Wisconsin Nurse License Overview
Getting your Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin 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 | $90 |
| Endorsement Application | $57 | $57 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $10 | $10 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $57 | $57 |
| Background Check | Varies by fingerprint vendor | Varies by fingerprint vendor |
Key Sections:
Wisconsin License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Wisconsin 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: Wisconsin Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Criminal background questions required; additional review may be requested | Criminal background questions required; additional review may be requested |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved professional nursing program required | Approved practical nursing program required |
| Application Portal | Wisconsin DSPS Online Licensure System (OLAS) | Wisconsin DSPS Online Licensure System (OLAS) |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and may require supporting documentation | Must be disclosed and may require supporting documentation |
| Processing Time | Varies depending on application completeness and Board review | Varies depending on application completeness and Board review |
WI Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Wisconsin LicensE portal
- Pay the required application fee
- The process is generally the same for RNs and LPNs
- 2.
License Verification
- Verify your original license through Nursys
- If your licensing state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly from that Board of Nursing to Wisconsin
- 3.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Wisconsin requires a criminal background check for endorsement applicants
- Applicants must submit Form 2687 with a current photograph
- Fingerprinting instructions are provided after the form is received and reviewed
- 4.
Education & Documentation
- Applicants must graduate from an approved nursing program
- Additional documentation may be requested for internationally educated nurses
- 5.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose: prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions or pending charges
- Supporting documentation may be required for Board review.
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Wisconsin may issue a temporary permit while the endorsement application is being processed
- 2.
Eligibility
- Applicants must submit a completed endorsement application
- Most required documents must be received before temporary permit issuance
- 3.
Validity
- Temporary permits remain active until the permanent license is issued or the permit expires
- Valid for up to 6 months and may be renewed once in certain situations
- 4.
Additional Requirement
- Applicants requesting a temporary permit must complete the temporary permit request form during the application process
Wisconsin Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Wisconsin
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No continuing education hours required by the Wisconsin BON | Nurses are still expected to remain competent and practice safely under Wisconsin nursing regulations | Renewal must still be completed on time through DSPS — RN licenses renew biennially in even-numbered years |
| LPN | No continuing education hours required by the Wisconsin BON | Nurses are still expected to remain competent and practice safely under Wisconsin nursing regulations | Renewal must still be completed on time through DSPS — LPN licenses renew biennially in odd-numbered years |
| APRN | 16 contact hours every 2 years | Must maintain current national certification | Must include at least 2 hours in responsible prescribing of controlled substances — remaining hours must relate to clinical pharmacology or therapeutics relevant to practice; APRN renewal cycles expire September 30 of even-numbered years |
Key Notes for Wisconsin
- Wisconsin does not currently require continuing education contact hours for RN or LPN renewal
- Nurses are still expected to remain competent and practice safely under Wisconsin nursing regulations
- The Wisconsin Board may request additional documentation in disciplinary or competency-related cases
- APRN continuing education requirements apply specifically to nurses with prescriptive authority
- APRN renewal cycles expire September 30 of even-numbered years
- APRN should retain CE documentation in case of audit or Board review
- Wisconsin RN licenses expire on the last day of February in even-numbered years; LPN licenses expire on April 30 of odd-numbered years
- Wisconsin does not provide a grace period after license expiration — nurses may not legally practice with an expired license
- Additional reinstatement requirements may apply for long-expired licenses
- Renewal notices are typically sent approximately 8–12 weeks before expiration
- Online renewals are typically processed shortly after submission; processing times may increase during peak renewal periods
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Wisconsin Nursing License
How much does a Wisconsin nursing license cost?
Wisconsin RN and LPN renewal fees are typically $57 if renewed on time. Late renewals may include additional penalties or reinstatement fees. Initial exam application fee is $90; endorsement application fee is $57.
How long does it take to get a Wisconsin nursing license?
Processing times vary depending on application completeness, license verification, and background check review. Most complete applications are processed within a few weeks.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not require continuing education hours for RN or LPN license renewal. However, APRNs must complete continuing education requirements for prescriptive authority renewal.