7400 |
Key Sections:
- Texas License Renewal
- Important Things to Know about Texas Nurse Licenses
- Texas Licensure by Endorsement
- Texas Continuing Education Requirements
Texas License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Texas 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: Texas Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Texas Board of Nursing | Texas Board of Nursing |
| Compact Eligibility | Yes | Yes |
| Background Check | Fingerprinting required | Fingerprinting required |
| License Verification | Done via Nursys for most states | Done via Nursys for most states |
| Education Standards | Must meet Texas BON standards | Must meet Texas BON standards |
| Application Portal | Texas Nurse Portal | Texas Nurse Portal |
| Criminal History Review | Prior convictions may delay or affect licensure | Prior convictions may delay or affect licensure |
TX Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit via the Texas Nurse Portal
- 2.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Required for all endorsement applicants
- Completed through approved fingerprint vendor
- 3.
Verification of Licensure
- Request verification through Nursys
- If original state does not participate, manual verification may be required.
- 4.
Nursing Jurisprudence Exam
- Required for endorsement applicants before licensure issuance
- 5.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Must disclose prior disciplinary actions or convictions
Temporary License
- 1.
Eligibility & Application
- Eligible endorsement applicants may receive a 120-day temporary license
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Allows you to work while permanent endorsement is being finalized
- 3.
Background Check Requirement
- Fingerprint/background review must be completed before issuance
Texas Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Texas
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | Usually Exempt | Usually Exempt | 20 Hours |
| LVN | Usually Exempt | Usually Exempt | 20 Hours |
| APRN | 20 Hours + Specialty Requirements | 20 Hours + Specialty Requirements | 20 Hours + Specialty Requirements |
Key Rules for All Licenses
- CE must be relevant to your area of practice
- National certification may substitute for CE requirements
- Keep CE records for at least 4 years
- Additional targeted CE may apply based on specialty/practice setting
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How much does a Texas nursing license cost?
Texas nursing license renewal typically costs $68 for RNs and $45 for LPNs every two years. Fees may be higher if you renew late or need to reinstate your license.
How long does it take to get a Texas nursing license?
The processing time is typically 10 business days for a temporary license and 15 business days for a permanent license.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Texas?
In Texas, nurses are generally required to complete 20 CE hours every two years to renew their license.