Utah Nurse License Overview
Getting your Utah 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 Utah 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, Utah 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 | $95.00 | $95.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $58–$68 | $58–$68 |
| Reinstatement (30 days or less) | $20 | $20 |
| Reinstatement (31 days–2 years) | $50 | $50 |
| Background Check (BCI) | $20 | $20 |
| Background Check (FBI) | $10 | $10 |
Key Sections:
Utah License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Utah 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: Utah Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL) | Utah Division of Occupational & Professional Licensing (DOPL) |
| Compact Status | Yes (NLC) – effective 2026 | Yes (NLC) – effective 2026 |
| Background Check | Required (BCI + FBI fingerprinting) | Required (BCI + FBI fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | DOPL eGOV Portal | DOPL eGOV Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 30 days to complete | 30 days to complete |
UT Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit through the DOPL eGOV portal
- 30-day application completion deadline — incomplete applications denied
- 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
- Complete at DOPL office (in-state) or submit FD-258 cards (out-of-state)
- In-state applicants can fingerprint at DOPL office at no additional charge (by appointment)
- Out-of-state applicants must submit two FD-258 fingerprint cards (effective 2026)
- 6.
Processing Timeline
- Allow 14 business days to issue a completed application
- License number visible on DOPL website the day after active
- Hard copy (digital) license received via email within 10 business days
- No paper licenses issued — digital license certificate only via email
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- N/A — Utah does not currently issue temporary licenses
Utah Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Utah
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | Practice-hours based: 0 CE (400+ hrs) / 15 CE (200–399 hrs) / 30 CE (less than 200 hrs) | CE/practice requirements apply based on license issue date | CE hours required ONLY if practice hours are below 400 — all RNs must complete 1 approved suicide prevention training regardless of practice hours; CE must be approved and relevant to nursing practice |
| LPN | Practice-hours based: 0 CE (400+ hrs) / 15 CE (200–399 hrs) / 30 CE (less than 200 hrs) | CE/practice requirements apply based on license issue date | CE hours required ONLY if practice hours are below 400 — all LPNs must complete 1 approved suicide prevention training regardless of practice hours; CE must be approved and relevant to nursing practice |
| APRN | Varies by national certification body | Must maintain national certification | Must maintain national certification + meet practice-based CE requirements; suicide prevention training mandatory for all |
Key Notes for Utah
- CE hours required ONLY if practice hours are below 400
- Practice hours counted from previous 2-year period
- Suicide prevention training is mandatory for everyone regardless of practice hours — must complete at least ONE of: Suicide Safety Planning with Patients, Talking to Patients About Suicide, or Counseling on Access to Lethal Means
- CE must be approved and relevant to nursing practice
- No paper license certificates — digital only
- Utah nursing licenses renew every 2 years — licenses expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years
- Can renew online up to 2 years after expiration (with late fee): 30 days or less: +$20; 31 days to 2 years: +$50; over 2 years expired: new application + all requirements
- 30-day application completion deadline — incomplete applications denied
- At least 60 days before expiration, DOPL mails renewal notice to address of record
- Renewal processing is immediate upon online completion; new applications take approximately 14 business days
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Utah Nursing License
How much does a Utah nursing license cost?
Utah nursing license renewal typically costs $68 every two years for both RNs and LPNs. Initial application fee is $95 for both RNs and LPNs.
How long does it take to get a Utah nursing license?
Approximately 14 business days for completed applications. License number appears online the day after active.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Utah?
It depends on your practice hours: 0 CE for 400+ hours, 15 CE for 200–399 hours, or 30 CE for less than 200 hours. Everyone must complete suicide prevention training.