How Much Does an LPN License Cost by State? (2026)

LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) licensing costs include state board application fees, the NCLEX-PN exam fee, and background check charges. Education is program-based — typically a 12-month certificate or diploma program — so the government licensing fees below do not include tuition. Across the 51 jurisdictions we track, computed initial licensing fees range from $275 to $525, with an average of roughly $343.

Totals below are computed from each state's application fee, NCLEX-PN exam fee ($200 nationwide), and background check fee. Data is sourced from the same official state board records that power our individual state pages.

What Drives LPN/LVN Licensing Costs?

Every state charges the same NCLEX-PN exam fee, but application and processing costs differ significantly:

1. State board application fee: Ranges from under $50 to over $300. This is the main variable cost.
2. NCLEX-PN exam fee: $200 nationwide, administered by Pearson VUE. Retakes cost $200 each.
3. Background check fee: Most states require fingerprint-based checks, typically $30–$75.
4. Temporary permit fee: Some states offer practice permits while awaiting NCLEX results ($25–$75 additional).
5. NLC multistate license surcharge: States in the Nurse Licensure Compact may charge more for a multistate license vs. a single-state license.

Cheapest States for LPN Licensing

These states have the lowest combined initial licensing fees (application + NCLEX-PN + background check):

Most Expensive States for LPN Licensing

Higher fees in these states typically reflect higher application processing charges or multistate license premiums:

LPN/LVN License Cost Table by State

The table below shows a fee breakdown for all 51 jurisdictions. Click any state for the full requirements.

Note: "Est. Total" is the sum of application, NCLEX-PN, and background check fees where all three are available. Education and training costs (typically $10,000–$20,000 for an LPN program) are additional. "Varies" indicates the state has fees that depend on license type or other factors.

Tips for Reducing Your LPN Licensing Costs

• Pass the NCLEX-PN on the first attempt. The $200 exam fee applies each time. A prep course ($100–$300) is a worthwhile investment to avoid retake costs.
• Check if your state is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). NLC member states issue multistate licenses, allowing you to practice across state lines without paying for additional state licenses.
• Ask about fee waivers. Some states offer reduced fees for veterans, military spouses, or applicants demonstrating financial hardship.
• Factor in IV certification costs. Some states require separate IV therapy certification, adding exam and course fees on top of basic LPN licensure.
• Budget for continuing education. Most states require CE hours for renewal. Online CE courses are typically more affordable than in-person options.

Related Guides

• How to Become an LPN: Step-by-Step Guide
• LPN vs. RN: Differences in Education, Scope, and Pay
• LPN Licensing Requirements by State

Sources

Fee data is sourced from official state boards of nursing and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

• Individual state boards of nursing (cited on each state page).
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) — NCLEX-PN exam fee schedule.

Fees and requirements change as states update their nursing practice acts. Always confirm current fees with your state's board of nursing before applying.