RN Warehouse

Texas nursing license rules

Compact state

RN and LVN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources

Texas is a compact state (since January 2018). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in Texas in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in Texas, your multistate license is issued here.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle20
RN endorsement fee$150
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
Every 2 years, tied to your birth month
Renewal fee
$68
Continuing education
20 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
  • Nursing jurisprudence and ethics (2 hrs, once every third renewal period)
  • Older adult/geriatric care (2 hrs each period, if practice includes older adults)
  • Forensic evidence collection (2 hrs, one time, ER nurses)
  • Human trafficking prevention (HHSC-approved course each period, direct patient care)
Endorsement fee
$150
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Not confirmed yet. Check with the board
How to apply
Apply online; must have worked in nursing or passed NCLEX within past 4 years. Verify license via Nursys (paper form for non-Nursys states such as CA, PA, AL, MI). FBI/DPS criminal background check required.

Moving or traveling

Moving to Texas from another compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days (rule effective 2024-01-02). May keep practicing on the old multistate license until the new one is issued; the old one is then deactivated. Can apply before moving.

Moving here from a non-compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state; a multistate license may be issued if residency and uniform requirements (incl. state and federal fingerprint background checks) are met. The old single-state license is unaffected.

Check another state

Board of nursing

Texas Board of Nursing

Licenses: RN, LVN

Board home · Endorsement · CE rules
This page summarizes Texas's rules from the board's own pages as of October 29, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you apply or renew. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].

Sources