This page helps users handle a nursing license need in California, including license lookup, verification, discipline review, and records request options.
Most public license checks route through the Department of Consumer Affairs License Search, while license-specific questions and records involving registered nurses are handled by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Department of Consumer Affairs License Search
Use the Department of Consumer Affairs License Search to look up California nursing license information by license, person, business, or registry details.
- License type
- License number
- First name
- Last name
- Business name
- Registry number
For registered nurse records, the California Board of Registered Nursing states that the DCA License Search displays primary source data from the BRN licensing system.
- Open the DCA License Search.
- Select or enter the license details that match the nurse or license record.
- Review the license status and any public disciplinary document links shown with the record.
Use exact details when possible. License numbers and correctly spelled names can help narrow results.
BRN license verification and discipline records
The California Board of Registered Nursing uses the DCA License Search for RN license verification. The search may show the individual license status and links to public documents for actions taken by the Board.
BRN describes the license data displayed through DCA as primary source information from its licensing records. DCA notes that human or mechanical error and posting delays may still occur, so organizations remain responsible for decisions based on website information.
To review public discipline records, search the nurse by name or license number through the BreEZe License Verification system. If public documents are not available for a discipline-related matter, contact the BRN Enforcement Program.
Nursys verification for another state
California RN license verification for endorsement to another U.S. state is handled through Nursys. Nursys provides online verification for nurses seeking to practice in another state and for users who want to verify a nurse license.
Nursys also offers QuickConfirm for license and discipline status from participating nursing boards and e-Notify for license expiration and status updates.
Advanced Practice certifications are not included with RN license verification requested through Nursys. Those certification verifications must be requested directly through the California Board of Registered Nursing using BreEZe.
Use Nursys for license verification when the verification is for endorsement to another state.
Verification requests, fees, and delivery
Some verification needs require a request through BreEZe or by mail. Fees and delivery rules vary by request type.
| Request type | Where to request | Fee | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verification to another country | BreEZe, using “Request for License Letter” | $100 per country | The completed verification is sent directly to the nursing board and is not returned to the requester. |
| Advanced Practice certification verification | BreEZe, using “Verification Request” under the RN license | $100 per state or country | BRN verifications include the RN license and any California Advanced Practice certifications held. |
| Confirmation of License Renewal for employer | BreEZe or by mail to BRN | $20 per request | This employer verification includes name, license number, issue date, expiration date, and status only. |
Employer verification is limited. It cannot be used for licensure verification to another state or country.
Processing times for BRN requests
The Board of Registered Nursing posts average processing timeframes. Applications are reviewed individually, and processing can vary by circumstance.
BRN states that initial evaluation of an application must be completed within 90 days of receipt. For the week of April 20, 2026, the Board listed these target timeframes for selected license and verification tasks.
| Item | Target or mandatory timeframe | Currently processing items received |
|---|---|---|
| Licensure by examination, California | 10-12 weeks | March 1-15, 2026 |
| Licensure by endorsement, U.S. | 10-12 weeks | February 1-15, 2026 |
| Temporary license | 2-3 weeks | March 16-31, 2026 |
| License and certificate renewal online | Within 72 hours | April 16-30, 2026 |
| Verification of licensure, license numbers 500000 and below | 6-8 weeks | April 1-15, 2026 |
| Verification of licensure, license numbers above 500000 | 6-8 weeks | April 1-15, 2026 |
Check the BRN processing times page before contacting the Board about an application or verification that is still within the posted timeframe.
Public records and licensee lists
The California Public Records Act gives the public the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records maintained by state and local agencies unless a record is exempt from disclosure.
The Board of Registered Nursing encourages public records requests through its online form. Requests may also be submitted by email to BRN.PRA@dca.ca.gov or by mail. Submit a request using only one method to avoid delays.
BRN staff may take up to 10 days to review a request and inform the requester of the determination of disclosable records. In some cases, the Board may need up to 14 additional days to identify responsive records.
The Department of Consumer Affairs also provides public information licensee lists for professional license types issued through DCA boards, bureaus, committees, and programs.
Review BRN public record request information for licensee list and PRA request details.
Complaints and enforcement records
The California Board of Registered Nursing regulates registered nurses and certified advanced practice nurses to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Complaints may involve issues such as gross negligence, incompetence, unprofessional conduct, license application fraud, misrepresentation, substance abuse, mental illness, or unlicensed activity.
Complaints may be filed online through DCA BreEZe Online Services. If online filing is not available, a complaint form may be mailed to the Board of Registered Nursing, Attn: Complaint Intake, PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.
The Board sends written notification of receipt within 10 days after receiving a complaint. Investigation details remain confidential, but disciplinary or criminal action may become public record when action is taken.
Review the BRN complaint process for complaint filing and investigation information.
California nursing license contacts
Use these BRN contacts for public license verification issues, enforcement questions, records, and account support.
- California Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100. Main office phone: (916) 322-3350.
- California Board of Registered Nursing physical address, 1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150, Sacramento, CA 95834-1924.
- DCA BreEZe Technical Support. Phone: (916) 557-1208.
- Enforcement Program. Fax: (916) 574-7693.
- Intervention Program. Phone: (916) 574-7692.
- Public Records Act requests. Email: BRN.PRA@dca.ca.gov.
- Media inquiries. Email: BRN.PIO@dca.ca.gov.
- Hearing-impaired persons. 711 or (800) 735-2929 TTY; California Relay Service voice: (800) 735-2922.
Common questions
Where can I verify a California nursing license?
Use the DCA License Search for public California license lookup. For registered nurses, BRN states that the information shown through DCA reflects primary source data from its licensing records.
How do I find public discipline documents for a California RN?
Search by the nurse’s name or license number through the BreEZe License Verification system. If discipline documents are not available there, contact the BRN Enforcement Program.
Do I use Nursys for California endorsement verification?
Use Nursys when a California RN or former California RN needs verification for licensure in another U.S. state. Advanced Practice certification verification must be requested through BRN using BreEZe.
How much is a BRN verification request?
Verification to another country is $100 per country. Advanced Practice certification verification is $100 per state or country. Employer renewal confirmation is $20 per request.
Can the BRN public counter research my application?
No. The public counter can accept and date stamp documents, accept payments, and provide paper applications, but it cannot research or approve applications.