How to Get an RN License in Texas (2026): Full Step-by-Step

Texas is the second-largest RN market in the US (after California) and a compact state, meaning multi-state (compact) licenses from other NLC states are honored automatically as long as Texas is not the RN's primary state of residence. Texas has one of the fastest endorsement processing times in the country, 2-4 weeks is typical.

Is Your Home State a Compact Member?

Texas is a participating NLC member. If your home state is also NLC and you hold an active multi-state license, you can work in Texas immediately, no Texas application needed. If you are moving your residence to Texas you must apply for a Texas compact license within 30 days.

Path 1: By Examination (New Grad)

1. Graduate from a Texas Board of Nursing (BON) approved program, ADN, diploma, or BSN. Out-of-state programs that meet BON standards are also accepted.
2. Submit the BON application, online at bon.texas.gov. $100 fee.
3. Pay for fingerprinting, IdentoGO $38.25. Required by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
4. Complete the Jurisprudence Prep course, Texas-specific 2-hour course. ~$30 online.
5. Pass the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (NJE), 50 questions, open book, computer-based. $50 fee.
6. Register with Pearson VUE for NCLEX-RN, $200 fee.
7. Pass NCLEX-RN, license issued 7-10 business days after.

Total: ~$420 · Timeline: 60-90 days.

Path 2: By Endorsement

1. Apply online, $186 endorsement fee (includes $100 app + $50 NJE + $36 tech surcharge).
2. Complete the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam, required even if you've been practicing for 20 years.
3. Fingerprint via IdentoGO, $38.25.
4. Request verification of your current license, Texas uses Nursys for most states. Manual verification via the original state's board if Nursys doesn't cover it.
5. License issued in 2-4 weeks, Texas is one of the faster states in the US for endorsement.

Total: ~$275 · Timeline: 2-4 weeks (the fastest major-state endorsement in the country).

Temporary Permit

Texas issues a 90-day temporary permit once your endorsement application is complete but before the full license is issued. Useful if your employer has a hard start date.

Continuing Competency

Texas renews RN licenses every 2 years on the last day of the birth month. Requirements:

• 20 hours of targeted CE or one of four alternatives (certification, publication, etc.)
• 2 hours in specific topics depending on practice area
• Plus completion of the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam every 6 years

Renewal fee: $68 (RN). Online renewal available 60 days in advance.

Texas RN Job Market

Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio are all in the top 20 US metros for RN demand. Texas-specific hiring trends in 2026:

• Med-Surg sign-on: $10-15K common at HCA, Baylor Scott & White, Methodist
• ICU: $18-25K at level-I trauma centers (Memorial Hermann, Parkland)
• L&D: $15-22K at women's hospitals (The Woman's Hospital, Baylor Dallas)
• Night diff: $7-9/hr standard; some systems offer $12/hr on weekend nights