Easy Steps: Texas RN License Application Requirements (2025) – Everything You Need to Know
Texas RN License Application Requirements – Everything You Need to Know (2025)
If you’re planning to work as a registered nurse in Texas, the first step is understanding the Texas RN license application requirements 2025. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) sets clear rules that every applicant must follow before being granted a license to practice.
Whether you’re a new nursing graduate, moving from another U.S. state, or an internationally educated nurse, knowing the exact requirements upfront will save you time, prevent costly delays, and ensure your application is approved without unnecessary stress.
Texas continues to be one of the top states for nursing opportunities, thanks to its growing healthcare system, competitive salaries, and high demand for qualified RNs. But before you can take advantage of these opportunities, you need to meet all licensing requirements—including eligibility criteria, fingerprinting, background checks, NCLEX-RN registration, and submission of official transcripts.
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In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about applying for an RN license in Texas in 2025. You’ll learn the step-by-step process, documents required, fees involved, and key tips to make your application smoother. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to getting licensed as a registered nurse in Texas and starting your career with confidence.
Who Needs a Texas RN License in 2025?
Before diving into the details, it’s important to know who is required to apply for a Texas RN license. The Texas Board of Nursing mandates that you must hold a valid RN license to practice as a registered nurse in the state. This includes:
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New Nursing Graduates – Students who have completed an accredited nursing program in Texas or another state and need to take the NCLEX-RN.
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Out-of-State Nurses (Endorsement Applicants) – RNs already licensed in another U.S. state who want to transfer their license to Texas.
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Internationally Educated Nurses – Foreign-trained nurses who must meet additional credential evaluation and English proficiency requirements before applying.
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Previously Licensed Nurses – Nurses whose Texas RN license has expired and want to reinstate it in 2025.
Knowing where you fit will determine the documents, fees, and steps you’ll need to follow during the application process.
Eligibility Criteria for a Texas RN License (2025)
Before you begin the application process, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
These criteria ensure that every nurse practicing in the state has the proper education, qualifications, and character to provide safe patient care.
1. Educational Requirements
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Completion of an approved nursing program (associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or diploma in nursing).
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For internationally educated nurses: a credential evaluation service (CES) report verifying equivalency of nursing education.
2. Examination Requirement
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First-time applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
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International nurses must also prove English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or CELBAN equivalent) unless educated in an English-speaking country.
3. Background Check & Fingerprinting
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All applicants must undergo a criminal background check through fingerprinting conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI.
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Past convictions must be disclosed; the BON reviews cases individually.
4. Additional Requirements
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Must submit a completed application form with accurate personal details.
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Must pay the required Texas RN license application fees.
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Must have a valid Social Security Number (for U.S. applicants).
Meeting these eligibility requirements is the first and most important step toward obtaining your Texas RN license in 2025. Missing documents or incomplete criteria can result in delays or even denial of your application.
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Required Documents for the Texas RN License Application (2025)
To avoid processing delays, it’s crucial to prepare all necessary paperwork before submitting your application to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Below is a checklist of the documents required for a Texas RN license in 2025:
1. Completed Application Form
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Submit the online RN license application through the Texas Board of Nursing website.
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Ensure all sections are filled out accurately to prevent rejection.
2. Proof of Nursing Education
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U.S. Graduates: Request that your nursing school send official transcripts directly to the BON.
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International Graduates: Must provide a credential evaluation service (CES) report from a BON-approved agency, confirming that your nursing education meets U.S. standards.
3. Identification Documents
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A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).
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A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for U.S. applicants.
4. Fingerprinting & Background Check
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All applicants must complete fingerprinting with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI.
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Fingerprints must be submitted through an approved vendor.
5. NCLEX-RN Registration Proof
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First-time applicants must register with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN exam and provide proof of registration.
6. Additional Requirements for International Nurses
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English proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, or CELBAN) if applicable.
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VisaScreen Certificate (for those seeking employment in the U.S.).
Having these documents ready ensures your application is processed smoothly and increases your chances of getting approved without unnecessary delays.
Step-by-Step Texas RN License Application Process (2025)
Applying for your Texas RN license can feel overwhelming, but following the correct sequence will make it much smoother.
Below is the step-by-step process as outlined by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) for 2025:
Step 1: Submit the Online Application
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Go to the Texas Board of Nursing website and complete the RN application form.
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Pay the required application fee (typically $75–$100, depending on the pathway).
Step 2: Register for the NCLEX-RN
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Create an account with Pearson VUE and register for the NCLEX-RN exam.
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Pay the NCLEX registration fee ($200) and keep your confirmation email as proof.
Step 3: Send Official Transcripts
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Request your nursing school to send official transcripts directly to the Texas BON.
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International graduates must send a credential evaluation report (CES) instead.
Step 4: Complete Fingerprinting & Background Check
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Schedule an appointment with an approved fingerprinting service provider.
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Fingerprints will be sent electronically to the Texas DPS and FBI for review.
Step 5: Application Review by BON
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Once your application, transcripts, NCLEX registration, and fingerprints are received, the BON will begin reviewing your eligibility.
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If all requirements are met, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) for the NCLEX-RN.
Step 6: Take & Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
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Sit for the NCLEX-RN exam at an authorized Pearson VUE testing center.
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Passing the exam confirms your readiness to practice as a registered nurse.
Step 7: Receive Your Texas RN License
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After passing the NCLEX, the Texas BON will issue your official RN license.
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You can verify your license status on the Nursys® online verification system.
The entire process typically takes 4–6 weeks for U.S. graduates and 3–6 months for international applicants, depending on how quickly documents are submitted.
Texas RN License Fees & Processing Timeline (2025)
When applying for your Texas RN license in 2025, it’s important to budget for the required fees and understand how long the process may take. Below is a breakdown of the typical costs and processing times:
1. Application & Exam Fees
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Texas RN License Application Fee: $75 (paid to the Texas Board of Nursing).
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NCLEX-RN Registration Fee: $200 (paid to Pearson VUE).
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Fingerprinting & Background Check Fee: Around $38.25 (paid to an approved vendor).
2. Additional Fees (if applicable)
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Endorsement Fee (for out-of-state nurses): $150.
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International Credential Evaluation Report (CES): $200–$400, depending on the agency.
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English Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL): $150–$250.
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VisaScreen Certificate (for foreign nurses seeking U.S. work visas): Around $540.
3. Processing Timeline
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U.S.-educated graduates: Typically 4–6 weeks once all documents are submitted.
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Out-of-state endorsement applicants: Around 6–8 weeks, depending on verification delays.
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Internationally educated nurses: May take 3–6 months, since credential evaluation and English testing extend the process.
Submitting complete and accurate documents at the start is the best way to speed up approval. Missing transcripts, background check delays, or incomplete applications are the most common reasons for longer wait times.
Special Requirements for International Nurses Applying for a Texas RN License (2025)
If you received your nursing education outside the United States, you’ll need to meet additional Texas RN license application requirements 2025 before you can practice. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has set specific steps to ensure international nurses meet U.S. standards for safe and effective nursing care.
1. Credential Evaluation Service (CES) Report
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You must obtain a CES Professional Report from a BON-approved credentialing agency such as CGFNS International.
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This report verifies that your nursing education is equivalent to U.S. standards.
2. Proof of English Proficiency
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If your nursing education was not completed in English, you must pass an approved English proficiency test such as:
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IELTS Academic (minimum overall score: 6.5)
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TOEFL iBT (minimum score: 83)
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CELBAN (for Canadian-trained nurses)
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Test results must be sent directly to the Texas BON.
3. NCLEX-RN Examination
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Just like U.S. graduates, international nurses must register with Pearson VUE and pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
4. VisaScreen Certificate
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If you plan to work in the U.S. under an employment visa, you’ll need a VisaScreen Certificate issued by CGFNS.
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This certificate verifies your education, licensure, English proficiency, and NCLEX eligibility.
5. Background Check & Fingerprinting
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You must complete fingerprinting with an approved vendor—even if you already submitted one for immigration purposes.
International nurse applications often take 3–6 months to process, depending on how quickly credential evaluations and English test results are received. Starting early and preparing documents in advance is highly recommended.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Texas RN License Application (2025)
Even qualified nurses often face delays or rejections because of simple application errors. To help you save time and stress, here are the most common mistakes applicants make when completing their Texas RN license application in 2025 and how to avoid them.
1. Submitting Incomplete Applications
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Leaving sections blank or failing to upload required documents is one of the biggest causes of delays.
Solution: Double-check your application before submitting and use the BON’s checklist.
2. Missing Transcript or Credential Evaluations
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U.S. graduates sometimes forget to have transcripts sent directly from their school, while international nurses may skip credential evaluations.
Solution: Request transcripts early and confirm with the BON that they have been received.
3. Delaying Fingerprinting & Background Checks
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Waiting too long to schedule fingerprinting can push back your entire application timeline.
Solution: Book your fingerprint appointment as soon as you apply.
4. Incorrect or Expired English Test Results
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International nurses may submit old or invalid IELTS/TOEFL scores.
Solution: Ensure your test results are current and meet BON requirements.
5. Not Registering for the NCLEX-RN on Time
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Some applicants apply for licensure but forget to register with Pearson VUE, causing unnecessary delays.
Solution: Register for the NCLEX immediately after submitting your BON application.
6. Providing False or Incomplete Background Information
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Failing to disclose prior convictions or disciplinary actions can lead to denial.
Solution: Always be truthful; the BON reviews applications on a case-by-case basis.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll speed up your approval process and increase your chances of receiving your Texas RN license in 2025 without setbacks.
Conclusion: Start Your Texas RN License Application with Confidence (2025)
Applying for your RN license in Texas may seem like a long process, but once you understand the Texas RN license application requirements 2025, it becomes much more manageable. Whether you are a new nursing graduate, moving from another U.S. state, or an internationally educated nurse, the key is to prepare early, submit all required documents, and follow each step outlined by the Texas Board of Nursing.
By avoiding common mistakes—like missing transcripts, delaying fingerprinting, or forgetting NCLEX registration—you’ll save valuable time and increase your chances of approval without delays. Texas remains one of the best states for nurses in terms of salary, opportunities, and career growth, and securing your license is the first step toward joining this rewarding workforce.
Review the eligibility checklist, gather your documents, and start your application on the Texas BON official website today. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can begin your nursing career in Texas with confidence.
External Resources for Texas RN License Application (2025)
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Texas Board of Nursing (BON) – Official site for applications, forms, and licensing requirements.
https://www.bon.texas.gov -
NCLEX-RN Registration – Pearson VUE – Official NCLEX registration and testing information.
https://www.pearsonvue.com/nclex -
Nursys® Verification – National nurse license verification system (used by employers and boards).
https://www.nursys.com -
CGFNS International – Credential evaluation and VisaScreen services for internationally educated nurses.
https://www.cgfns.org -
IELTS Official – English proficiency testing details for international applicants.
https://www.ielts.org -
TOEFL iBT – ETS – Another approved English proficiency test provider.
https://www.ets.org/toefl -
Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) – Information on multistate licensing for Texas nurses.
https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm
Extended FAQs on Texas RN License Application Requirements (2025)
Applicants must complete an approved nursing program, submit an application to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON), undergo fingerprinting and a criminal background check, register and pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and provide official transcripts. International nurses must also provide a credential evaluation, proof of English proficiency, and in many cases, a VisaScreen certificate.
Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, the Texas BON typically issues your RN license within 7–10 business days. You can verify your license status online through Nursys®. If any documents are missing or delayed (such as transcripts or background checks), the timeline may be extended.
Yes, nursing students can begin the application process before graduation by submitting their BON application and completing fingerprinting. However, your nursing school must send official transcripts after graduation, and you cannot be authorized to take the NCLEX until the BON receives them.
Yes. Texas is an NLC state, which means a nurse with a Texas multistate RN license can practice in other compact states without needing additional licenses. However, if your primary residence is not in Texas, you may be issued a single-state license only.
You can retake the NCLEX-RN after 45 days. There is no lifetime limit on the number of times you can retake the exam in Texas, but you must re-register with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee each time. The BON may also require a remediation plan if you have multiple failed attempts.
On average, international nurses spend between $700 and $1,200 on the application process. This includes the Texas BON fee, NCLEX registration, credential evaluation (CES), English proficiency testing, VisaScreen certificate, and fingerprinting. Costs vary depending on testing centers and credentialing agencies.
The Texas BON does not currently offer an official expedited service. However, you can speed up the process by submitting all documents promptly, booking fingerprinting immediately, ensuring transcripts are sent early, and avoiding application errors.
Texas RN licenses must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires completing 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) and paying the renewal fee. Renewal can be completed online through the BON’s Nurse Portal.
No. Internationally educated nurses must first apply for licensure by examination, pass the NCLEX-RN, and meet English and credentialing requirements before applying for endorsement or compact privileges.
The most common causes of delay are missing transcripts, incomplete fingerprint results, late NCLEX registration, and errors in credential evaluations. Starting early and using the BON’s application checklist can prevent these issues.
