How to Obtain Your Louisiana Nursing License | Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) State
See below for information about obtaining a Louisiana nursing license.
License by Endorsement
ASSOCIATED FEES | |
Application | $140.75 |
Temporary License – Application via Mail | $240.75 |
Temporary License – Apply in Person | $250.75 |
License Renewal
ASSOCIATED FEES | PROCESS | |
Timely | $100 | Active within 24 hours if license is renewed online |
Late Renewal | $150 | Active within 24 hours if license is renewed online |
Reinstatement | $100 | 4-6 weeks for paper applications that are sent in |
Temporary License Processing & Walk-Through Service
It takes approximately 4-8 weeks to receive a temporary license in Louisiana after all of the required and necessary documents have been received by the board of nursing and the license will last for up to 90 days (must not have any prior convictions or disciplinary action to obtain).
Temporary licenses are only issued if the nurse is residing in Louisiana and has proof of the offer for employment.
Walk-in service for temporary licenses is available from 9am to 3pm. Licenses will be issued to the nurse within the same day.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS | TEMPORARY | PERMANENT |
Completed Application, Notarized | Yes | Yes |
2×2 Photo – Signed and Dated on Back | Yes | Yes |
Proof/Verification of Original State License | No | Yes |
Verification of Current Active License Where Currently Working | Yes | Yes |
Notarized Copy of Current Active Current License & Photo ID | Yes | No |
Verification of Employment | No | Yes |
Transcripts – Received Directly from Nursing School | No | Yes |
Completed Fingerprint Cards or Livescan | Yes | Yes |
If the nurse is a graduate of Excelsior or Deaconess College, they are required to provide proof of required clinical experience and 3 letters of recommendation from current/previous employers for said license (See Louisiana State Board of Nursing website for details).
Temporary licenses are only issued while other required documents are in the process of being received and are used in the meantime before a permanent license is obtained. There are additional steps that MUST be completed to receive a permanent license.
Additional Information
Reinstatement:
- Must complete an additional background check if license is expired for 5 years or more.
- Employee verification form must be completed by the employer.
- Proof of CE requirements must also be presented (find a list of all requirements on application instructions).
- View license verification information here.
Check for proper mailing address when sending in applications as it may differ from the physical address provided.
Contact Information & Mailing Address
Louisiana State Board of Nursing
17373 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Phone: 225-755-7500