What you need to do to renew your CNA license

Renewing your CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) license means submitting paperwork and fees to your state's nursing board before your current license expires. The process is simpler than getting your initial certification, but the exact steps and costs depend on which state you work in. Most states require you to renew every two years, though some use three-year or four-year cycles.

You will need to contact your state's nursing board or health department directly — not a national office — because each state sets its own renewal rules, important date, and fees. Some states let you renew online; others require mailed forms. Many states also require proof that you have worked a certain number of hours as a CNA in the past year or two, or that you have completed continuing education hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state's nursing board or health department handles CNA renewal, and each state has different important date, fees, and requirements.
  • Most states require renewal every two years and may ask for proof of recent work hours or continuing education credits.
  • You should start the renewal process at least two to three months before your license expires to avoid working without a valid license.
  • Some states allow online renewal while others require mailed forms; check your state board's website to find the correct method and current fee.

Finding your state's renewal requirements and important date

Your first step is to find out when your license expires and what your state requires. Look at your current CNA license card — the expiration date is printed on the front. Then go to your state's nursing board website. You can search "[your state] nursing board" or "[your state] health department CNA renewal" to find the official page.

On that page, look for a section labeled "CNA Renewal," "Certified Nursing Assistant Renewal," or "License Renewal." This section will list the renewal fee (which typically ranges from $50 to $200, depending on the state), the important date, whether you can renew online or must mail forms, and what documents you need to submit. Write down the important date and set a reminder for two months before it — that gives you time to gather documents without rushing.

If you cannot find the information online or your state's website is unclear, call the nursing board directly. The phone number is usually on the website. Have your CNA license number ready when you call.

Gathering documents your state may require

Most states ask for proof that you have worked as a CNA recently. This is called a work hour requirement or practice requirement. Some states require 100 hours of work in the past year; others require 500 hours in the past two years. A few states have no work hour requirement at all. Your state's renewal page will tell you which applies to you.

To prove your work hours, you will typically need a letter from your employer on company letterhead. The letter should state your name, your CNA license number, the dates you worked, and the total number of hours you worked during the required period. Ask your employer's human resources department or your direct supervisor to write this letter — they usually complete it within a few days. If you have worked at multiple facilities, you may need letters from each one.

Some states also require continuing education — a set number of hours of training in topics like infection control, patient safety, or CPR. The requirement varies by state; some require 12 hours every two years, others require none. If your state requires it, you can take these courses through community colleges, online providers, or your employer. Keep the certificate of completion that you receive when you finish the course, as you will need to submit it with your renewal forms.

Submitting your renewal online or by mail

If your state offers online renewal, go to the nursing board website and look for a link to the renewal portal. You will log in with your license number and date of birth, then upload your documents (the work hour letter and any continuing education certificates). You will also pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card. After you submit, you should receive a confirmation email. Keep this email as proof that you have renewed.

If your state requires mailed renewal, read the renewal form from the nursing board website or request it by phone. Fill out the form completely — incomplete forms are often rejected and sent back, which delays your renewal. Attach copies (not originals) of your work hour letter and continuing education certificates. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to your state's nursing board or health department. Mail everything to the address listed on the form, using certified mail if possible so you have proof of delivery.

Processing times vary. Online renewals are often processed within one to two weeks. Mailed renewals can take four to six weeks. If your license expires before you receive your renewed license, check your state's rules — many states allow you to continue working for a grace period (usually 30 to 60 days) if you have submitted your renewal on time, even if the new card has not arrived yet.

What to do if you miss the renewal important date

If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally work as a CNA until you have a valid license. However, most states offer a late renewal option. You can still renew your license after the important date, but you will usually pay a late fee in addition to the regular renewal fee. The late fee ranges from $25 to $100 depending on the state.

Contact your state's nursing board when ready if you realize your license has expired. Ask whether you can renew late and what the additional fee is. Some states have a grace period during which you can renew without penalty; others do not. Do not work as a CNA without a valid license, as this can result in fines or legal action against you.

If you have let your license expire for a long time (more than one or two years in most states), you may not be able to renew it straightforward by paying a fee. Instead, you may have to retake the CNA exam or complete additional training. Your state's nursing board can tell you whether this applies to you.

Keeping track of your renewal so you do not miss the important date

Set a calendar reminder for two months before your license expires. At that point, visit your state's nursing board website to confirm the renewal important date and fee have not changed. Request your work hour letter from your employer at the same time, since some employers take a few weeks to complete it.

If you are taking continuing education courses, finish them at least one month before the important date so you have time to receive your certificate and submit it. If you are renewing by mail, send your forms at least three weeks before the important date to account for mail delivery time.

After you have submitted your renewal (online or by mail), save the confirmation email or certified mail receipt. If your state's board says your renewal was not received, you will have proof that you submitted it on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CNA license if I have not worked as a CNA recently?

This depends on your state. Some states have no work hour requirement and will renew your license regardless of whether you have worked. Others require a certain number of hours in the past one or two years. If you do not meet the requirement, contact your state's nursing board — some allow you to take a refresher course instead of proving work hours.

What happens if I renew my license but do not receive the new card before the old one expires?

Most states allow you to work on an expired license for a grace period (usually 30 to 60 days) if you have submitted your renewal on time. Keep your confirmation email or mailed receipt as proof. If you are unsure whether your state has a grace period, call the nursing board before your license expires.

Can I renew my CNA license in a different state if I move?

Each state has its own license, so you cannot straightforward renew your old state's license and use it in a new state. You will need to get a CNA license in your new state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that make this faster; others require you to retake the exam. Contact your new state's nursing board to find out what is required.

Do I need CPR certification to renew my CNA license?

Some states require current CPR certification as part of CNA renewal; others do not. Check your state's renewal requirements on the nursing board website. If CPR is required and yours has expired, you will need to renew it before you submit your CNA renewal.

What if I cannot afford the renewal fee?

Contact your state's nursing board and ask whether they offer fee waivers or reduced fees based on income. Some states do; others do not. If your state does not, ask whether you can pay the fee in installments or whether your employer offers information with licensing fees.