California is one of the most popular destinations for nurses, but it has its own unique licensing rules and timelines. The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) manages all applications, renewals, and verifications for RNs. Because the state does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, you’ll need to secure a California-specific license before you can legally practice—whether you’re relocating or working a temporary assignment.
This guide explains everything you need to know, including how to apply for licensure by endorsement, how to renew your California RN license, required continuing education, fingerprinting procedures, and what happens if your license expires.
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.
If you are a new graduate who has never been licensed as an RN in any U.S. state or territory, you may apply for California RN licensure by examination.
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
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No. California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. All nurses — including those with multistate licenses — must obtain a California RN license to practice in the state.
Processing times vary based on application type and document completeness. Most nurses receive a California RN license in several weeks to a couple of months.
Delays most commonly occur due to:
Tip: Start early and monitor your BreEZe account for updates.
You may only work once you have an active California RN license or a Temporary License/Interim Permit issued by the BRN.
You cannot work as an RN in California using only an out-of-state license.
Yes. California offers a Temporary License (endorsement applicants) and Interim Permit (exam applicants). These allow you to begin work while your permanent license is processing if fingerprint results have cleared.
RNs must complete 30 contact hours of BRN-approved continuing education every 2 years.
Additional requirements:
California licenses expire at midnight on the last day of the month following your birth month, every two years.
Example:
Birth month: April
Expiration month: May (last day)
