Texas nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Texas license by endorsement: the application fee ($150 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Texas |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Texas Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. DPS and FBI criminal background check based on fingerprints submitted through the board's fingerprint vendor; results must go directly to the board. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license, up to 120 days. One-time license issued if eligible, within fifteen business days of receipt of completed application and fee. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $68 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 20 contact hours. 20 contact hours of CNE, or Board-approved national certification in area of practice. Also 2 hours jurisprudence/ethics every third licensing period. |
| Processing time, per the board | Review takes place "within fifteen business days of receipt of the last item that completed your application." |
How to get your Texas license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Texas without applying again. If you move your residence to Texas, you apply for a Texas license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary license valid up to 120 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $150 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Texas
- Texas nursing jurisprudence exam must be passed before a permanent license is issued; exam cost is included in the application fee.
- Endorsement requires having practiced nursing in another state within the previous four years (Rule 217.5).
- Endorsement fee of $150 includes the nursing jurisprudence exam fee.
What RNs earn in Texas
The BLS median for registered nurses in Texas is $43.27 per hour, about $90,010 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Texas.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $47.47 | $98,740 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $47.02 | $97,810 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $45.77 | $95,210 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $45.63 | $94,900 |
| Midland, TX | $42.53 | $88,460 |
| Waco, TX | $41.98 | $87,330 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Texas · Texas state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Texas Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- bon.texas.gov/licensure_endorsement.asp.html (board website, endorsement application, background check, Nursys verification, temporary license, processing time, state notes)
- bon.texas.gov/forms_fees.asp.html (fees, renewal, renewal fee)
- bon.texas.gov/education_continuing_education.asp.html (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Texas Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Texas nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Texas Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $150 for an RN and $150 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Texas a nurse licensure compact state?
Texas is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in Texas while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license, valid up to 120 days. One-time license issued if eligible, within fifteen business days of receipt of completed application and fee. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Texas nurses need?
RN renewal requires 20 contact hours of continuing education. 20 contact hours of CNE, or Board-approved national certification in area of practice. Also 2 hours jurisprudence/ethics every third licensing period. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Texas license?
The board says: Review takes place "within fifteen business days of receipt of the last item that completed your application."
Does Valorem Health help with Texas licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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