Step 1: Breeze Account

• • Simply create the Breeze account by registering here.
  • Do not apply yet. Move to Step #2.

Step 2: Digital Headshot Photo

• • Secure a 2×2 headshot or passport-sized photo in a digital format to attach to your online application in Step 4.

Step 3: License Verification

Obtain license verification for your current and active RN license from the state of issuance through the Nursys License Verification Request Application.

• • You can use the Nursys® verification system if your state is a member.
  • Visit www.nursys.com to complete the online verification request application process.
  • The fee for verification of an RN license is $30.
  • Keep the PDF receipt to attach to your Endorsement Application during Step 3 of the submission process.
  • Nursys will be sending the verification directly to the CABRN where it will be linked to the Breeze account you created in Step 3.
  • Watch this video to learn more about Nursys.
  • Processing Time: 5-7 business days.

Step 4: RN Endorsement Application

• • Complete the online Application for Licensure by Endorsement by logging in to your Breeze account. Make sure to double-check your information. To assist you with a screen-by-screen overview, click here.
  • Read the form carefully. Any changes when submitted already cannot be edited online. You will need to contact the CABRN and request this revision.
  • Attach the Nursys licensure verification receipt PDF and your 2×2 headshot photo.
  • Sign and date the “Release of Information to Third Party” section in your “Application for Licensure (Endorsement or No Exam)” application.
  • You will also need to submit the “RN Request for Temporary License” online application through your BreEZe account after your RN Endorsement application. This is required by Travel Care Hawaii.
  • Processing Time: Typically, applications are reviewed within 11-12 weeks from the date of submission.

Step 5: Transcripts

• • Download the Transcript form and fill in the Applicant section.
  • Mail this form to your nursing school(s). The school must fill in their section of this form.
  • The official transcripts must include all completed coursework and reflect the degree awarded and the date conferred. The school must include the transcript form. And mail it to:
    California Board of Registered Nursing
    1747 N. Market Blvd, Suite 150
    Sacramento, CA 95834
  • For electronic transcript, it must be sent to brn.etranscripts@dca.ca.gov directly from the school.
  • CABRN will verify that your transcripts match the required NCLEX and CA State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) standards.
  • Processing Time: Varies depending on the educational institution, but typically 2-4 weeks.

Step 6: Fingerprinting

• • After you submit the Endorsement Application, you will start working on your Fingerprinting.
  • Download the Fingerprint Request form for both Live Scan and Fingerprint card.
  • Make sure to submit the Endorsement application (Step #4) first.
  • There are two methods to obtain your Fingerprint.
    1. Electronic Live Scan (CA location only – Recommended):
       • Once CABRN receives your request and your submitted application is confirmed, you will receive an email containing a link to download the Live Scan form.
       • Download the Live Scan form and complete all areas marked with a red “X”.
       • The form will be printed in triplicate; take all three copies to the Live Scan site with your processing fee.
       • Find a Live Scan site within California for processing. Check locations here.
       • After your fingerprints have been scanned, the first copy of the form is kept by the Live Scan operator. Retain the second and third copies of the form for your records.
       • Live Scan center will then forward a digital copy to CABRN and CABRN to DOJ and FBI.
       • CABRN will also link that copy to your Application submission.
       • Processing Time: 48-72 hours.
    2. Fingerprint Card (Outside CA – FD-258 Hard Card):
       • The current hard card fingerprint processing fee for DOJ and FBI is $49.00 and is nonrefundable. This fee is already included in your Endorsement Application when selected and there is no need to submit an additional fee.
       • It takes up to two weeks to receive the card after an online request using the Fingerprint Request form. But you may also check with your local law enforcement agency, if available.
       • Once you receive the card, instructions for completing the card are here.
       • Please mail your completed card certified and with tracking number to:
         California Board of Registered Nursing
         1747 N. Market Blvd, Suite 150
         Sacramento, CA 95834
       • Processing Time: 4-7 weeks. More details here.

Step 7: Contact the CABRN

• • To speed up your application, regularly check with CABRN for any discrepancies on your application. This will speed up your application! It is especially important to follow up if they received:
    • Transcript from your school
    • License verification from Nursys or your state
    • Fingerprint from Live Scan or from you if a hard copy is selected
  • Contact the CABRN (California Board of Registered Nurses) at (916) 322-3350 and add yourself to their call list.
  • Once on their call list, they will contact you within the day. If not, you will need to call again to add you to their call list.

Step 8: Temporary License

• • The Board may issue a Temporary License to practice nursing for six months while waiting for the issuance of a permanent RN license.
  • A temporary license can only be done if the permanent license has been submitted.
  • The Board must receive and process fingerprint results from the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) before a temporary license is issued.
  • Processing Time: 2-3 weeks upon receipt of all required documents.

Notes:

Please ensure all documents are submitted accurately and in a timely manner to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.