NLC: Yes | Walkthrough: No | Temp License: Yes | Nursys: Yes
Temporary License
Approximately 2-3 weeks upon receipt of all required documents. The temporary license is valid for 60 days.
Preliminary License
Approximately 15 days after receipt of application. You will be notified by email at this time of any items missing from your application file.
Preliminary License
Approximately 4-6 weeks after fingerprints are submitted to Nebraska State Patrol
Criminal Background Check
Approximately 4-6 weeks after fingerprints are submitted to Nebraska State Patrol
License Decision
8-10 weeks from receipt of a complete application including all required documents.
Fees
Endorsement Application: $123.00 or $30.75 depending on when the license is issued.
Complete Background Check: $45.25
Application Process
Temporary License
1. Mail in your completed application for Licensure by Endorsement
2. Submit the associated fee
3. Provide evidence of citizenship
4. Verification of original nursing license and all licenses, certifications or registrations you hold or have held in states other than Nebraska in any health-related field. (see below)
• This can be pending as long as the Nebraska Board of Nursing can verify online that you have an active license in another state with no Board Actions.
5. Submitted fingerprints and criminal background check (see below).
• The results can be pending. 6. Submit transcripts (see below).
• This can be pending while the Nebraska Board of Nursing is awaiting receipt of official documents.
Permanent License
1. Mail in your completed application for Licensure by Endorsement
2. Submit these items with your application:
• Application fee (check or money order) • Evidence of citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, birth certificate, etc.)
• Conviction records (if applicable) • Discipline records (if applicable)
• Documentation of name change (if applicable)
3. Fingerprints and criminal background check
• You need to submit fingerprints and a processing fee to the Nebraska State Patrol. Even if you have recently obtained a criminal background check for an other state or other license type, you must obtain a new criminal background check for your current application.
• Use standard blue and white fingerprint cards (Form #FD-258), which are available at any State Patrol office in Nebraska and at many local law enforcement agencies.
• Live Scan – Available at all Nebraska State Patrol locations listed below and through some other law enforcement agencies in Nebraska. If obtained in Nebraska, fingerprint cards might not be required. If you use an agency outside of Nebraska that captures fingerprints with Live Scan, you must request that your fingerprints be printed onto a card. One (1) card is usually sufficient for Live Scan prints.
• Ink and Paper – If your fingerprints are taken using traditional ink and paper fingerprinting, you need to submit two (2) ink rolled cards to the Nebraska State Patrol.
4. License verification for initial nursing license AND all licenses, certifications or registrations you hold or have held in states other than Nebraska in any health-related field.
• If the state(s) participate in Nursys, you must complete the Nursys verification process, pay their fee and designate Nebraska as the receipt of the verification.
• If the state(s) do not participate in Nursys, you must contact their state Boards directly for further instructions. You will need to send each Board a Verification of License form ( to complete and submit to the Nebraska State Board of Nursing on your behalf.
*The verification must indicate whether or not there is any disciplinary action against the credential. *Do not send a copy of the license card.
5. Official transcripts
• Submit an official transcript from your nursing program showing your degree and graduation date. Transcripts must be sent to our office directly from your school, or, if they are in a sealed, school envelope, submitted with your application.
* For graduates of foreign nursing schools, a complete Credential Evaluation Service Report will meet the transcript requirement.
Renewal License
Renewal of your license occurs every 2 years
• Licenses expire on October 31st of each even-numbered year. You must meet one of the continuing competency requirements or waivers listed below:
• Have practiced nursing for at least 500 hours during the past five years AND have completed at least 20 contact hours of acceptable continuing education/ in-service education within the past two years. Of the 20 hours attested to, no more than four hours may be from CPR or BLS, and at least 10 hours must be peer-reviewed. All of the required contact hours can be taken via home study or Internet courses.
• Have graduated from a nursing program in more than two, but less than five years AND have completed at least 20 contact hours of acceptable continuing education/in-service within the past two years. Of the 20 hours, no more than four hours may be from CPR or BLS and at least 10 hours must be peer-reviewed. All of the required contact hours can be taken via home study or Internet courses.
• Have graduated from a nursing program within the last two years.
• Have completed an approved refresher course within the last five years.
• Have obtained/maintained current certification in a nursing specialty granted by a nationally recognized certifying organization.
• Have developed and maintained a portfolio that includes the licensee’s current continuing competency goals and evidence/ verification of professional activities to meet those goals.
Requirements
• You must have graduated from an approved nursing program and have passed the NCLEX or SBTPE exam.
• You need to meet one of the following continuing competency requirements:
• Practiced nursing for at least 500 hours within the previous 5 years
• Graduated from an approved nursing program within the previous 5 years
• Completed a Board-approved refresher course within the previous 5 years
• You must be a United States Citizen, a legal United States immigrant, or be able to live and/or work in the United States lawfully.
Important Things to Know About Applying for Licensure for Endorsement
• You are encouraged to complete all application requirements within 90 days to avoid the closure of your file. If you do not submit all required documents within 150 days, your application will be destroyed.
• If you indicate on your application when you need the licensure by they will do everything they can to try and get your application processed by then.