How to get your RN license in Kansas

Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

To get your first RN license in Kansas, you graduate from an approved nursing program, apply for licensure by examination through the Kansas State Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, and pass the NCLEX-RN. Yes. Kansas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. KSBN requires all initial applicants to submit a criminal background check via an FD Form 258 fingerprint card (plus waivers and a $57 fee) prior to license issuance.

Getting licensed in Kansas at a glance

Background check: Yes. Kansas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. KSBN requires all initial applicants to submit a criminal background check via an FD Form 258 fingerprint card (plus waivers and a $57 fee) prior to license issuance.
Application fee: $100 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Kansas statute K.S.A. 65-1115(e) authorizes the board to issue a temporary permit to practice as a registered professional nurse for a period not to exceed 120 days.
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Kansas State Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-07-08. Fees and rules change; confirm with the board before you rely on a figure.

Steps to get licensed in Kansas

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2Apply for licensure by examination through the Kansas State Board of Nursing and pay the $100 application fee.
3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
6Apply for a temporary/graduate-nurse permit if you need to work before the permanent license issues.
7The Kansas State Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: Kansas State Board of Nursing. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Kansas? See licensure by endorsement instead.

Kansas RN licensing FAQ

Does Kansas require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?: Yes. Kansas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. KSBN requires all initial applicants to submit a criminal background check via an FD Form 258 fingerprint card (plus waivers and a $57 fee) prior to license issuance.
How much does the Kansas RN license application cost?: The initial Kansas RN license-by-examination application fee is $100. This is separate from the NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and any fingerprint/background-check vendor fee. Confirm the current amount on the Kansas State Board of Nursing portal before you pay.
Can I work in Kansas before my RN license is issued?: Kansas issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Kansas statute K.S.A. 65-1115(e) authorizes the board to issue a temporary permit to practice as a registered professional nurse for a period not to exceed 120 days. Confirm the exact conditions with the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
How do I apply for my first RN license in Kansas?: Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Kansas State Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

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How to get your RN license in Kansas

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

Getting licensed in Kansas at a glance

Background check: Yes. Kansas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. KSBN requires all initial applicants to submit a criminal background check via an FD Form 258 fingerprint card (plus waivers and a $57 fee) prior to license issuance.
Application fee: $100 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Kansas statute K.S.A. 65-1115(e) authorizes the board to issue a temporary permit to practice as a registered professional nurse for a period not to exceed 120 days.
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Kansas State Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-07-08. Fees and rules change; confirm with the board before you rely on a figure.

Steps to get licensed in Kansas

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).

2Apply for licensure by examination through the Kansas State Board of Nursing and pay the $100 application fee.

3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.

4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.

5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.

6Apply for a temporary/graduate-nurse permit if you need to work before the permanent license issues.

7The Kansas State Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: Kansas State Board of Nursing. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Kansas? See licensure by endorsement instead.

Kansas RN licensing FAQ

Does Kansas require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?

Yes. Kansas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. KSBN requires all initial applicants to submit a criminal background check via an FD Form 258 fingerprint card (plus waivers and a $57 fee) prior to license issuance.

How much does the Kansas RN license application cost?

The initial Kansas RN license-by-examination application fee is $100. This is separate from the NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and any fingerprint/background-check vendor fee. Confirm the current amount on the Kansas State Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

Can I work in Kansas before my RN license is issued?

Kansas issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Kansas statute K.S.A. 65-1115(e) authorizes the board to issue a temporary permit to practice as a registered professional nurse for a period not to exceed 120 days. Confirm the exact conditions with the Kansas State Board of Nursing.

How do I apply for my first RN license in Kansas?

Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Kansas State Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

How to get your RN license in Kansas

Getting licensed in Kansas at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Kansas

Kansas RN licensing FAQ

Related guides

More for Kansas nurses

Your license starts a renewal clock

Keep your new license active and audit-ready, free

How to get your RN license in Kansas

Getting licensed in Kansas at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Kansas

Kansas RN licensing FAQ

Related guides

More for Kansas nurses

Your license starts a renewal clock

Keep your new license active and audit-ready, free