CNA renewal is a state process, not a federal one, and the steps and costs differ by where you work

Your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license does not renew the same way a driver's license does. There is no single national renewal process. Instead, each state's nursing board sets its own renewal timeline, fees, and requirements. Some states require renewal every two years; others every four. Some charge $50; others charge $200 or more. Some require classroom hours; others do not. You must follow the rules of the state where your license was issued, not where you currently work.

The first step is to find out when your license expires. Check the card itself — the expiration date is printed on the front. If you have lost the card, contact your state's nursing board directly. They maintain a public registry where you can search your name and see your license status and expiration date. Do not wait until the last month to start the renewal process. Many states require you to submit your renewal paperwork 30 to 60 days before expiration, and processing can take four to eight weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Your CNA license expiration date is printed on your card, and you can verify it through your state nursing board's public registry if you have lost the card.
  • Renewal requirements vary by state and may include continuing education hours, a renewal fee, and a background check, so you must check your specific state's requirements.
  • Most states require you to submit renewal paperwork 30 to 60 days before expiration, and processing typically takes four to eight weeks.
  • If your license expires, you cannot work as a CNA until it is renewed, even if you have already submitted your renewal paperwork.
  • Some states allow online renewal; others require you to mail in forms or renew in person at the nursing board office.

How to find your state's renewal requirements

Go to your state nursing board's website. Search "[your state] nursing board" or "[your state] board of nursing." The board's website will have a section labeled "CNA Renewal," "Renewal Requirements," or "Continuing Education." Write down the exact requirements: the renewal fee amount, the number of continuing education hours required (if any), the important date for submitting paperwork, and the method of renewal (online, mail, or in person).

Some states, such as California and Texas, allow you to renew online through the board's portal. Others, such as New York, require you to mail in a paper form. A few states require you to renew in person at a regional office. The board's website will tell you which method applies to you. If the website is unclear, call the board's customer service line — the phone number is on the website. Have your CNA license number ready when you call.

Continuing education requirements and how to complete them

Not all states require continuing education to renew a CNA license. Some states, including Florida and Georgia, have no continuing education requirement at all — you straightforward pay the fee and renew. Other states require between 12 and 24 hours of approved continuing education during the renewal period. Check your state's requirement before you spend money on a course.

If your state requires continuing education, the hours must come from an approved provider. Your state nursing board publishes a list of approved providers on its website. Common providers include community colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, and online education companies. The course topics vary but often cover infection control, patient safety, communication, or legal and ethical issues in nursing. When you complete a course, you will receive a certificate of completion. Keep this certificate — you will need to submit it with your renewal paperwork or have it on file when you renew online.

Do not take continuing education courses until you know exactly what your state requires. Taking extra hours does not speed up renewal and does not reduce the fee. Take only what is required, from an approved provider, and keep the certificate.

The renewal process and fee

Your state nursing board will provide a renewal form. If you are renewing online, you will fill out the form on the board's website and pay the fee by credit card or debit card. If you are renewing by mail, you will read the form from the website, print it, fill it out by hand or on your computer, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee.

The renewal form asks for basic information: your full name, license number, date of birth, current address, and employer information. Some states also ask whether you have been convicted of a crime, disciplined by a nursing board, or sued by a patient. Answer these questions truthfully. Lying on a renewal form can result in your license being denied or revoked.

The renewal fee varies widely. As of 2024, fees range from approximately $50 in some states to $200 or more in others. Some states charge different fees depending on whether you renew online or by mail. Check your state's website for the exact amount and the payment methods accepted. Do not send cash by mail.

Timeline and what happens after you submit

Submit your renewal paperwork at least 30 to 60 days before your license expires. This gives the nursing board time to process your process and mail you a new license card (if your state issues physical cards) or update your status in the online registry. Processing times vary by state. Some states process renewals within two weeks; others take six to eight weeks. During this time, your old license remains valid as long as you submitted your renewal before the expiration date.

After you submit, you should receive a confirmation email or letter with a reference number. Keep this confirmation. If you do not hear back within the timeframe your state lists on its website, contact the nursing board to check the status of your renewal. Some states allow you to check status online using your license number and date of birth.

Once your renewal is approved, you will either receive a new license card by mail or your status will be updated in the online registry. If your state issues cards, the new card will show your new expiration date. If your state uses an online registry only, you can print a temporary verification of your license from the board's website while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license has expired and you have not yet renewed, you cannot work as a CNA until your renewal is processed and approved. Working with an expired license is illegal and can result in criminal charges and permanent loss of your license. If your license expired recently, contact your state nursing board when ready to begin the renewal process. Some states have a grace period of a few days or weeks after expiration during which you can still renew without penalty; others do not. Ask the board whether a grace period applies to you.

If your license expired more than a year ago, you may not be able to renew through the standard process. Some states require you to retake the CNA exam or complete additional training if your license has been expired for a long time. Contact your state nursing board to find out what steps you need to take. The board can tell you whether you can renew by mail or whether you must test again.

Renewing when you move to a different state

If you move to a new state, your old CNA license does not automatically transfer. You must get a license in your new state. Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow you to transfer your license with minimal additional requirements; others require you to retake the CNA exam. Contact the nursing board in your new state to find out what is required. In the meantime, your old license remains valid in your old state only, so you cannot work as a CNA in your new state until you have a license there.

Do not let your old license expire while you are waiting for your new state license to be processed. Renew your old license if it is still valid, then explore for licensure in your new state. Having an active license in your old state can speed up the process in your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, as long as you submitted your renewal paperwork before your license expired. Your old license remains valid during the processing period. If your license has already expired and you have not submitted a renewal, you cannot work until your renewal is approved.

What if I lost my CNA license card?

Contact your state nursing board and ask for a replacement card. Most states charge a small fee (usually $10 to $25) for a replacement. You can also print a temporary verification of your license from the board's online registry and show that to your employer while you wait for the replacement card to arrive.

Do I have to renew in the state where I work or the state where I got my license?

You renew in the state where you got your license. If you got your CNA license in one state but now work in another, you must renew with the first state's nursing board. If you want to work permanently in your new state, you will need to get a license there as well.

What happens if I miss the renewal important date?

Your license will expire and you cannot work as a CNA. You will need to contact your state nursing board to find out whether you can renew after expiration or whether you must retake the CNA exam. Some states allow late renewal with a penalty fee; others require retesting.

How much does CNA renewal cost?

Renewal fees vary by state and typically range from $50 to $200. Some states charge different fees for online versus mail renewal. Check your state nursing board's website for the exact fee and accepted payment methods.