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Nurse License: California → Texas

A step-by-step breakdown of what it takes for a licensed nurse in California to become licensed in Texas, based on Texas's current licensure by endorsement rules.

Licensure by Endorsement
Estimated — pending official source verification
Updated August 7, 2026

The figures on this page are current best estimates and have not yet been individually confirmed against an official Texas licensing source. Always verify exact fees, exam requirements, and processing times directly with Texas's licensing authority before relying on them.

Portability Score

68/100

Moderate Effort

PermitBridge's own estimate, based on the exam, fee, and processing-time factors below — not an official government rating.

Exam
Not required
Processing
14–45 days
Fee
$235
Extra Hours
None

Step-by-Step Process

  1. 1

    Confirm your Nurse license is active and in good standing in California.

  2. 2

    Submit a license verification request from California through the appropriate national registry or the state board directly.

  3. 3

    File an application for licensure by endorsement with Texas's licensing board.

  4. 4

    Pay the Texas application fee (approx. $235) and submit supporting documents.

  5. 5

    Await processing — typically 14-45 days in Texas.

Note: Texas's nurse licensing requirements are administered per the state's licensing authority. Texas does not have a single statewide general contractor license; licensing is trade-specific (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) and administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Unlike states with a broad Universal License Recognition law, Texas gives TDLR discretionary authority (Occupations Code §51.4041) to waive requirements for holders of a "substantially equivalent" out-of-state license, rather than a guaranteed "shall issue" right. Texas's clearest guaranteed out-of-state recognition applies specifically to military service members and military spouses, not the general public. Always confirm current rules directly with the official board before applying, since requirements change.

Nurse Transfers From California to Other States

StatePathwayExam?ScoreLink
FloridaLicensure by EndorsementNo68View
New YorkLicensure by EndorsementNo68View
OhioLicensure by EndorsementNo68View

Frequently Asked Questions About This Transfer

Can I transfer my nurse license from California to Texas?+

Yes, via licensure by endorsement. No additional trade exam is required in most cases. Processing typically takes 14-45 days.

How much does it cost to transfer a nurse license to Texas?+

Budget approximately $235 for the Texas application fee alone. Exam fees, if required, and any additional continuing-education hours are typically separate costs charged by third-party providers.

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact?+

The NLC lets a nurse who legally resides in a compact state practice in any other compact state under one multistate license, without applying for a separate license in each state.