California Nursing License
How to get your California nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the California Board of Registered Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
California licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $300 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $190 |
| Continuing education | 30 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | No |
The $300 fee is for a California-graduate application by examination; out-of-state and endorsement applicants pay different fees, and fingerprinting ($49) is separate. Not an NLC member — an individual California license is required even for compact-license holders.
Official resources
- California Board of Registered Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
California nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in California?
- No. California is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so you must hold an individual California nursing license even if you carry a multistate compact license.
- How much does a California nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in California is $300, and renewal is $190.
- How many continuing-education hours does California require?
- California requires 30 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a California nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.