How to Get a Nurse (RN/LPN) License in Texas (2026)
Quick answer
Texas regulates registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Professional or vocational nursing requires licensure, with an exception for nurses entitled to practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact in Chapter 304.
Exam
Applicants must pass the board-approved nursing jurisprudence examination. A separate licensing examination is prescribed by the board.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
Texas Board of Nursing
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
"Board" means the Texas Board of Nursing.
Official sourceCheck your qualifications
Education
RN and LVN applicants must complete an approved professional or vocational nursing program; qualifying professional-nursing study may satisfy the vocational education requirement by board waiver.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
has successfully completed a program of professional or vocational nursing education approved under Section 301.157(d); The board may waive the requirement of Subsection (a)(2) for a vocational nurse applicant if the applicant provides satisfactory sworn evidence that the applicant has completed an acceptable level of education in: (1) a professional nursing school approved under Section 301.157(d); or (2) a school of professional nurse education located in another state or a foreign country.
Official sourceExam
Applicants must pass the board-approved nursing jurisprudence examination. A separate licensing examination is prescribed by the board.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
has passed the jurisprudence examination approved by the board as provided by Subsection (a-1). Each examination administered under this section must be prepared by a national testing service or the board.
Official sourceConfirm your next step with the agency
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
Open the official agency page
What else should I know?
Agency guidance
Texas regulates registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Professional or vocational nursing requires licensure, with an exception for nurses entitled to practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact in Chapter 304.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
A person may not practice or offer to practice professional nursing or vocational nursing in this state unless the person is licensed as provided by this chapter. This section does not apply to a person entitled to practice nursing in this state under Chapter 304.Official source
Agency guidance
Pay the renewal fee and meet board requirements before the license expires. Practice requiring licensure is prohibited while the license is expired.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
A person may renew an unexpired license issued under this chapter on payment to the board of the required renewal fee before the expiration date of the license and compliance with any other renewal requirements adopted by the board. A person whose license has expired may not engage in activities that require a license until the license has been renewed.Official source
When do I renew, and is CE required?
Continuing education topics
At least two hours of nursing jurisprudence and nursing ethics before the end of every third two-year licensing period.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
a license holder shall complete at least two hours of continuing education relating to nursing jurisprudence and nursing ethics before the end of every third two-year licensing period.Official source
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
What does it cost?
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
Which official sources support this guide?
Official sources and verification (6)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Texas Board of Nursing
Texas Board of Nursing
"Board" means the Texas Board of Nursing.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
RN and LVN applicants must complete an approved professional or vocational nursing program; qualifying professional-nursing study may satisfy the vocational education requirement by board waiver.
RN and LVN applicants must complete an approved professional or vocational nursing program; qualifying professional-nursing study may satisfy the vocational education requirement by board waiver.
has successfully completed a program of professional or vocational nursing education approved under Section 301.157(d); The board may waive the requirement of Subsection (a)(2) for a vocational nurse applicant if the applicant provides satisfactory sworn evidence that the applicant has completed an acceptable level of education in: (1) a professional nursing school approved under Section 301.157(d); or (2) a school of professional nurse education located in another state or a foreign country.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Applicants must pass the board-approved nursing jurisprudence examination. A separate licensing examination is prescribed by the board.
Applicants must pass the board-approved nursing jurisprudence examination. A separate licensing examination is prescribed by the board.
has passed the jurisprudence examination approved by the board as provided by Subsection (a-1). Each examination administered under this section must be prepared by a national testing service or the board.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
At least two hours of nursing jurisprudence and nursing ethics before the end of every third two-year licensing period.
At least two hours of nursing jurisprudence and nursing ethics before the end of every third two-year licensing period.
a license holder shall complete at least two hours of continuing education relating to nursing jurisprudence and nursing ethics before the end of every third two-year licensing period.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Texas regulates registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Professional or vocational nursing requires licensure, with an exception for nurses entitled to practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact in Chapter 304.
Texas regulates registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). Professional or vocational nursing requires licensure, with an exception for nurses entitled to practice under the Nurse Licensure Compact in Chapter 304.
A person may not practice or offer to practice professional nursing or vocational nursing in this state unless the person is licensed as provided by this chapter. This section does not apply to a person entitled to practice nursing in this state under Chapter 304.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Pay the renewal fee and meet board requirements before the license expires. Practice requiring licensure is prohibited while the license is expired.
Pay the renewal fee and meet board requirements before the license expires. Practice requiring licensure is prohibited while the license is expired.
A person may renew an unexpired license issued under this chapter on payment to the board of the required renewal fee before the expiration date of the license and compliance with any other renewal requirements adopted by the board. A person whose license has expired may not engage in activities that require a license until the license has been renewed.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, required hours, renewal — see the official agency.
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What should I explore next?
Registered nurse and LPN renewal and continuing education in neighboring states
Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.
Related licenses in Texas
Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (1)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.