How to get your license in

1. Complete an application for Licensure by Endorsement online or mail it in.

• Provide a valid United States Social Security Number

2. Pay the associated fees

3. Submit the request for a temporary license

4. Submit a recent 2” x 2” passport-type photograph of yourself

5. Fingerprints & Complete Background Check

• One completed fingerprint card (hard card) or second copy of the Live Scan Service Applicant Submission form (BCII 8016).  
• If you opt to get your fingerprints done through Live Scan, you will need to get them done in California 
• The Board will not issue a license, under any circumstances, until the Board has received the criminal history report back from the DOJ; and the application has been evaluated and approved for licensure. This includes temporary licenses. The DOJ processing time is currently a minimum of 8-12 weeks. Therefore, applicants must keep this in mind when submitting their application.

6. Proof of 12th Grade Education

• All applicants must provide proof of 12th grade education or its equivalent. A high school diploma or GED certificate is acceptable

7. Verification of license from your original nursing license

• If the state participates in Nursys, you must complete the Nursys verification process, pay their fee and designate California as the receipt of the verification.
• If the state does not participate in Nursys, you must contact their state Boards directly for further instructions. They will need to submit an official verification to the California Board of Nursing on your behalf. 
• If your "original" license has expired,you must also send a Verification of Licensure form to the State Board in which you are currently licensed in.

8. Documents and/or letters explaining prior convictions or disciplinary action and attesting to your rehabilitation (if applicable). 

9. For international graduates - send a breakdown of the educational program for international nursing programs form to your school with the Request for Transcript form. Also, provide the Certified English Translation form to your certified translator if your transcript is not in English. (See Supplemental Application Instructions for International Graduates.)