California License Overview
Compact / eNLCNo — Non-Compact
Endorsement Fee$350 RN / $300 LPN
Typical Timing10-12 weeks
NursysYes
Temporary LicenseYes
Board Phone(916) 322-3350
How Long Does It Take?
Typical timing: 10-12 weeks.
TGL Recruiter tip: Processing estimates change with fingerprint delays, missing documents, and application volume. Confirm the current timeline with the Board before promising a start date — and always start early.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
ℹ California is a non-compact state. A separate California RN license is required to practice there, regardless of your home state or compact status.
Permanent License — Endorsement
- Submit an online application through BreEZe, California's online licensing system, and pay the $350 RN endorsement fee ($300 for LPNs).
- Arrange fingerprinting through the California Department of Justice. In-state applicants must use a California LiveScan site. Out-of-state applicants submit FD-258 hard-card fingerprints — request the card from the Board or a local law enforcement agency.
- California does not participate in Nursys. Request license verification by mail: send a signed request with your CA license number, current name, name used when licensed, and date of birth to the Board, along with a $100 check.
- RNs must submit official transcripts from their nursing program — California-approved schools submit electronically; out-of-state and international programs should mail official transcripts to brn.etranscripts@dca.ca.gov or the Board address.
- LPNs must provide proof of 12th-grade education or equivalent.
- Processing takes 10–12 weeks after all required documents are received. Applications submitted online process significantly faster than by mail.
Temporary License
- Apply for a temporary RN license simultaneously with your permanent endorsement application through BreEZe.
- A temporary license is valid for six months and allows you to work while the permanent license is processed.
- The Board must receive and process fingerprint results from both the California DOJ and FBI before a temporary license is issued. Prior convictions may delay issuance.
TGL Recruiter tip: Start the licensing process as early as possible — especially for non-compact states, which can take 8–12 weeks. Your TGL recruiter will track your application status and help you time your assignment start date.
Fees
RN endorsement fee is $350; LPN fee is $300. Temporary license is $100 for RNs (no temporary license currently available for LPNs). Out-of-state fingerprint card is $49. License verification from CA to another state costs $100 by mail.
Fees change. Always verify current amounts at the official California Board of Nursing website before applying.
License Renewal
California RN licenses are issued for two birthdays (not necessarily two years) and expire on the last day of the month after your birthday. Subsequent renewals are every two years. Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education (no CE required for first renewal). RN renewal fee is $190; LPN renewal is $305.
Important Notes for Travel Nurses
- California is non-compact — a separate California license is required regardless of your home state compact status.
- California does not participate in Nursys. Verification must be requested by mail with a $100 fee — plan for a 4–6 week turnaround for outgoing verification.
- Active duty military spouses or domestic partners receive expedited application review — notify the Board at time of application.
Last reviewed by TGL MedStaff: September 2026 —
Licensing requirements change. Always verify with the
California Board of Nursing.
