Louisiana Registered Nurse Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$100
Renewal: $61 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Louisiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC); applicants holding multistate compact licenses from other NLC states can practice in Louisiana without Louisiana-specific licensure if they maintain their home state as their primary state of residence, enabling faster access. However, if applicant declares Louisiana as primary residence, they must apply for Louisiana compact privilege (6-8 week timeline) rather than relying on another state's compact license.
For travelers, this means you can begin a Louisiana assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Louisiana residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Louisiana license through endorsement.
Endorsement Process
Louisiana uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $100 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application by mail
- Request license verification from current state (via Nursys or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Louisiana requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Louisiana State Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $100 |
| Renewal | $61 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $155–$205 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Louisiana issues temporary nursing licenses, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Hold current, unrestricted RN license from another U.S. state or compact license from NLC member state
- Submit Temporary Endorsement Permit application to Louisiana State Board of Nursing
- Complete criminal background check (self-reported or LiveScan fingerprint scan)
Issuance timeline:
- Temporary Endorsement Permit application received and deemed complete
- Criminal background check cleared
- Permit fee ($100) processed
Denial risks:
- Criminal history that would disqualify applicant from full Louisiana licensure
- False or incomplete statements on temporary permit application regarding criminal history
- Applicant's home state license suspended, revoked, or restricted
Important for travelers: Temporary permit expires at 90 days with no extension; continued practice after expiration without full license constitutes illegal practice. If full endorsement is denied during the 90-day window, temporary permit automatically becomes void. Any criminal charges filed during temporary permit validity period can trigger immediate revocation pending full background investigation.
Processing Time
Louisiana registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks if applicant walks in for temporary permit with on-site LiveScan fingerprinting and home state immediately verifies license via Nursys.
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications on a rolling basis; applications submitted late in the month may experience 1-2 week delays before board review cycle
- Criminal background check processing can extend timelines if applicant uses non-approved fingerprinting vendors; only LSBN-approved vendors integrate with LiveScan system
- License verification via Nursys sometimes requires 1-2 week turnaround from applicant's home state board, creating bottleneck in Step 2
Louisiana does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Continuing Education
Louisiana requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Louisiana may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring January 31 — $61 via Louisiana State Board of Nursing portal
- Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
- Late penalty: License becomes lapsed, and must pay late fee and reinstate
- Traveler tip: Track your Louisiana license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (225) 755-7500
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Louisiana State Board of Nursing's official website.
