How to get your RN license in Texas

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 Texas, you graduate from an approved nursing program, apply for licensure by examination through the Texas Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, and pass the NCLEX-RN. Yes. Texas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Effective 2004, all applicants for initial Texas RN licensure must submit fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check completed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI, sent directly to the Board.

Getting licensed in Texas at a glance

Background check: Yes. Texas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Effective 2004, all applicants for initial Texas RN licensure must submit fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check completed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI, sent directly to the Board.
Application fee: $75 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Under Board Rule 22 TAC §217.3, a new graduate applying for initial licensure by examination may be issued a non-renewable Graduate Nurse (GN) temporary authorization to practice, valid up to 75 days, pending NCLEX-RN results.
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Texas 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 Texas

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2Apply for licensure by examination through the Texas Board of Nursing and pay the $75 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 Texas Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Texas RN licensing FAQ

Does Texas require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?: Yes. Texas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Effective 2004, all applicants for initial Texas RN licensure must submit fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check completed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI, sent directly to the Board.
How much does the Texas RN license application cost?: The initial Texas RN license-by-examination application fee is $75. 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 Texas Board of Nursing portal before you pay.
Can I work in Texas before my RN license is issued?: Texas issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Under Board Rule 22 TAC §217.3, a new graduate applying for initial licensure by examination may be issued a non-renewable Graduate Nurse (GN) temporary authorization to practice, valid up to 75 days, pending NCLEX-RN results. Confirm the exact conditions with the Texas Board of Nursing.
How do I apply for my first RN license in Texas?: Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Texas Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

Related guides

Texas license renewal & CE requirements

Moving an out-of-state license to Texas (endorsement)

How to become a registered nurse (national roadmap)

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How to get your RN license in Texas

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

Getting licensed in Texas at a glance

Background check: Yes. Texas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Effective 2004, all applicants for initial Texas RN licensure must submit fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check completed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI, sent directly to the Board.
Application fee: $75 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Under Board Rule 22 TAC §217.3, a new graduate applying for initial licensure by examination may be issued a non-renewable Graduate Nurse (GN) temporary authorization to practice, valid up to 75 days, pending NCLEX-RN results.
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Texas 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 Texas

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

2Apply for licensure by examination through the Texas Board of Nursing and pay the $75 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 Texas Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Texas RN licensing FAQ

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

Yes. Texas requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Effective 2004, all applicants for initial Texas RN licensure must submit fingerprints for a Criminal Background Check completed through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI, sent directly to the Board.

How much does the Texas RN license application cost?

The initial Texas RN license-by-examination application fee is $75. 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 Texas Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

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

Texas issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Under Board Rule 22 TAC §217.3, a new graduate applying for initial licensure by examination may be issued a non-renewable Graduate Nurse (GN) temporary authorization to practice, valid up to 75 days, pending NCLEX-RN results. Confirm the exact conditions with the Texas Board of Nursing.

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

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