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.)

Renewal License

Renewal of your license occurs every 2 years

Renewal of your license is done online through BreEZe

30 required contact hours

• This is not required for the first renewal

You may work pending your license renewal providing that the renewal fee has been submitted timely and all renewal requirements have been met.

California License Verification - Endorsement By Another State

California does not participate in Nursys and if you need to verify your CA license, please follow the following steps.

PROCESS

1. Fill out the license verification form provided by the state in which you are seeking licensure. If there is no form, write and sign a letter of request on a blank piece of paper. Be sure either form you use indicates your CA LVN license number, your current name, the name you used when you became licensed in CA and your birth date.

2. Main both the verification form and a check or money order of $100.00 to: California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive Suite 205 Sacramento, CA 95833-2945

3. Allow 4-6 weeks for the request to be processed.

• Refer to your bank account as it’s processed the date your check is cashed.

Timing

Temporary License

Approximately 3-4 weeks upon receipt of all required documents. The temporary license is valid for 6 months.

Permanent License

Approximately 3-4 weeks upon receipt of all required documents.