CNA licenses expire between two and three years from the date you receive them, depending on which state issued yours
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license is not permanent. Your state's nursing board sets an expiration date when you pass your exam, and you must renew before that date or you cannot work as a CNA. Most states expire licenses every two years, though some use three-year cycles. A few states have no expiration at all but require you to show proof of current CPR certification, which does expire annually.
The expiration date appears on your physical license card and in your state's nursing database. You should know this date well before renewal is due — many states begin accepting renewal paperwork 90 days before expiration, and some employers will not let you work in the final month before your license expires.
Renewal is not automatic. You must submit paperwork, pay a fee, and sometimes complete continuing education hours. The process takes two to eight weeks depending on your state's processing speed and whether you renew by mail or online.
Key Takeaways
- Your CNA license expires on a specific date set by your state — usually two or three years after you receive it — and you cannot legally work after that date.
- Renewal requirements vary by state but typically include a renewal fee, proof of current CPR certification, and sometimes continuing education hours.
- You can usually begin the renewal process 90 days before your license expires, and processing takes two to eight weeks.
- Some states allow online renewal while others require mailed paperwork, so check your state nursing board's website for the exact method.
- Working with an expired CNA license can result in fines, job termination, and loss of your license permanently in some states.
How to find your CNA license expiration date
Your expiration date is printed on the front or back of your CNA license card. If you cannot find your card, you can look up your license status on your state nursing board's website — most states have a searchable database where you enter your name or license number and see your expiration date, current status, and any restrictions.
If you have lost your card or it is damaged, you can request a replacement from your state nursing board at the same time you renew. Some states issue the replacement automatically with your renewal; others charge a small fee for a duplicate card.
What you need to renew your CNA license
Every state requires a renewal fee, which ranges from $30 to $150 depending on where you live. Beyond that, requirements differ. Most states require proof of current CPR certification — usually American Heart Association or American Red Cross — before you can renew. Your CPR card must not be expired on the date you submit your renewal.
Some states require continuing education hours, typically between 12 and 20 hours per renewal cycle. These hours usually cover topics like infection control, patient safety, or communication skills. A few states require no continuing education at all. Check your state nursing board's website to see what applies to you.
A handful of states require you to show proof of employment as a CNA during your renewal cycle, or proof that you have worked within the past year. This is less common but does exist in some states, so verify before you submit.
How to renew your CNA license
Log into your state nursing board's website and look for a "Renew Your License" or "License Renewal" link. Most states now offer online renewal, which is the fastest route — you upload your CPR card, pay the fee by credit card, and receive confirmation within days. Some states still require you to mail a paper renewal form with a check or money order, which takes longer.
If your state uses online renewal, you will need your license number, Social Security number, and a digital copy of your current CPR card. Have these ready before you start. If you are renewing by mail, print the renewal form from the nursing board website, fill it out completely, attach a copy of your CPR card, and mail it with a check to the address listed on the form.
Processing time varies. Online renewals are usually processed within one to three weeks. Mailed renewals can take four to eight weeks, depending on mail delays and the board's workload. You will receive a confirmation email or letter when your renewal is complete, and your new license card will arrive separately by mail.
What happens if your CNA license expires
You cannot legally work as a CNA once your license expires. Your employer will likely remove you from the schedule, and you cannot bill for your work or perform CNA duties. Some employers will hold your job for a short grace period while you renew, but this is not required and varies by facility.
If you work with an expired license, you may face fines from your state nursing board, job termination, and a mark on your record that makes it harder to renew in the future. In rare cases, working with an expired license can result in permanent loss of your license.
If your license has already expired and you want to work again, you must renew it. The process is the same as a regular renewal — submit the renewal form, pay the fee, provide proof of current CPR, and wait for processing. Some states charge a late fee if you renew after the expiration date, so check your state's policy.
CPR certification and your CNA renewal
CPR certification is separate from your CNA license and expires on its own schedule, usually one year after you complete the course. Your CNA renewal requires proof that your CPR is current on the date you submit your renewal paperwork. If your CPR expires before your CNA renewal is processed, your renewal may be delayed or rejected.
To avoid this problem, renew your CPR certification at least 30 days before you submit your CNA renewal. Most CPR courses take four to six hours and cost $50 to $100. You can take CPR courses through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other approved providers — your state nursing board's website lists which organizations are accepted in your state.
Continuing education requirements by state
States fall into three categories: those that require continuing education for CNA renewal, those that do not, and those that require it only if you have not worked as a CNA during your renewal cycle.
If your state requires continuing education, you must complete the hours before you renew. Courses can be taken online, in person, or through your employer. Common topics include bloodborne pathogens, patient rights, dementia care, and communication with patients who have disabilities. Your state nursing board's website lists approved course providers and which courses count toward your requirement.
If you are unsure whether your state requires continuing education, call your state nursing board directly or check their website. It is easier to complete the requirement before you renew than to have your renewal rejected because you missed it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my CNA license before it expires?
Yes. Most states allow you to renew 90 days before your expiration date. Renewing early is a good idea if you are busy or if you want to avoid a rush. Your new license will be valid for the full renewal period from the date you renew, not from your old expiration date.
What if I let my CNA license expire and I want to work again?
You can renew an expired license using the same process as a regular renewal. Some states charge a late fee for renewals submitted after the expiration date. You cannot work as a CNA until your renewal is complete and you receive your new license card.
Do I have to renew in the state where I got my license?
Yes. You renew with the state nursing board that issued your license. If you move to a different state, you will need to get a CNA license in that state — most states do not recognize licenses from other states. Some states have reciprocity agreements that make the process faster, but you still must explore through the new state's board.
What if my CPR expires between when I renew my CNA and when my new card arrives?
Your CNA renewal is based on your CPR status on the date you submit the renewal paperwork, not on the date your new card arrives. If your CPR was current when you submitted your renewal, your CNA renewal is valid even if your CPR expires before the card reaches you. However, you will need current CPR to work, so renew your CPR before it expires.
Can I work as a CNA in another state with my current license?
No. Each state issues and regulates its own CNA licenses. If you move or want to work in another state, you must get a license from that state's nursing board. Some states have reciprocity and will issue a license faster if you already hold one from another state, but you still must explore and pay a fee.