Whether you’re moving to Texas or simply renewing your current license, understanding the Texas nursing license process is essential for staying compliant and avoiding costly delays. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) regulates licensing for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). This guide covers how to apply for a Texas RN or LVN license by endorsement, how to renew your license, continuing education requirements, fingerprinting and jurisprudence exam information, and what to do if your license expires.
In-State (Texas Applicants):
Schedule fingerprinting through the FAST (Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas) program via an approved vendor (IdentoGO/MorphoTrust).
Out-of-State: Submit a fingerprint card or an approved method as required by TBON.
Licensure by Endorsement: $150
Licensure by Examination: $75
RN License Renewal: $68
Late Renewal : $60 -$120
Fingerprinting & Background Checks: ~$39
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Texas Board of Nursing
1801 Congress Avenue, Suite 10-200
Austin, TX 78701
Texas RN licenses renew every 2 years, and you must renew before the expiration date to continue practicing. Renewal notices are sent via email, but you are responsible for renewing even if you do not receive one.
To renew and maintain an active Texas RN license, you must:
Texas does not offer a grace period — practicing after expiration without compact privileges is not permitted.
Texas requires 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education every renewal period. Additional requirements can apply based on practice:
CNE must be completed with a Texas-approved CNE provider, and records must be kept for at least 4 years for audit.
Renewal Fee: $68
Late Fee: Additional $60–$120 depending on time lapsed
If you already hold an active RN license in another U.S. state or territory, you may apply for a Texas nursing license by endorsement. Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so nurses with an active multistate license from another compact state may practice in Texas without obtaining a separate Texas license
You may apply for a Texas RN license by endorsement if you:
If moving to Texas and changing your primary state of residence, you must apply for Texas licensure within 60 days to maintain multi-state privileges.
Endorsement Application Fee: $125
Jurisprudence Exam: No Fee
First-time RN or LVN applicants educated in the U.S. who have not been licensed in any other state.
Application Fee: $75
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
A temporary license allows qualified endorsement applicants to begin practicing in Texas while their full application—specifically the background check—is being processed.
Fee: $0 (No addtional fee)
Time Frame: Typically within 15 days
Validity: 120 days, non-renewable.
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Yes. Texas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which allows nurses to hold a multistate license. If you’re licensed in another compact state, you can work in Texas without applying for a separate Texas license, as long as your permanent residence is in a compact state and your license is active and unencumbered.
To renew your Texas RN license, log in to the Texas Board of Nursing Nurse Portal, complete the renewal application, pay the renewal fee, and meet continuing competency requirements.
Texas RNs must:
If you’re licensed in another state and want to work in Texas, you can apply for a license by endorsement through the Texas BON. You’ll need to:
The BON targets a 15-business-day processing time once all documents are received. However, the entire process often takes 4-8 weeks. To avoid delays, apply early and complete all requirements promptly.
If your license expires, you cannot legally practice. You have a 90-day late renewal period with a $125 fee. After 90 days, your license becomes delinquent and you must apply for reinstatement, which involves additional fees and requirements.
