California Nursing License Guide: Getting Licensed for Travel Nursing

California is one of the most sought-after states for travel nursing. From high-paying contracts to world-renowned hospitals and year-round outdoor living, the Golden State attracts experienced nurses from across the country. But before you can take your next assignment, you’ll need to obtain a California nurse license—and the process is unique compared to other states.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: how to apply, what to expect, fees, renewal requirements, and how Nomad Health supports travel nurses with licensing logistics and job placement in California.

Why Get Licensed as a Travel Nurse in California?

Working in California as a travel nurse offers a wide range of professional and lifestyle advantages:

• Nation-leading pay rates across most specialties
• Access to top-ranked facilities like UCSF, Cedars-Sinai, and Stanford Health
• Patient ratio laws that promote safer working conditions in acute hospitals
• A strong demand for experienced RNs, especially in critical care, telemetry, L&D, and OR
• Coastal cities, national parks, and mild year-round weather

However, California is not a compact nurse state, so RNs must apply for a separate state license to practice.

California RN License Requirements

To obtain your license as a registered nurse in California, you’ll need to meet several criteria, including education, examination, and background verification.

1. Education Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN)

• Submit your transcript: 

  • Graduating California students: California Board-approved nursing programs will submit transcripts to the Board directly after graduation.

  • Out of State Nursing Programs: If you attended a nursing program outside of California, you can request that your transcripts are sent to our Board from a certified third-party electronic transcripts vendor such as Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse*, or directly from your school. Electronic transcripts must be sent to brn.etranscripts@dca.ca.gov.

• If internationally educated, submit a Credential Evaluation Service (CES) report from CGFNS or a similar service

2. Examination Requirements

• For first-time applicants, you must pass the NCLEX-RN

• For those already licensed in another state, licensure by endorsement is the correct path

3. Background Checks

• Submit fingerprints via Live Scan (if in California) or manual fingerprint card (if applying from out of state)

• Complete a criminal background check with the California Department of Justice and the FBI

Navigating the California Nurse License Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide: California RN Licensure by Endorsement

1. Create a BreEZe account on the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) site
2. Complete the application for licensure by endorsement
3. Request license verification through Nursys or direct board-to-board transfer
4. Submit official transcripts (may be waived if already licensed in the U.S.)
5. Submit fingerprints and background check
6. Pay the application fee (currently $350)
7. Await license processing (typically 8–12 weeks)

Optional: Apply for a temporary license to begin working sooner while your full license is being processed (additional $100 fee, valid for 6 months).

Timelines and Expectations

Tip: Apply as early as possible—California’s BRN is one of the slowest boards in the country due to high application volume.

Overcoming Common Licensing Challenges

Online Resources and Communities

Official Licensing Authorities

• California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)

• National Council of State Boards of Nursing – California

Support Communities for Nurses

• AllNurses California forums

• Travel nursing Facebook groups focused on California

• Reddit’s r/TravelNursing – frequent discussions about CA licensing timelines and workarounds

The Cost to Obtaining a California Nursing License

Licensing by endorsement typically costs around $350, with optional fees like a $100 temporary license and $50–$75 for fingerprinting. Nurses should also budget for renewal fees and additional expenses, though many travel agencies, including Nomad Health, offer reimbursement and financial support options.

Application Fees

Additional Costs

• Transcript fees
• Mailing costs for fingerprint cards
• Verification fees (if not using Nursys)

Financial Support Options

• Nomad Health may offer licensing reimbursement for clinicians on active California assignments.
• Use CEU reimbursement benefits to offset continuing education expenses
• Consider travel assignment bonuses to recoup initial licensing costs

Continuing Education and California License Renewal Requirements

CE Requirements Specific to California

• 30 contact hours of Board-approved continuing education (CE) every two years
• CE providers must be approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing

Renewal Process and Timelines

• Licenses must be renewed every two years

• Nurses must attest to completion of CE hours (no documentation unless audited)

• Renewal applications and fees are submitted through the Breeze system

Tip: Renewal opens 3 months before your expiration date. Set a reminder to avoid delays or lapses.

How Nomad Health Simplifies Your California Nurse Licensing

At Nomad Health, we support nurses through every step of the licensure journey. Here’s how we make California licensing easier:

• Dedicated navigiators to help you understand California RN licensing requirements prior to starting your assignment
• Endorsement support for clinicians that have completed an assignment with Nomad
• License reimbursement when going on assignment with Nomad
• Guidance on application tracking, documentation, and credentialing
• Reimbursement options for licensing and fingerprinting fees
• Filter travel assignments by California-licensed roles
• Fast job matching once your license is issued

We help you go from paperwork to placement—with fewer delays and more clarity along the way.