Registered Nurse / Texas
2026 data Texas board official source

Texas Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Texas data shows for Registered Nurses

Texas's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,527 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Texas folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Budget $186 to get started, plus $65 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 5 weeks once your application is complete. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 20 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For registered nurses, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
43/100
Registered Nurse · Texas

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,527 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$167
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$58/yr
$116 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Texas

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,527 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$167
Renewal Fee
$116
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Texas licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Texas licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Texas? ▼
Texas requires 2527 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $167. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Texas? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in Texas, you must meet the state's requirements including 2527 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Texas licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Texas from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for registered nurses: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Texas licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Texas require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Yes, Texas requires a criminal background check as part of the registered nurse licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Texas? ▼
Texas ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $116 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Texas? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Texas is $186. The renewal fee is $65 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Texas? ▼
In Texas, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 5 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Texas, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Texas's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Texas's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Texas overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Texas licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.