The practice of nursing requires an active license, which legally authorizes patient care and ensures minimum competency standards. Since nursing regulation occurs entirely at the state level, there is no single, universal license expiration date. Each state Board of Nursing (BON) determines its own unique renewal requirements and schedule. The responsibility to track and complete the renewal process rests solely with the individual nurse. Compliance with these varying state rules is necessary for maintaining professional standing.
State Regulation and License Renewal Frequency
The State Board of Nursing establishes the license renewal cycle and deadline in each jurisdiction. Most states implement a biennial, or two-year, renewal cycle to ensure regular oversight of professional competence. While two years is most common, a few states utilize an annual cycle, and a small number have adopted a triennial, three-year period.
Expiration dates are often staggered to manage the administrative workload. Many states align the license expiration with the nurse’s birth month or birth year, sometimes using an odd or even year designation. For example, a license might expire on the last day of the birth month every two years. Nurses must consult the official website of their state’s Board of Nursing to confirm their exact expiration date and associated requirements.
Specific Expiration Rules for Different License Types
The renewal process differs based on the level of licensure, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs). Base licenses for RNs and LPNs typically follow the standard state renewal cycle, such as the common two-year period. The fundamental requirements for these two license types, including continuing education hours, are often similar within a state.
APRNs, such as Nurse Practitioners and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, face a more complex renewal process involving multiple components. An APRN must maintain an active RN license, which follows the standard state renewal schedule. They must also renew a separate APRN license or certificate, which may have distinct deadlines and requirements, potentially including prescriptive authority. Additionally, many states require APRNs to maintain national certification from an external body, which often operates on a different cycle, such as a five-year renewal period.
Mandatory Requirements for License Renewal
Continuing Education (CE) Requirements
Continuing Education (CE) completion is a near-universal requirement for license renewal across state jurisdictions. The mandated number of contact hours varies widely, typically falling between 20 to 30 hours per two-year renewal cycle. Many states also require specific, mandatory CE topics reflecting current public health priorities. These requirements may include training on pain management, opioid prescribing practices, infection control protocols, or human trafficking awareness.
Required Practice Hours
Some Boards of Nursing require nurses to demonstrate a minimum number of clinical practice hours for license renewal, in addition to CE. This confirms the nurse has recently applied their skills and maintained competency. The required threshold varies; some states mandate figures like 320 hours of employment or 1,000 hours over five years. Other jurisdictions allow nurses to meet the competency requirement through either minimum practice hours or the completion of extra CE hours.
Application Fees and Background Checks
The final stage of renewal involves administrative requirements, including submitting an application and paying a renewal fee. These fees vary by state, typically ranging from $75 to over $150. Nurses must also confirm any disclosures regarding criminal charges or disciplinary actions as part of the application. Some states may require updated background checks or jurisprudence exams, especially if significant time has passed since the last renewal or if the nurse is applying for reinstatement.
Special Considerations for Multi-State Licenses
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows a nurse to hold a single multi-state license and practice in any other compact state. Although this streamlines practice across state lines, the license expiration date and renewal requirements are determined exclusively by the nurse’s primary state of residence (home state). The primary state of residence is the physical location where the nurse resides, not where they practice the most.
If a nurse moves their primary residence from one compact state to another, they must notify their former home state BON and apply for a license in the new state. The authority to issue and renew the multi-state license then shifts to the new home state. Nurses working under the NLC must always follow the renewal calendar and requirements of the state where they permanently reside.
Consequences of a Lapsed Nursing License
A nurse who misses the expiration deadline immediately transitions to a lapsed, delinquent, or inactive status, legally prohibiting practice. Working with an expired license constitutes unlicensed practice, which can lead to disciplinary action from the Board of Nursing, including fines, probation, or license revocation. Employers are often required to terminate or suspend a nurse found working with an inactive license.
Reinstating a lapsed license is a formal process that is more difficult than a simple renewal. The nurse must typically submit a reinstatement application, pay the standard renewal fee along with a substantial late fee, and provide documentation of completed continuing education. If the license has been expired for an extended period, such as over eight years in some jurisdictions, the nurse may be required to complete mandatory refresher courses or retake the licensing examination to demonstrate current competency.