Texas Professional License Reciprocity & Transfer Guide
Relocating your professional license to Texas requires navigating state-specific regulatory commissions and statutory comity agreements. Below is the complete, verified legal roadmap for transferring nursing, real estate, general contractor, and trades licenses into Texas.
Check Reciprocity from Your Origin State into Texas
State-to-State Reciprocity Navigator
Compare statutory transfer rules, compact privileges, and exam waivers between any two states.
California to Texas • Registered Nurse (RN)
California is NOT an eNLC compact state, but Texas is. You cannot use compact multistate privileges. You must submit an application for Licensure by Endorsement to the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
Transfer Roadmap: CA → TX
Verify passing NCLEX-RN score and original state license on Nursys.com.
Complete FBI biometric fingerprinting per Texas board requirements.
Pass the online 50-question Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam (TJPE).
Upon approval, receive Texas single-state or multistate license.
Avg approval: 2–4 weeks. FBI Fingerprints: Required.
State law exam: Mandatory. Reciprocal partners: 1 states.
Subject to local municipal or state board examination.
Uniform Accountancy Act § 23: Out-of-state CPAs practice with no advance notice or fee.
Texas Nursing License Transfer & Endorsement Rules
Tex. Occ. Code § 304.0015 (Nurse Licensure Compact)Texas is a founding active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Multistate RN and LVN licenses are recognized for practice immediately without notification.
Requirements for Licensure by Endorsement in Texas:
- Graduation from an accredited state-approved professional nursing program.
- Passing score on the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN (verified via Nursys electronic system).
- Clear criminal background check with electronic fingerprinting.
- Verification of active, unencumbered licensure from your current licensing jurisdiction.
- Temporary practice permit availability: Yes (typically valid for 90–180 days).
Texas Real Estate License Reciprocity & Mutual Recognition
Tex. Occ. Code § 1101.358 & 22 TAC § 535.55Texas does NOT have direct reciprocity agreements with any state. However, out-of-state licensees can waive the national exam portion. Applicants must still complete Texas-specific qualifying courses (Texas Real Estate Principles, Law of Agency, Law of Contracts) and pass the 40-question Texas state law examination.
Texas General Contractor & Electrician Portability
Local Municipal Regulations & TDLRCommercial & General Contracting
General contractors are not licensed at the state level in Texas; licensing and permits are issued by cities (e.g., Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio). TDLR maintains limited commercial trades reciprocity with Louisiana.
Electrician Licensing (Journeyman / Master)
Texas TDLR maintains Journeyman and Master Electrician reciprocity with 13 states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Louisiana, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
✓ Texas Inbound Transfer Checklist
- •Complete Texas FAST fingerprinting via IdentoGO
- •For nurses: take the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Examination (50 questions online open-book)
- •For real estate: submit official transcripts for evaluation and take Texas state exam via Pearson VUE
- •For electricians: submit reciprocal application to TDLR with certified license history
⚠️ Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Texas
- !Nurses moving permanently to Texas failing to declare Texas as their PSOR and convert their compact license within 60 days
- !Assuming Texas has direct real estate reciprocity that skips Texas coursework or state law testing
Frequently Asked Questions: Texas License Reciprocity
Does Texas have real estate reciprocity with other states?
No. Texas does not have reciprocity agreements. However, TREC will waive the national exam portion if you hold an active license elsewhere. You must still take the required Texas law courses and pass the Texas state exam.
Which states reciprocate with a Texas electrician license?
Texas TDLR reciprocates with 13 states: AK, AR, CO, ID, IA, LA, MT, NE, NM, NC, OK, SD, and WY.