California LVN reinstatement fees and what they cover

Reinstating a California Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) license costs between $100 and $200, depending on how long your license has been inactive and which path you take. The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) charges a base reinstatement fee, and you may owe additional fees if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need to complete continuing education requirements first.

The exact cost breaks down into separate charges: a reinstatement process fee, a processing fee, and sometimes a late renewal penalty if your license lapsed. You do not pay all of these at once — some are due when you submit your paperwork, and others when the Board approves your reinstatement and issues your new license.

The Board does not accept partial payments or payment plans. You must pay the full amount before your reinstatement is processed, and payment is nonrefundable even if your reinstatement is denied.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $200 depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether you need continuing education.
  • You pay the process fee when you submit your reinstatement request, and the license fee when the Board approves and issues your new license.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to complete continuing education hours or retake the NCLEX-PN exam, which adds time and cost beyond the reinstatement fee.
  • The Board does not offer payment plans, and all fees are nonrefundable once submitted.
  • You can check the current fee schedule on the BVNPT website, since fees are updated periodically and may vary from the amounts listed here.

How long your license has been inactive matters

The reinstatement cost and process depend on whether your license expired recently or years ago. If your license lapsed within the last five years, you typically pay only the reinstatement fee and submit proof that you have completed the continuing education hours required during the period your license was inactive. This is the fastest and least expensive route.

If your license expired more than five years ago, the Board treats reinstatement differently. You may be required to retake the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses) in addition to paying reinstatement fees. Retaking the exam costs money — the exam itself is administered by Pearson VUE and costs around $200 to $250 — and you must pass it before the Board will reinstate your license. This can double or triple your total out-of-pocket cost.

Some nurses in this situation also need to complete a refresher course or additional continuing education before they are permitted to sit for the exam. These courses are offered by nursing schools and community colleges throughout California and typically cost $500 to $2,000 depending on the program length and provider.

Continuing education requirements and their cost

If your license expired within the last five years, you must show that you completed continuing education hours during the time your license was inactive. California requires LVNs to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to keep an active license. If you did not complete these hours before your license expired, you must do so before you can reinstate.

Continuing education courses are offered by hospitals, nursing schools, online providers, and professional nursing organizations. Costs vary widely — a single course might cost $20 to $100, or you might pay $200 to $500 for a package of courses that meets the full 30-hour requirement. Some employers offer free or subsidized continuing education to their staff, so if you are currently working in a healthcare setting, ask your human resources department whether they cover the cost.

You do not have to complete all 30 hours before you submit your reinstatement request, but you must have proof of completion before the Board issues your new license. Plan for at least two to four weeks to complete the courses and receive your certificates of completion.

The reinstatement process process and timeline

To reinstate your license, you submit a reinstatement process to the BVNPT along with your reinstatement fee. The process asks for your license number, your Social Security number, your current address, and proof of any continuing education you have completed. You can submit the process by mail or through the Board's online portal if you have an account.

The Board typically processes reinstatement applications within four to six weeks, though this can take longer if your file is incomplete or if the Board needs to verify information with other agencies. Once approved, the Board mails your new license to the address you provided on the process. You do not receive a temporary license while you wait — your old license remains inactive until the new one arrives.

If your process is denied, the Board sends you a letter explaining why and what you can do to reapply. Common reasons for denial include incomplete continuing education documentation, failure to pass the NCLEX-PN if required, or unpaid disciplinary fines or fees from your original license period.

What happens if you owe money to the Board

If your license was suspended or revoked due to disciplinary action, or if you owe unpaid fines or fees from your original license period, you cannot reinstate until you pay what you owe. The Board will not process your reinstatement process until your account is clear.

You can contact the BVNPT directly to find out whether you have any outstanding balance. If you do, ask whether the Board offers a payment plan or whether you can negotiate a settlement. Some cases allow for this, though it depends on the nature of the original disciplinary action.

Where to find current fee information

The BVNPT publishes its current fee schedule on its official website. Fees are updated periodically, so the amounts listed in this article may have changed. Before you submit your reinstatement process, visit the Board's website or call their licensing unit to confirm the exact fees you will owe.

The Board's mailing address and phone number are listed on their website. When you call, have your license number ready so the staff can pull up your file and tell you exactly what you need to do and what it will cost based on your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as an LVN while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license is inactive until the Board issues your new one. Working without an active license is illegal and can result in criminal charges. If you need to work before your reinstatement is complete, you must wait until your new license arrives.

Do I have to retake the NCLEX-PN if my license expired five years ago?

Not always. It depends on the Board's current rules and your individual file. Some nurses are required to retake it; others are not. Contact the BVNPT directly with your license number to find out whether you will need to sit for the exam.

What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?

The Board does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if you have financial hardship, contact the BVNPT to ask whether any exceptions or alternative arrangements are possible. Some applicants have been able to work out solutions on a case-by-case basis.

Will my reinstatement be denied if I have a criminal record?

Not automatically. The Board considers criminal history as part of the reinstatement review, but conviction alone does not disqualify you. The Board looks at the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it relates to patient safety or trustworthiness. Contact the Board if you have concerns about your specific situation.