Direct answer
The responsible authority is California Board of Registered Nursing. Use the verified contact details and task-specific official links on this page.
California source-reviewed jurisdiction snapshot
| Item | Reviewed detail |
|---|---|
| Authority | California Board of Registered Nursing |
| Public verification | DCA License Search |
| Renewal cycle | Every two years |
| Renewal deadline | Renew before the expiration date shown on the license record. |
| Continuing competence | 30 contact hours every two years for active RN renewal. |
| Fees | Timely RN renewal: $190; delinquent RN renewal: $280. |
| Compact status | Non-compact jurisdiction |
| Credentials | RN, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse-Midwife, Public Health Nurse |
| Phone | 916-322-3350 |
| Physical location | 1747 North Market Boulevard, Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834-1924 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100 |
| Primary official domains | www.rn.ca.gov |
For California, 5 primary official source records and 9 labeled official destinations support this jurisdiction guide.
Responsible licensing authority
California splits nursing-related credentials across agencies. The BRN regulates registered nurses and advanced practice certificates; LVN and psychiatric technician licensing is handled by BVNPT, while nurse aide certification is handled through the California Department of Public Health.
1747 North Market Boulevard, Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834-1924Open map ↗
916-322-3350
Secondary: 916-557-1208
Fax: (916) 574-7699
Main phone: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Pacific time. Public counter: 8:15 a.m. to 11:55 a.m. and 1:05 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., excluding state holidays.
Which office or system should you use?
| Goal | Route | Why and what to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Verify current license status | DCA License Search | Use the reviewed California primary-source route to confirm legal name, credential, status, expiration and public restrictions. Search by license number when available and document the live California result date. |
| Renew or reactivate a license | CE for License Renewal | California renewal eligibility, declarations and payments belong in the official account or renewal system. Follow this published timing: Renew before the expiration date shown on the license record. |
| Check CE or continuing competence | CE for License Renewal | California rules can differ by credential, first renewal, practice hours, mandatory topics or national certification. Review the exact requirement before buying coursework: 30 contact hours every two years for active RN renewal. |
| Apply by endorsement | NCSBN License Verification Guidance | The California destination authority decides application eligibility, documents, fingerprints, fees and any temporary authority. Follow the BRN endorsement instructions for license verification and education documentation. |
| Use the account or transaction portal | License/Certificate Renewal | Authenticated California transactions and messages should occur only in the authority-named system. Confirm the browser domain is one of the reviewed official domains: www.rn.ca.gov. |
| Check complaints or public discipline | DCA License Search | License status and public discipline are separate questions in California. For California, open any public order or restriction linked by the authority; do not rely on social posts or an old screenshot. |
| Contact the licensing authority | California Board of Registered Nursing | For California, use the responsible office for a missing document, status discrepancy, credential routing or application message. Call 916-322-3350 with the credential, license or application number available; do not email sensitive documents unless given a secure route. |
| Use national verification or monitoring | Nursys QuickConfirm / e-Notify when accepted | Nursys can support participating-board national verification, endorsement verification and monitoring, but the California authority remains the source for local requirements. California is recorded as a non-compact jurisdiction. A nurse normally needs the license or other authority required by California; an out-of-state compact license should not be assumed to replace that requirement. |
Complete official task destinations
License verification ↗
Primary official source reviewed for this jurisdiction.
Exact primary-source record · reviewed July 27, 2026License renewal ↗
Primary official source reviewed for this jurisdiction.
Exact primary-source record · reviewed July 27, 2026Continuing education ↗
Primary official source reviewed for this jurisdiction.
Exact primary-source record · reviewed July 27, 2026Fee schedule ↗
Primary official source reviewed for this jurisdiction.
Exact primary-source record · reviewed July 27, 2026California Board of Registered Nursing ↗
Primary official source reviewed for this jurisdiction.
Exact primary-source record · reviewed July 27, 2026Nurse Licensure Compact ↗
National compact resource used with the California status recorded as Non-compact jurisdiction; individual eligibility depends on the actual license designation and primary state of residence.
National official source · reviewed July 28, 2026NCLEX Official Website ↗
Official NCLEX information for examination candidates applying through California Board of Registered Nursing; passing the exam does not itself create a California license.
National official source · reviewed July 28, 2026NCSBN License Verification Guidance ↗
National licensing guidance used to interpret verification categories; the local California source remains DCA License Search.
National official source · reviewed July 28, 2026Nursys QuickConfirm and e-Notify ↗
National participating-board service used alongside DCA License Search for California; follow California Board of Registered Nursing instructions for endorsement or monitoring.
National official service · reviewed July 28, 2026Before contacting the authority
- Confirm which credential and authority apply, especially in split-board jurisdictions.
- Have the application type, license number or transaction reference available.
- Ask a specific question about a missing item, renewal eligibility, status or credential assignment.
- Do not email Social Security numbers, payment-card details or background documents unless the authority explicitly instructs a secure method.
- Record the date, office or unit contacted and the response.
- Verify final license status in the public lookup system.
Frequently asked questions
Which office handles nursing licenses in California?
California Board of Registered Nursing.
What is the published phone number?
916-322-3350
Is there a separate mailing address?
PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
What should I prepare before contacting the authority?
Have the credential, application type, license number or transaction reference ready, but do not send sensitive records to an unverified address.
Is phone guidance proof of licensure?
No. Verify the final license status in the official public lookup system.
Should I visit the office without checking first?
No. Confirm office hours, walk-in availability and the correct unit before traveling.