If you hold an active registered nurse (RN) license in another state and want to work in California, you must meet the state’s licensing requirements before you begin practicing. California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so an out-of-state license does not automatically authorize you to work there.
The California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) offers licensure by endorsement for eligible nurses who already hold a license in another jurisdiction. This process involves an application, license verification, fingerprints, and education records. Understanding each requirement can help you prepare your documents and avoid preventable delays.
What Is a California RN License by Endorsement?
California RN license by endorsement is the process for obtaining a California nursing license when you already hold an RN license from another state, U.S. territory, or qualifying Canadian jurisdiction. You do not need to repeat the NCLEX-RN if you have already passed an accepted licensing examination and meet the other requirements.
The California BRN reviews your current license, nursing education, examination history, and background check before issuing a license. It may request additional documents if your application does not establish that you meet California’s requirements.
Endorsement is different from applying for your first RN license by examination. If you have never passed an accepted RN licensing examination or do not hold the required active license, you may need to apply through a different process.
Review the California BRN’s endorsement requirements before submitting your application.
Is California a Compact State?
No. California is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Nurses who hold multistate licenses through participating compact states must still obtain a California license before practicing in California.
For example, an RN with a multistate license from Texas cannot rely on that license alone to accept a nursing assignment in California. The nurse must meet California’s licensing requirements and receive the appropriate authorization to practice.
If you plan to work in California temporarily, start the endorsement process before accepting an assignment with a firm start date. This gives you time to complete the application and address any issues that arise during the review.
California RN License Requirements for Out-of-State Nurses
Before applying, confirm that you meet the California BRN’s basic eligibility requirements.
- Active RN license: You must hold a current, active RN license from another U.S. state, territory, or qualifying Canadian jurisdiction.
- Accepted licensing examination: You must have passed the NCLEX-RN, the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE), or an accepted five-part Canadian examination. The Canadian Comprehensive Examination does not qualify.
- Qualifying nursing education: Your nursing education must meet California’s requirements. The BRN reviews your official transcripts and may identify missing coursework.
- Fingerprint-based background check: You must complete the required state and federal criminal history checks.
- Application documents: You must provide the information and supporting documents the BRN requires for your application.
California also requires a valid U.S. Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for its online endorsement application. Review the current application instructions to confirm all eligibility conditions before starting.
Do You Need Additional Nursing Coursework?
California reviews nursing education carefully, including required prerequisite courses and nursing theory and clinical components. Some out-of-state applicants may discover that their original education does not meet every California requirement.
However, certain nurses may qualify for a coursework exemption. Under a rule effective October 1, 2023, eligible applicants who have completed the required theory coursework in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology and have practiced in good standing for at least two years in another U.S. state or territory may qualify for an exemption from repeating courses solely because they lacked laboratory components.
You must provide the required transcripts, license verification, and exemption attestation. The BRN determines whether you qualify. Do not assume that every out-of-state RN automatically receives this exemption.
How to Get a California Nursing License From Another State
Follow these steps to complete your California RN license by endorsement application.
Step 1: Create a BreEZe Account and Apply
Visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ BreEZe online licensing system and create an account if you do not already have one.
Select RN Endorsement from the application options and complete the required information. The application asks about your personal details, education, existing nursing license, examination history, and professional background.
Review each answer before submitting. Attach the documents requested by the BRN when the application allows you to do so. A complete application can reduce follow-up requests and help prevent avoidable delays.
If you have already submitted a paper application, do not submit a second online application without checking with the BRN. Duplicate submissions may slow the process.
Step 2: Arrange Official License Verification
The BRN needs confirmation that you hold a current, active RN license in another jurisdiction.
If your licensing state participates in Nursys, request an official license verification through Nursys. The California BRN does not accept the Nursys QuickConfirm service as a substitute for the required verification.
If your state does not participate in Nursys, contact its board of nursing and follow its procedure for sending official verification directly to California.
Timing matters. Nursys verifications expire 90 days after the request date. Follow the BRN’s instructions on when to request verification, so your record remains valid during the review.
Step 3: Complete the Fingerprint Requirement
California requires fingerprints for state and federal criminal history checks. You must submit your endorsement application before completing the fingerprint process.
You can use one of two methods:
California Live Scan: If you can visit California, electronic Live Scan is the preferred option. Complete the BRN’s fingerprint form and visit a participating Live Scan provider located in California. You pay the provider’s fingerprinting and any applicable rolling fees directly.
Manual fingerprint card: If you live outside California and cannot complete Live Scan in the state, you generally need the FD-258 fingerprint card. Arrange fingerprinting through an appropriate local law enforcement agency, complete the required card, and mail it to the BRN according to its instructions.
Manual fingerprint processing can take considerably longer. The BRN states that hard-card processing may take up to 90 days on average, although actual timing varies.
Use the official BRN fingerprint instructions to confirm the correct forms, payment, and mailing requirements.
Step 4: Request Your Official Nursing Transcripts
Your nursing school must send your official transcripts directly to the BRN. For out-of-state U.S. nursing programs, the Board accepts electronic transcripts sent directly by the school or through an approved electronic transcript provider.
Electronic transcripts must go to [email protected].
The BRN reviews your education to confirm that you meet California’s licensing requirements. Missing records or questions about prerequisite courses may lead to additional requests.
Contact your school early and confirm that it has sent the transcripts correctly. Do not assume that uploading an unofficial transcript yourself will satisfy the requirement.
Step 5: Pay the Required Fees
The standard fees for a U.S.-educated RN applying for endorsement from another state or territory are:
| Item | Fee |
| RN endorsement application | $350 |
| Optional temporary RN license | $100 |
| Manual fingerprint card processing | $49 |
Live Scan providers charge their own fingerprinting fees. The $49 manual fingerprint card processing fee does not replace any separate fee charged by the agency that takes your fingerprints.
The BRN lists a separate $750 endorsement application fee for international graduates. Nurses who completed their nursing education outside the United States should review the applicable requirements before choosing the correct application route.
Fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Check the official California BRN fee schedule before paying, as fees and requirements may change.
Step 6: Monitor Your Application Status
After submitting your application, check your BreEZe account for updates and review the BRN’s instructions for tracking your application.
Make sure your school, licensing board, and fingerprint provider have completed their parts of the process. If the BRN requests additional documents, respond promptly and follow the stated submission instructions.
Avoid repeatedly contacting the Board while your application remains within its published processing timeframe. Instead, use the official BRN processing-times page to understand current estimates and check when the Board is reviewing applications like yours.
Once your licensing requirements are clear, you can explore available registered nurse jobs with Imperial Locum and review the qualifications listed for each role.
Can You Get a Temporary RN License in California?
Yes. Eligible out-of-state nurses may request a temporary RN license while the BRN processes their permanent California license.
You must submit your endorsement application first. You can request the temporary license with that application or later, before the Board issues your permanent license. You cannot apply for a temporary license alone.
The temporary license is valid for up to six months. However, the BRN must receive and process your fingerprint results from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before issuing it.
You must also meet the applicable documentation and fee requirements. A temporary license is not guaranteed, and an incomplete application or background check issue can delay issuance.
If your temporary license approaches its expiration date and you have not received your permanent license, contact the BRN for instructions. Do not assume you can continue working after the temporary license expires.
Review the California RN temporary license requirements before relying on this option for a planned job start.
If you are planning your next career move, review registered nurse opportunities at DSH Coalinga and check the license requirements before applying.
How Long Does California RN Endorsement Take?
The time required to obtain a California RN license by endorsement depends on the BRN’s workload and how quickly it receives all required documents.
The Board’s published processing page has listed a 10–12-week mandatory timeframe for U.S. endorsement applications in its recent estimates. This is a planning reference, not a guarantee that every application will be completed within that period. Check the current BRN processing times before making employment decisions.
Several issues can extend the process:
- Delayed transcripts: Your nursing school may take time to send official records.
- Incomplete license verification: Your previous state may not have completed the verification request.
- Fingerprint delays: Manual fingerprint cards can take longer to process than electronic Live Scan.
- Education questions: The BRN may need additional information about your courses or clinical education.
- Background review: Certain background check results or disciplinary matters may require further review.
If you plan to accept a California nursing assignment, start the application early and allow extra time for unexpected requests. Do not promise an employer a start date based solely on the average processing estimate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Endorsement Process
A few simple checks can help you avoid preventable application delays.
- Applying with an inactive license: Confirm that your current license is active before requesting verification.
- Requesting verification too early: Follow the BRN’s timing instructions to avoid an expired Nursys verification.
- Using the wrong fingerprint method: Live Scan must take place in California. Applicants who cannot access a California Live Scan provider should review the manual fingerprint card process.
- Sending unofficial transcripts: Ask your school to send official records directly to the BRN.
- Assuming a temporary license is automatic: The Board must process your fingerprints and review the applicable requirements before issuing it.
- Relying on old fee or processing information: Check the official BRN pages before submitting payment or planning a job start.
Explore RN Job Opportunities in California
Once you understand the endorsement process, you can explore nursing roles that match your experience, qualifications, and preferred work setting. Before applying, confirm that you meet the licensing and employer requirements for each position.
Imperial Locum lists registered nurse opportunities at California state-operated facilities. Explore RN jobs at DSH Napa and RN positions at DSH Patton to review available opportunities and their requirements.
If you are still working toward your first nursing license, read our guide on how long it takes to become a registered nurse. It explains the education and licensing steps involved in entering the profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens if California Finds a Deficiency in My Nursing Education?
The BRN may request additional documents or identify coursework you still need to complete. It will review your records to determine whether you meet California’s education requirements.
Do I Need to Repeat Anatomy, Physiology, or Microbiology Coursework?
Not always. Some applicants may qualify for California’s coursework exemption if they meet the Board of Registered Nursing’s requirements, including eligible theory coursework and qualifying nursing experience. Check the official guidelines and submit the required attestation form through BreEZe if you qualify.
Can I Get a California RN License by Endorsement Without Passing the NCLEX?
No. Applicants generally must have passed the NCLEX-RN or an accepted earlier licensing examination to qualify for endorsement. If you have never passed an accepted exam, you may need to apply for licensure by examination instead. Contact the California Board of Registered Nursing to confirm your eligibility.
What Steps Can Help Speed Up the RN Endorsement Process?
Start by checking the destination state’s licensing requirements. Request license verification early, complete fingerprinting correctly, submit all required documents, and monitor your application for updates. Keep copies of your application and related correspondence.
What Is the Difference Between RN Endorsement and an NLC Multistate License?
RN endorsement lets you apply for a nursing license in another state. An NLC multistate license allows eligible nurses to practice in participating compact states without obtaining a separate license in each state, provided they meet compact requirements.
Can I renew my temporary California RN license if my permanent license is delayed?
A temporary license is valid for up to six months. If your permanent license has not been issued as the expiration date approaches, contact the BRN for guidance on whether you can request another temporary license. Do not assume an extension will be granted.
