CNA renewal is a state-by-state process, not a federal one

Your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license is issued and renewed by your state's nursing board, not by a national agency. The renewal timeline, cost, and requirements differ depending on which state issued your license. Most states require renewal every two years, though some use three-year or four-year cycles. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail 30 to 90 days before your license expires, but you should not wait for that notice to start the process — many people miss important date because the notice gets lost or arrives late.

The renewal process itself is straightforward: you submit a form, pay a fee, and in most cases that is all you need to do. Some states require proof that you have worked a certain number of hours as a CNA in the past two years. A few states require you to take a refresher course or pass a written exam. The fastest way to find out what your state requires is to go directly to your state nursing board's website and look for the CNA renewal section.

Key Takeaways

  • Your state nursing board handles CNA renewal, and requirements vary by state — check your state board's website to find the exact important date and what you need to submit.
  • Most states require renewal every two years and cost between $50 and $200, though some states charge more and use different renewal cycles.
  • Many states require proof that you worked a minimum number of hours as a CNA during the renewal period, so gather your employment records before you explore.
  • You can usually renew online through your state board's portal, and the process takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready.
  • If your license has already expired, you may still be able to renew it, but some states require you to retake the CNA exam or complete additional coursework.

Find your state nursing board and your renewal important date

Start by searching "[your state] nursing board CNA renewal" or "[your state] board of nursing." The official state website will have a section for CNA licensees that lists the renewal important date, the cost, and what documents you need. Write down your license expiration date — it appears on your CNA card — and mark your calendar for at least two weeks before that date.

If you cannot find the renewal important date on the website, call the nursing board directly. Most state boards have a phone line for licensee questions, and they can tell you the exact date your license expires and whether you are may be able to access to renew by mail, online, or both. Keep the phone number handy in case you have questions while you are filling out the form.

Gather the documents your state requires

Most states ask for your current CNA license number, your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Beyond that, requirements vary. Some states require you to list your employer or employers during the renewal period and the number of hours you worked. Others ask for a signed statement from your employer confirming that you worked a certain number of hours — typically 50 to 100 hours per year, though this varies.

If you have changed jobs or had gaps in employment, gather pay stubs, employment letters, or timesheets that show your work history. If your state requires a certain number of hours and you did not work as a CNA during part of the renewal period, check whether your state allows you to renew anyway or whether you need to complete additional training. Some states allow inactive renewal, which means your license renews but you cannot work until you reactivate it by meeting the hour requirement.

Submit your renewal form and payment

Most states now offer online renewal through a portal on the nursing board website. Log in with your license number and date of birth, fill in the required fields, upload any documents your state asks for, and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The fee typically ranges from $50 to $200 depending on your state. Online renewal usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and you will receive a confirmation email when ready.

If your state does not offer online renewal, you can renew by mail. read the renewal form from the nursing board website, fill it out by hand or on your computer, gather the required documents, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail renewal takes longer — usually two to four weeks — so send it at least six weeks before your license expires.

What happens after you submit your renewal

If you renewed online, your state board will process your form within one to two weeks in most cases. You will receive an email confirming that your license has been renewed, and your new license card will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks. Your license number stays the same, but the expiration date on your card will be updated.

If you renewed by mail, processing takes longer — typically three to six weeks. During this time, your old license remains valid. Once the board approves your renewal, they will mail your new license card. If you need proof that your license is current before the card arrives, you can usually print a temporary renewal confirmation from the nursing board website or call the board to request a letter of good standing.

Renewing a license that has already expired

If your license has expired, you may still be able to renew it, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. Most states allow you to renew for up to one or two years after expiration without retaking the CNA exam, though you may need to pay a late fee or complete a refresher course. Check your state nursing board's website for the late renewal policy, or call the board directly.

If your license has been expired for more than two years, most states require you to retake the CNA certification exam. You will need to complete a CNA training program again and pass both the written and skills portions of the exam. Some states allow you to challenge the exam without repeating the course if you can show recent work experience as a CNA, but this varies. Contact your state board to find out what route applies to you.

Renewing your license in a different state

If you have moved to a new state and want to work as a CNA there, you cannot straightforward renew your old license in your new state. You will need to obtain a CNA license from your new state's nursing board. Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow you to transfer your license without retaking the exam, but most do not. Check your new state's nursing board website to see whether they recognize licenses from your previous state or whether you need to take the exam again.

The process for obtaining a license in a new state usually involves submitting an process, paying a fee, and providing proof that you passed the CNA exam in your previous state. Some states require you to complete a brief orientation or pass a state-specific written exam. A few states allow you to work as a CNA under your old license for a limited time while you complete the new state's requirements, but do not assume this — contact your new state board before you start a job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a CNA while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date printed on your card, even if you have submitted a renewal form. Once your license expires, you cannot work as a CNA until your renewal is approved and you receive your new card, so do not wait until the last day to submit your renewal.

What if I lost my CNA card?

Contact your state nursing board and request a replacement card. You will need to pay a replacement fee, usually $10 to $25, and the board will mail you a new card with the same license number and expiration date. You can usually request a replacement online or by mail.

Do I need to renew my CPR certification at the same time as my CNA license?

No. CPR certification and CNA licensure are separate. Your CPR card has its own expiration date, usually two years from the date you passed the course. Check your CPR card for the expiration date and renew it separately through the organization that issued it, such as the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.

What if my state requires continuing education for CNA renewal?

Some states require you to complete a certain number of continuing education hours — typically 5 to 12 hours — during the renewal period. Check your state nursing board's website to see whether this applies to you. If it does, you will need to complete the hours before you submit your renewal form and provide proof of completion, usually a certificate from the course provider.

Can I renew my CNA license online if I live outside the United States?

Most states allow online renewal regardless of where you live, as long as you have a valid mailing address in the United States where your new license card can be sent. If you do not have a U.S. address, contact your state nursing board to ask about alternative renewal options.