Transfer Your Nursing License to California: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: California Board of Registered Nursing ↗
No license transfers into California automatically: it is one of the non-compact jurisdictions, and a compact multistate license carries no privilege there. The route is licensure by endorsement with the California Board of Registered Nursing ($350 (US-educated endorsement application ($750 if internationally educated); + $49 fingerprint hard card if out of state (Live Scan vendor fees vary); optional $100 temporary license)); your NCLEX pass transfers, the license does not.
Moving to California from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Plan the timeline first. Because California recognizes no outside license, you cannot legally work a single shift there until its own license (or temporary permit, where offered) is in hand — and unlike compact states, there is no shortcut for travel or telehealth work either.
Not an NLC member — a multistate compact license does not authorize practice in California, so licensure by endorsement is the only path in for an out-of-state RN.
California requirements at a glance
| Exam | NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements |
|
| Fees | $350 (US-educated endorsement application ($750 if internationally educated); + $49 fingerprint hard card if out of state (Live Scan vendor fees vary); optional $100 temporary license) |
| Processing time | 10–13 weeks (initial evaluation mandated within 90 days; board processing page (June 2026) was reviewing US endorsement applications received about 10-12 weeks earlier; temporary license available) |
Step by step
- Confirm California's current requirements on the California Board of Registered Nursing website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the California Board of Registered Nursing (application linked on this page).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based DOJ and FBI background check via California Live Scan or fingerprint hard card.
- Request license verification through Nursys or submit the Verification of License form.
- Have official transcripts sent directly from your nursing school.
- Hold a current, active RN license in another state, US territory, or Canada.
- Apply online through the BreEZe system.
- Pay the fees ($350 (US-educated endorsement application ($750 if internationally educated); + $49 fingerprint hard card if out of state (Live Scan vendor fees vary); optional $100 temporary license)) and allow 10–13 weeks (initial evaluation mandated within 90 days; board processing page (June 2026) was reviewing US endorsement applications received about 10-12 weeks earlier; temporary license available).
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into California:
All 50 origin states
Frequently asked questions
Does my nursing license transfer to California?
No license transfers into California automatically: it is one of the non-compact jurisdictions, and a compact multistate license carries no privilege there. The route is licensure by endorsement with the California Board of Registered Nursing ($350 (US-educated endorsement application ($750 if internationally educated); + $49 fingerprint hard card if out of state (Live Scan vendor fees vary); optional $100 temporary license)); your NCLEX pass transfers, the license does not.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in California?
No. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys. No state requires a second NCLEX.
How much does it cost to transfer an RN license to California?
$350 (US-educated endorsement application ($750 if internationally educated); + $49 fingerprint hard card if out of state (Live Scan vendor fees vary); optional $100 temporary license) (US-educated endorsement application ($750 if internationally educated); + $49 fingerprint hard card if out of state (Live Scan vendor fees vary); optional $100 temporary license).
How long does California take to process an endorsement application?
10–13 weeks (initial evaluation mandated within 90 days; board processing page (June 2026) was reviewing US endorsement applications received about 10-12 weeks earlier; temporary license available) — initial evaluation mandated within 90 days; board processing page (June 2026) was reviewing US endorsement applications received about 10-12 weeks earlier; temporary license available.
Is California in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
No. California does not participate as of 2026-07-21, so compact multistate licenses carry no practice privilege there.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- California BRN — Licensure by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California BRN — Endorsement Application Fees & Instructions (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California BRN — Processing Times ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]