Securing a California nursing license grants access to one of the highest-paying and most sought-after healthcare markets in the country. Because California is not a compact state, every inbound nurse must secure a single-state credential, and the biggest friction point is the notoriously slow fingerprint and transcript review process. Delaying your out-of-state fingerprint cards or transcript requests guarantees your application will sit pending.
This guide outlines the exact steps to navigate the state’s complex application pathways efficiently. You will find clear instructions for licensure by endorsement, Live Scan fingerprinting, the 30-hour continuing education framework, and temporary permit eligibility. This resource helps you clear the California Board of Registered Nursing requirements quickly so you can begin practicing without unnecessary delays.
For clinicians exploring travel assignments with Advantis, our licensing specialists provide guidance through the licensing process to reduce stress and help shorten processing times.
We’ll help you quickly get your CA license & connect you to top contracts in the state.
Our licensing specialists are your partners in navigating the complexities of state licensing so you can move forward with confidence. From understanding state requirements to submitting documentation, our team works closely with you to keep the process simple, organized, and efficient.
California requires all RN applicants to complete a state and federal criminal background check through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI.
Do not delay your fingerprint submission. The California Board of Registered Nursing cannot finalize your permanent license or issue a temporary permit until your background check results are successfully processed.
In State (California Applicants): Complete Live Scan fingerprinting at a California-approved site. Results are sent electronically to the BRN; most transmit within 72 hours.
Out-of-State: Request a FD-258 fingerprint card through the BRN, have fingerprints rolled by local law enforcement, then mail the card and required forms. Paper fingerprint processing may take several weeks.
Licensure by Endorsement: $350
Licensure by Examination: $300
RN License Renewal: $190
Temporary RN License: $100
Late Renewal: $280
Duplicate/Replacement Fee: $35
License Verification: $100
Fingerprinting & Background Checks: ~$49
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
California Board of Registered Nursing
P.O. Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
California RN licenses are renewed every two years, and your expiration date is set for the end of the month after your birth month. Renewal opens in your BreEZe account approximately 90 days before your license expires.
California does not offer a grace period — if you do not renew by the deadline, your license becomes delinquent and you cannot work until it is renewed.
California requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years.
Nurses renewing for the first time who were licensed less than 2 years may be exempt from the 30-hour CE requirement (except implicit bias requirement)
Renewal Fee: $190
Delinquent Fee: $280 (if renewing after expiration)
If you let your license lapse (delinquent status) less than eight years: you must submit renewal fee + 30 CE hours completed within past 2 years + fingerprints/background check as applicable.
If the license has been lapsed more than eight years: you’ll need the above plus either a current valid RN license in another state/territory/Canada or pass the RN licensing exam again
If you hold a current, active RN license in another U.S. state or Canadian province, you can apply for a California RN license by endorsement. Because California is not a compact state, even nurses with multistate licenses must apply for a California license before practicing in the state.
You may apply for a California RN license by endorsement if you:
Endorsement Application Fee: $350
Fingerprint Processing Fee: $49 + Live Scan vendor fee (varies)
Optional temporary license: $100
Create or log in to your BreEZe account and select “RN by Endorsement.” Complete the form fully and pay the $350 application fee online.
Provide verification from your original state and any other states where you hold a license.
Transcripts must be sent directly from your school or through Parchment or Student Clearinghouse. If needed, schools can email to brn.etranscripts@dca.ca.gov.
Submit documentation and a statement explaining any past disciplinary actions.
After submitting your endorsement application, you may apply for a Temporary RN License through BreEZe.
This pathway is for new graduates who have never been licensed as an RN in any U.S. state or territory.
Application Fee: $300 (California Graduates) or $350 (Out-Of-State Graduates)
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
If you’re awaiting full California license issuance and want to begin working sooner, you may apply for a Temporary License through the California BRN.
Temporary License Fee: $200
Time Frame: 2-3 weeks
The temporary license cannot be renewed or extended beyond six months
California is a premier destination for travel nurses, offering extensive clinical opportunities across major healthcare hubs such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento. Because California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, travelers holding a multistate license cannot practice here without first obtaining a single-state California credential. Whether you are visiting for a short-term contract or relocating permanently, you must apply for licensure by endorsement. Endorsement applicants can utilize a temporary license to begin practicing while the state processes their permanent background checks and transcripts.
Planning your next assignment? Review our travel nursing jobs in California to explore open opportunities.
Pro Tip for Travelers: Submitting hard FD-258 fingerprint cards is the most common cause of endorsement delays for out-of-state nurses. Do not wait for the Board to prompt you; request your fingerprint cards immediately and mail them to the California Board of Registered Nursing to prevent your start date from being pushed back by several weeks.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in California to find your next great assignment.
No. California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). All nurses must obtain a single-state California RN license to practice in the state, even if they hold a multistate license elsewhere.
The California RN license renewal fee is $190. If you renew after your expiration date, the Board assesses an additional $90 delinquent fee, bringing the total cost to $280.
California requires 30 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education every two years. New licensees must also complete one hour of implicit bias training within their first renewal period.
Most California RN licenses are issued within several weeks to a few months. Delays are most commonly caused by manual fingerprint processing, missing transcripts, or name discrepancies between official documents.
Yes. The California Board of Registered Nursing may issue a temporary license to qualified endorsement applicants for a $100 fee. This permit allows you to practice for up to six months while your permanent license is being processed, provided your fingerprint background check has cleared.
California RN licenses expire at midnight on the last day of the month following your birth month every two years. The state offers no grace period, and your license becomes delinquent immediately if not renewed on time.
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