Texas License Overview
Compact / eNLCYes — Compact
Endorsement Fee$150
Typical Timing15 business days
NursysYes
Temporary LicenseNo / See BON
Board Phone(512) 305-7400
How Long Does It Take?
Typical timing: 15 business 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
✓ Texas is an eNLC compact state. Nurses holding a multistate license from a compact primary state may practice in Texas without a separate license.
Permanent License — Endorsement
- Submit your application online through the Texas Nurse Portal and pay the $150 fee.
- Review the full requirements on the Texas BON endorsement page — requirements are the same for RNs and LPNs.
- Complete fingerprinting through the Texas DPS (for Texas residents) or an out-of-state authorized provider using the out-of-state fingerprinting instructions (PDF).
- Pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination (available online through the Texas BON website) — the fee is no more than $25.
- Request license verification via Nursys from all states where you have held a license, active or inactive.
- Provide proof of primary state of residency (driver's license, voter registration, federal tax return, or military form showing home state).
- Processing is approximately 15 business days after all materials are received.
Temporary License
- Texas does not have a separate temporary license application — the temporary permit is automatically issued with the same endorsement application.
- A temporary permit is valid for 120 days and cannot be extended or renewed — it is issued once per lifetime.
- The temporary permit is issued once all items except fingerprint results and license verification have been received by the BON.
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 application fee is $150 (same for RNs and LPNs). Temporary permit has no additional charge. Jurisprudence exam fee is no more than $25. Biennial renewal is $68 for RNs, $45 for LPNs. Background check fees are additional.
Fees change. Always verify current amounts at the official Texas Board of Nursing website before applying.
License Renewal
Texas RN licenses renew every two years during the nurse's birth month (even-numbered birth year = even years; odd birth year = odd years). First renewal does not require CE; all subsequent renewals require 20 CE hours. Renewal fee is $68 for RNs, $45 for LPNs.
Important Notes for Travel Nurses
- Texas is a compact (eNLC) state — nurses with a multistate license from a compact home state may practice without endorsement.
- The Nursing Jurisprudence Exam is required for all new Texas licenses — take it early in your process; scores are provided immediately.
- Your application expires after 12 months if incomplete — missing items will result in a lapsed application and you must reapply and repay.
Last reviewed by TGL MedStaff: September 2026 —
Licensing requirements change. Always verify with the
Texas Board of Nursing.
