Licensure - Endorsement Information

Definition of Endorsement

“The process of issuing a permanent license without further examination to a nurse from another jurisdiction or licensing authority after determination is made that the applicant meets the same standards as those required of Texas nurses.” [Rule 217.1 (12)]

Requirements

Per Rule 217.5 (a) To be eligible for licensure by endorsement, you must have:

1. graduated from an approved licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) or registered nurse (RN) program
2. taken the appropriate US exam, and
3. have either worked in nursing or have taken the US NCLEX® exam sometime in the previous four years prior to the application

Ineligibility

You are not eligible to apply by endorsement if any of the following is true:

• you have previously held a Texas nursing license.You should either renew or reactivate the Texas license you once held. Go to Licensure Renewal for more information regarding this process.
• you did not graduate from an approved nursing program
  • Notice - Individuals who attended a nursing program outside of the United States must meet additional requirements for licensure. Please check our “Non Approved International School(s)” list to ensure that your nursing program is approved by the Board and that you are eligible to receive a license in Texas.
• you have not taken a national nursing licensing examination. To see if you are eligible to take the NCLEX for Texas please visit Licensure - Examination Information

A Nurse may apply for a license by Endorsement for Texas:

Online Endorsement Application here

RN/LVN Endorsement Application Instructions

• RN – ENDORSEMENT U.S. EDUCATED (NOT PUERTO RICO)
• RN – ENDORSEMENT INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED (INCLUDING PUERTO RICO)
• LVN – ENDORSEMENT U.S. EDUCATED (NOT PUERTO RICO)
• LVN – ENDORSEMENT INTERNATIONALLY EDUCATED (INCLUDING PUERTO RICO)

LVN/RN Verification Request Forms

• RN Verification Request Form
• LVN Verification Request Form

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