Wyoming Nurse License Overview
Getting your Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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, Wyoming 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 | $130 | $115 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $25 | $25 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $90 | $90 |
| Background Check / Fingerprinting | Additional vendor fees apply | Additional vendor fees apply |
Key Sections:
Wyoming License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Wyoming 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: Wyoming Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Wyoming State Board of Nursing | Wyoming State Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved professional nursing program required | Approved practical nursing program required |
| Application Portal | Wyoming WSBN Online Licensing Portal | Wyoming WSBN Online Licensing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed by the Board | Must be disclosed and reviewed by the Board |
| Processing Time | Varies depending on application completeness and fingerprint processing | Varies depending on application completeness and fingerprint processing |
WY Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your endorsement application through the Wyoming State Board of Nursing 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 to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing
- Applicants holding an active license in their exam state may only need verification from that state
- 3.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check is required
- Applicants must complete fingerprinting using Board-approved instructions
- Fingerprint cards are mailed to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing for processing
- 4.
Education & Documentation
- Official transcripts showing degree awarded and graduation date may be required
- Transcripts must be sent directly from the nursing school to the Wyoming Board
- 5.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose prior disciplinary actions
- Applicants must disclose criminal convictions or pending charges
- Additional supporting documentation may be requested for review
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Wyoming may issue a provisional permit while the endorsement application is being processed
- 2.
Eligibility
- Applicants must request the provisional permit during the application process
- Most required application items must be received before issuance
- 3.
Validity
- Wyoming provisional permits are typically valid for 90 days
- Temporary permits are non-renewable
- 4.
Background Check Status
- A provisional permit may be issued before final background check results are received by the Board
Wyoming Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Wyoming
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | Continuing competency required every 2 years (typically ~30 contact hours or equivalent competency pathway) | Renewal is biennial in even-numbered years; competency must be completed before renewal | Must meet Wyoming Board of Nursing continuing competency requirement (education, practice hours, or competency portfolio) |
| LPN | Continuing competency required every 2 years (typically ~30 contact hours or equivalent competency pathway) | Same biennial cycle as RN; competency must be completed prior to renewal | Must meet Wyoming LPN continuing competency requirements |
| APRN | National certification maintenance required (varies by specialty board) | Must maintain active national certification in area of practice | Additional requirements may apply for prescriptive authority (e.g., controlled substance registration, pharmacology CE depending on role) |
Key Notes for Wyoming
- Wyoming uses a continued competency model instead of a fixed CE-only requirement
- Nurses must retain documentation supporting competency compliance in case of Board audit
- APRNs must maintain national certification to remain licensed in Wyoming
- Continuing education activities must be relevant to nursing practice and Board standards
- 400 hours of active nursing practice in the previous 2 years satisfies the competency requirement
- 200–399 practice hours plus 15 continuing education hours is an alternative pathway
- Fewer than 200 practice hours requires a Board-approved refresher or remediation pathway
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Wyoming Nursing License
How much does a Wyoming nursing license cost?
Wyoming RN and LPN renewal fees are typically about $90 every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Wyoming nursing license?
Processing times vary depending on application review, fingerprint background checks, and receipt of all required documents.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Wyoming?
Wyoming uses a continued competency model instead of fixed CE hours. Nurses may qualify through practice hours, continuing education, or Board-approved refresher pathways.