Independent California nursing endorsement guide based on official BRN, BVNPT, BreEZe, fingerprint and Nursys information.
California nursing license by endorsement: choose the correct Board route before you apply
California uses different licensing boards for registered nurses and vocational nurses. RN endorsement is handled by the California Board of Registered Nursing through BreEZe. LVN endorsement is handled by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. The safest path is to match your credential first, then submit fingerprints, verification and education documents from the correct source.
Use BRN/BreEZe for RN licensure by endorsement. Use BVNPT for LVN licensure by endorsement. Do not work in California until the correct California license or temporary authority is issued and visible through the official licensing system.
California endorsement facts that affect your application
Do not rely on an out-of-state license alone for California practice. California is not an active Nurse Licensure Compact state, and endorsement is not the same as permission to work before California authority is issued.
RN endorsement starts with BRN
Register for a BreEZe account, choose “RN Endorsement,” pay the fee, and submit required documents through the California Board of Registered Nursing process.
LVN endorsement starts with BVNPT
California calls practical nurses Licensed Vocational Nurses. BVNPT requires proof of a current and valid qualifying license and exam history.
Fingerprint route depends on location
BRN Live Scan must be completed in California. Applicants outside California may need hard-card fingerprint processing.
Comparing endorsement requirements across states? You may also find the Alaska nursing endorsement guide, Wyoming Board of Nursing guide, and Delaware Board of Nursing guide useful.
Choose your California endorsement route
This tool does not submit an application. It points you to the official California pathway based on your credential and goal.
How to apply for California RN endorsement through BRN
The California BRN says RN endorsement applicants apply online through BreEZe. Read the instructions before paying because the application cannot be freely changed after submission.
Open the official BRN endorsement page
Use the state BRN page, not a recruiter checklist, as the controlling source for the current RN process.
Read BRN licensure by endorsementCreate or sign in to BreEZe
Register for a BreEZe account, then choose “RN Endorsement” from the application dropdown.
Open BreEZePay the RN endorsement fee
The BRN fee schedule lists RN endorsement from another U.S. state, district or territory at $350. International RN endorsement is listed separately at $750.
Check current BRN feesSubmit fingerprints by the right method
Use California Live Scan if you can complete it inside California. If you are outside California, follow BRN hard-card instructions and include the required processing fee.
Read BRN fingerprint instructionsSend license verification
Use Nursys if your board participates. BRN warns that Nursys verifications expire 90 days from request, so do not order too early.
Open Nursys verificationSend transcripts and missing documents
Out-of-state nursing program transcripts may be sent electronically from approved third-party vendors or directly from the school to the BRN transcript email listed by the Board.
Review transcript instructionsDocuments and checks California may need before approval
| Item | RN endorsement | LVN endorsement |
|---|---|---|
| Application | BreEZe “RN Endorsement” application through BRN. | BVNPT vocational nurse endorsement application route. |
| Current license | Verification of license or Nursys verification when participating. | Proof of current and valid vocational/practical nurse license or equivalent capacity. |
| Exam history | Licensure verification supports the RN record and examination route. | BVNPT says applicants must have passed NCLEX or SBTPE at or above the required passing score. |
| Education | Nursing program transcript; international applicants have additional forms. | Proof of 12th grade education or equivalent is listed by BVNPT. |
| Fingerprints | Live Scan in California or FD-258 hard card outside California. | BVNPT lists two fingerprint cards and processing fees; California residents may use Live Scan. |
| Discipline or conviction records | Upload explanation, discipline documents and rehabilitation support when applicable. | Provide requested background or licensing records if the Board asks. |
California endorsement fees to confirm before paying
| Fee item | Published amount | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| RN endorsement from another U.S. jurisdiction | $350 | Listed on the BRN fee schedule. |
| International RN endorsement | $750 | International graduates have additional document requirements. |
| Temporary RN license | $100 | Optional; apply after submitting RN endorsement first. |
| Manual BRN fingerprint processing | $49 | For hard-card DOJ/FBI processing; Live Scan vendor fees are separate. |
| LVN endorsement | $300 | Listed by BVNPT as license endorsement for a licensee coming to California. |
| BVNPT DOJ/FBI fingerprint fees | $32 + $17 | BVNPT fee schedule lists DOJ and FBI fingerprint fees separately. |
Fees can change. Use the live BreEZe checkout, BRN fee schedule and BVNPT fee schedule before paying. All application fees may be non-refundable.
California fingerprint rules for endorsement applicants
Live Scan must be done in California
BRN states that a Live Scan must be completed in California and that BRN cannot receive results from Live Scan vendors outside California.
Find California Live Scan locationsHard cards are for applicants outside California
If you cannot complete California Live Scan, request an FD-258 fingerprint card from BRN, have it rolled, complete all fields, and mail it without folding.
Read BRN hard-card instructionsIf fingerprint results do not match your application because of name, date of birth or SSN formatting errors, your California license cannot be issued until the mismatch is corrected.
Temporary RN license: useful, but not automatic
BRN says applicants may apply online for a temporary license if they wish to begin work while the permanent RN license is pending. The online instructions say the RN endorsement application must be submitted first, then the RN Request for Temporary License can be submitted through BreEZe.
Submit RN endorsement first
You cannot apply for a temporary RN license only. Start with the underlying endorsement application.
Do not treat payment as approval
A receipt, pending status or recruiter request is not the same as California practice authority.
How to handle a delayed California endorsement application
Check BreEZe before calling BRN
BRN tells applicants to check BreEZe or Application Status and Details for updates. The public counter cannot research or approve applications.
Open BreEZeMatch each missing item to a sender
For transcripts, verification, fingerprints or discipline records, confirm exactly who sent the item, on what date, and under what name.
Use the correct contact channel
For RN issues, use BRN contact routes. For LVN issues, contact BVNPT licensing. Do not email full SSNs or sensitive documents unless the Board specifically instructs you to use a secure method.
For LVN files, watch BVNPT processing notices
BVNPT posts processing information and warns that contacting the Board while your file is within posted timeframes may delay processing.
Check BVNPT processing timesCalifornia nursing Board offices, map and official contact routes
Use BRN for RN endorsement. Use BVNPT for LVN endorsement. The map below highlights the California BRN physical office in Sacramento for RN endorsement reference.
California Board of Registered Nursing main office.
Sacramento, CA 95834-1924.
For LVN endorsement and vocational nursing licensing.
Before visiting or mailing
- Check BreEZe first for RN application status.
- Use the BRN contact form or phone route when status details are not enough.
- For LVN endorsement, use BVNPT at 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 205, Sacramento, CA 95833.
- Do not mail duplicate fingerprints or documents unless the Board requests them.
Official sources used for this California endorsement guide
California nursing license by endorsement FAQ
Where do I apply for a California RN license by endorsement?
Apply through the California Board of Registered Nursing using BreEZe. Register or sign in, then choose “RN Endorsement” from the new application menu.
Where do I apply for California LVN endorsement?
California LVN endorsement is handled by the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, not the BRN. Use the BVNPT vocational nurse endorsement route.
How much is California RN endorsement?
The BRN fee schedule lists RN endorsement from another U.S. state, district or territory at $350. International RN endorsement is listed at $750. Confirm the live fee before paying.
How much is California LVN endorsement?
The BVNPT fee schedule lists License Endorsement for a licensee coming to California at $300 for vocational nurses.
Can I use Live Scan outside California?
No. The BRN says Live Scan must be completed in California and that it cannot receive results from Live Scan vendors outside California. Out-of-state applicants may need hard-card fingerprint processing.
Does California require Nursys verification?
BRN accepts a completed Verification of License form or Nursys verification when the board of nursing participates in Nursys. BRN says Nursys verifications expire 90 days from request.
Can I work while my California endorsement is pending?
Do not work unless California has issued the correct license or temporary authority. A pending application or payment receipt is not practice permission.
Is a temporary RN license available?
Yes, BRN lists a temporary RN license fee and says RN endorsement applicants may apply online for a temporary license. The endorsement application must be submitted first.
Is California a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No. California is not an active Nurse Licensure Compact state, so another state’s multistate license should not be treated as California practice authority.
What is the California BRN office address?
The California Board of Registered Nursing physical address is 1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834-1924. Its mailing address is PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.
For nurses moving to California
Pick the correct Board first, complete fingerprints early, send verification after your application starts, and keep BreEZe or BVNPT records clean and consistent.
For employers
Verify the active California license or temporary authority in the official system before scheduling independent nursing practice.