Last Updated: April 2026
Tennessee is a fantastic destination for nurses, offering a vibrant culture and participating fully in the Nurse Licensure Compact for easy relocation. Whether you are moving to the state for a new staff role, accepting a travel assignment, or simply renewing your current credentials, securing your Tennessee nursing license is straightforward once you know exactly what the board expects.Â
The Tennessee Board of Nursing manages RN and LPN licensure through the LARS online portal. This guide is built to help you navigate the state’s unique requirements so you can avoid common delays and start working sooner. We cover the exact steps for endorsement, the 2-of-15 continued competence renewal rules, specific fingerprinting routing codes, the mandatory citizenship form, and upcoming fee changes to keep you compliant.Â
As a dedicated service for clinicians taking future assignments with Advantis Medical, our licensing experts provide 1-on-1 support to reduce stress and shorten processing times.
We’ll help you quickly get your TN license & connect you to top contracts in the state.Â
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.
Tennessee Board of Nursing 665 Mainstream Drive Nashville, TN 37243Â Â
Tennessee requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check through IdentoGO for all applicants. RN applicants must use OCA Code 1703, and LPN applicants must use OCA Code 1704.Â
Once you register with IdentoGO, you have exactly two weeks to complete your fingerprint scanning, or you will have to re-register and pay the fee again. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO’s card-scan services if a Live Scan location is unavailable.Â
Licensure by Endorsement: $115 (Increases to $150 on April 8, 2026)
Licensure by Examination: $0 Â (Increases to $150 on April 8, 2026)Â
License Renewal: $100 (Increases to $140 on April 8, 2026)
Reinstatement Fee: $200Â
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Tennessee nursing licenses are renewed every two years through the Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS) portal. Your license expires at midnight on the last day of your birth month during your renewal year.Â
Tennessee offers a 60-day late renewal period after your expiration date. Practice is strictly prohibited during those 60 days.Â
Tennessee distinguishes itself by using a “2-of-15” Continued Competence model rather than forcing a strict continuing education hour requirement on everyone. You must complete two of fifteen approved professional development activities during each renewal cycle.Â
Popular options include:
If you hold an active, unencumbered license in another U.S. jurisdiction, you can apply to the Tennessee Board of Nursing to endorse your license rather than taking the exam again.Â
You may apply by endorsement if you hold an active license in another state. If you already hold a multistate license in another compact state where you declare residency, you do not need to apply for a Tennessee license until Tennessee legally becomes your primary state of residence.Â
Nurses relocating from one compact state to another must apply for licensure in their new primary state of residence within 60 days.Â
Tennessee may issue temporary permits to qualified endorsement applicants while their permanent license application is under review by the Board.
Once approved, your Tennessee license will be issued and visible in the license lookup system.
First-time RN or LPN applicants educated in an approved nursing program who have not been licensed in any other state.Â
Application Fee:Â $0
NCLEX Exam Fee:Â $200Â
Tennessee is a strong market for travel nurses because of the state’s large healthcare systems and academic medical centers. Major hospital networks operate in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Johnson City, creating steady demand for contract clinicians.Â
Because Tennessee participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, nurses who already hold a multistate license from another compact state can begin assignments in Tennessee without applying for a new license.Â
If you relocate permanently and make Tennessee your primary state of residence, you must apply for Tennessee licensure within 60 days. Explore current travel nursing jobs in Tennessee to find assignments that match your experience.Â
Pro Tip for Travelers
One step that slows many applications is the fingerprint background check. Register with IdentoGO early and complete your scan within the required two-week window so your application does not stall.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in Arizona to find your next great assignment.
Instead of a flat CE hour requirement, Tennessee requires nurses to complete two of fifteen approved professional development activities every two years. Common options include 10 contact hours of continuing education, a national certification, or a satisfactory employer evaluation.
When registering for your background check, RN applicants must use OCA Code 1703 and LPN applicants must use OCA Code 1704. Using the wrong code prevents the Board from receiving your background check results.
he Tennessee Board of Nursing has scheduled a significant fee increase effective April 8, 2026. The endorsement fee will rise from $115 to $150, and the RN/LPN renewal fee will increase from $100 to $140.
 Tennessee provides a 60-day late renewal period after the birth-month expiration date. Practice is strictly prohibited once the license expires; you cannot work during this 60-day window.Â
 The estimated processing time is 4 to 6 weeks after receipt of a completed application.
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