Registered Nurse · Licensing Roadmap
New York RN to California RN License Requirements
Explore licensing pathways, application requirements, fees, fingerprinting, license verification, and compact considerations.
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Source-linked, AI-organized research. Confirm your requirements with the licensing board. This guide does not verify your license or determine eligibility.
Likely pathway †
Pathway conditions to check
- Licensure by Endorsement (RN reciprocity)
Must hold a current and active RN license in another state/territory/Canada.
To determine which option applies: Confirm NY RN license is current and active; confirm whether license is RN (not APRN).
Source 1 ↗ - Licensure by Endorsement (RN reciprocity)
Must complete an educational program meeting all California requirements.
To determine which option applies: Confirm education/degree meets CA requirements; provide transcript content history.
Source 1 ↗ - Licensure by Endorsement (RN reciprocity)
Must pass NCLEX-RN or SBTPE; Canadian Comprehensive is not acceptable.
To determine which option applies: Confirm exam history (NCLEX-RN vs SBTPE vs Canadian Comprehensive).
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - If not passed RN exam in any state
Not eligible for endorsement; must apply for Licensure by Examination instead.
To determine which option applies: Confirm whether you have taken and passed the RN exam in any state.
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - Optional: Coursework Exemption Attestation (lab component)
If you successfully completed other CA educational requirements (including theory) and have practiced in good standing at least two years in another US state/territory, you will not be required to retake the lab component.
To determine which option applies: Confirm at least two years of active practice in good standing; confirm completion of required theory; confirm disciplinary status definition applies to you.
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - Optional: Coursework Exemption Attestation (lab component)
Exemption criteria require proof of successful completion of anatomy/physiology/microbiology coursework via complete transcript submitted by the school, plus at least two years practicing where licensed, plus verification of licensure in other jurisdiction.
To determine which option applies: Provide transcripts and ensure courses meet the Board-prescribed requirements and include lab component as applicable; provide licensure verification.
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ Source 3 ↗ - Optional: Coursework Exemption Attestation definitions
Actively practicing means performing at least one activity within the scope and under authority of license; good standing excludes specified disciplinary actions.
To determine which option applies: Whether any probation/suspension/public reprimand/censure/reproval occurred during the two-year period.
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗
View source
Government fees †
CA RN endorsement fees are non-refundable. The endorsement application fee is $350 for Method 1 (US/territory) and $750 for Method 2 (international); a temporary RN license (optional) is $100. The evidence also lists a $49 “Manual Fingerprint Card Processing (DOJ and FBI)” / fingerprint card fee for out-of-state fingerprint card processing. No specific fee amount for verifying your out-of-state license to CA (board-provided verification fee) is stated in the supplied snippets.
Fee breakdown
- Registered Nurse Endorsement Application (Method 1: US/territory) — $350.00
Licensure by endorsement into California for RN; method for nursing program completed within US/territory
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - Registered Nurse Endorsement Application (Method 2: International Graduate) — $750.00
Licensure by endorsement into California for RN; method for nursing program completed outside US/territory
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - Temporary RN License (optional) — Amount needs confirmation
If requesting a temporary RN license
- Manual Fingerprint Card Processing (DOJ and FBI) / fingerprint card fee — Amount needs confirmation
If submitting fingerprints via manual fingerprint card (Hard Card) processing method
- Coursework Exemption Attestation document submission payment — Amount needs confirmation
When uploading Coursework Exemption Attestation Form as additional document
Source 1 ↗ - Application fees payment method requirement (valid credit card) — Amount needs confirmation
All applicants
Source 1 ↗ - All endorsement fees non-refundable — Amount needs confirmation
All endorsement applicants
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - Total fee payable depends on application method; does not include Live Scan operator fees — Amount needs confirmation
If using Live Scan (electronic fingerprints)
Processing time †
The evidence does not provide an overall endorsement processing time to license issuance. For the optional Coursework Exemption Attestation, it says: “allow approximately two weeks for review of your exemption form.” Temporary licenses are limited to six months and cannot be issued until DOJ/FBI fingerprint processing is completed.
Compact considerations †
If you hold an active multistate RN license, keep your primary residence in its issuing compact state, and retain valid practice privileges. The available evidence did not confirm current NLC participation for California. Do not assume that a multistate license authorizes practice there; confirm with the board.
View source
Application requirements †
Apply online via BreEZe: register for a BreEZe account; select “RN Endorsement”; attach documents; pay application fees with a valid credit card. Provide completed fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card method) and completed “Verification of License” form or a Nursys Verification Application (if your board participates in Nursys). Transcripts are required from all colleges you attended; out-of-state nursing programs may send transcripts electronically (eTranscripts.BRN@dca.ca.gov). For the optional Coursework Exemption Attestation, complete the attestation, upload it under “Manage your application” -> “Submit Additional Documents,” then click “Proceed to Payment” (no payment associated with that submission).
Requirements checklist
- Hold current and active RN license in another state/territory/Canada — Required
Licensure by endorsement (reciprocity)
Source 1 ↗ - Educational program meeting all California requirements — Required
Licensure by endorsement (reciprocity)
Source 1 ↗ - Pass NCLEX-RN or SBTPE (Canadian Comprehensive not acceptable) — Required
Licensure by endorsement (reciprocity)
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - If you have not taken and passed the RN exam in any state, endorsement will not be issued — May apply
If endorsement applicant has not taken and passed the RN exam in any state
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - Complete nursing program meeting all CA educational requirements; make up deficiency prior to licensure — Required
Licensure by endorsement (education)
Source 1 ↗ - Pass NCLEX or SBTPE (US) or acceptable five-part Canadian licensing examination (general endorsement requirement) — Required
Licensure by endorsement (exam requirement)
Source 1 ↗ - Transcripts required from all colleges attended reflecting required nursing, general education, and all nursing courses — Needs confirmation
All applicants for endorsement
- Official transcripts include degree awarded and date conferred when educated outside the US; not accepted if improperly marked — Needs confirmation
If educated outside the United States
- Completed fingerprints using Live Scan or fingerprint card (Hard Card) — Required
All applicants for endorsement
Source 1 ↗ - Fingerprint processing gating temporary license issuance by DOJ and FBI — May apply
If requesting temporary license
Source 1 ↗ - Temporary license may be issued for a period of six months while awaiting permanent issuance — May apply
If requesting temporary license
Source 1 ↗ - Completed “Verification of License” form or Nursys Verification Application (if your board participates in Nursys) — Required
All applicants for endorsement
Source 1 ↗ - Verification reason: ensure applicant is safe to practice in California — Required
All applicants for endorsement
Source 1 ↗ - Nursys verifications expire 90 days from date of request — May apply
If using Nursys verification
Source 1 ↗ - Proof for optional coursework exemption: successful completion of anatomy/physiology/microbiology coursework (with or without lab) via complete transcript submitted by school — May apply
If requesting coursework exemption for lab component
Source 1 ↗ - Proof for optional coursework exemption: at least two years practicing in another US state/territory where licensed — May apply
If requesting coursework exemption for lab component
Source 1 ↗ - Coursework exemption: if criteria met, you will not be required to retake anatomy/physiology/microbiology course including lab component — May apply
If requesting coursework exemption for lab component
Source 1 ↗ - Coursework Exemption Attestation submission via BreEZe: upload under “Submit Additional Documents” and click “Proceed to Payment”; no payment associated with that document submission — May apply
If requesting coursework exemption
Source 1 ↗ Source 2 ↗ - Coursework exemption review timing: allow approximately two weeks for review of your exemption form — May apply
If requesting coursework exemption
Source 1 ↗ - If requesting exemption but transcripts or out-of-state license verification are deficient, BRN may be unable to process request — May apply
If deficient for transcripts or out-of-state license verification
Source 1 ↗
View 5 sources
License verification †
Endorsement requires “Verification of licensure in the other jurisdiction…to ensure that the applicant is safe to practice in California.” Verification is submitted via a “Verification of License” form or a “Nursys® Verification Application” if applicable. “Nursys® verifications expire 90 days from the date of request,” and you should not request early so it doesn’t expire before your file is evaluated.
Fingerprinting and background checks †
Evidence confirms fingerprints are required for endorsement (“Completed fingerprints using either Live Scan or fingerprint card”). It also states temporary licenses cannot be issued until DOJ and FBI processing of the fingerprint card or live scan is completed. The evidence provided does not enumerate additional background/disqualifying event reporting details for CA endorsement.
Education and transcripts †
For endorsement, you must have completed “an educational program meeting all California requirements.” Transcripts are required from all colleges you attended and must reflect required nursing, general education, and nursing courses. For the optional out-of-state coursework exemption (lab component), if you successfully completed required CA theory and have been “practicing in good standing for at least two years,” you “will not be required to retake” the lab component; proof must be provided via complete transcripts submitted by the school and via licensure verification.
Documents to prepare †
For endorsement, you must submit: completed fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card method); a “Verification of License” form or “Nursys® Verification Application” (if applicable); and transcripts from all colleges attended. For the optional exemption, complete the “Coursework Exemption Attestation Form” and upload it in BreEZe (“Manage your application” -> “Submit Additional Documents”). If requesting exemption and if you are deficient for transcripts or out-of-state license verification, the BRN states it will be unable to process the request.
Responsible agency †
California’s RN endorsement is handled by the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) and uses BreEZe for online submission (“Register for a BreEZe account”). Temporary license issuance is described as tied to DOJ/FBI fingerprint processing. The Coursework Exemption Attestation and mailing address identify the BRN’s location in Sacramento.
Some details in marked sections could not be confirmed. The text explains what remains uncertain; confirm those details with the licensing board before applying.
Details still to confirm
- Application requirements
BreEZe screen-by-screen steps are referenced but not fully captured in the supplied snippets. Discipline/rehabilitation instructions are mentioned but the complete list of required submission items beyond the brief scan/attach notes is not fully provided.
- License verification
Nursys verification workflow is partly described, but additional detail on timing/workflow for this endorsement file is not fully provided in the snippets.
- Fingerprinting and background checks
Evidence confirms fingerprints/DOJ-FBI processing gating temporary licenses, but does not enumerate all other endorsement background or disciplinary reporting requirements.
- Education and transcripts
Beyond general education/transcript requirement and the lab-component exemption, the snippets do not provide a complete list of all CA educational course requirements for endorsement.
- Government fees
Evidence provides endorsement and temporary license amounts and a fingerprint card processing amount, but does not provide verification fees charged by other boards or total fee combinations for every scenario.
- Processing time
No overall endorsement processing time to issuance is provided; only coursework exemption review timing (~2 weeks) is stated.
- Compact considerations
Current destination-state compact participation was not confirmed by the validated evidence. Confirm participation, your license type and primary residence before relying on multistate privileges.
- Responsible agency
Evidence shows BRN and BreEZe references, but does not provide complete submission contact details beyond the BRN address shown on the attestation form snippet.
- Documents to prepare
The supplied snippets confirm required document types (fingerprints, verification, transcripts, exemption attestation) but do not fully list every attachment/form referenced by the endorsement packet.