Texas Nursing License
How to get your Texas nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Texas Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Texas, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Texas licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $50 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $68 |
| Continuing education | 20 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
The $50 fee is the Board's examination application fee; the $200 NCLEX exam fee (paid to Pearson VUE) and fingerprinting are separate. Your first license renewal after initial licensure is exempt from continuing education.
Official resources
- Texas Board of 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)
Texas nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Texas?
- Yes. Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Texas without a separate application.
- How much does a Texas nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Texas is $50, and renewal is $68.
- How many continuing-education hours does Texas require?
- Texas requires 20 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Texas nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.