Tennessee License Overview
Compact / eNLCYes — Compact
Endorsement Fee$100
Typical Timing30-60 days
NursysYes
Temporary LicenseYes
Board Phone(615) 532-5166
How Long Does It Take?
Typical timing: 30-60 days.
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
✓ Tennessee is an eNLC compact state. Nurses holding a multistate license from a compact primary state may practice in Tennessee without a separate license.
Permanent License — Endorsement
- Apply online through the Tennessee Board of Nursing online portal and pay the $100 fee.
- Request license verification via Nursys. Tennessee participates in Nursys.
- Submit fingerprints for a background check — Tennessee uses the TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) fingerprinting system. Out-of-state applicants may use an authorized FBI provider.
- Processing typically takes 30–60 days.
Temporary License
- Tennessee offers a temporary permit valid for 90 days.
- Request the temporary permit with your endorsement application through the Board portal.
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
Endorsement fee is $100. Temporary permit is included. Biennial renewal is $100. Background check fees are separate.
Fees change. Always verify current amounts at the official Tennessee Board of Nursing website before applying.
License Renewal
Tennessee RN licenses renew biennially. No continuing education is required (verify current requirements). Renewal fee is $100.
Important Notes for Travel Nurses
- Tennessee is a compact (eNLC) state — nurses with a multistate license from a compact home state may practice without endorsement.
- Nashville is one of the largest travel nurse markets in the Southeast — Vanderbilt and HCA facilities are common placements.
- The Board's online portal provides real-time license verification.
Last reviewed by TGL MedStaff: September 2026 —
Licensing requirements change. Always verify with the
Tennessee Board of Nursing.
