How to reinstate your Delaware RN license after it has lapsed
To reinstate a lapsed Delaware RN license, you contact the Delaware Board of Nursing, submit a reinstatement request with required documentation, and pay the reinstatement fee. The process typically takes two to four weeks. You do not need to retake the NCLEX exam if your license lapsed within the past five years and you meet the board's other requirements — but if your license has been inactive longer than that, or if you let it expire while living outside Delaware, the rules change and you may face additional steps.
The specific path depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you maintained continuing education hours during that time. This guide walks you through what the board requires, what documents to gather, and what to expect at each stage.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Delaware Board of Nursing directly by phone or through their website to confirm your license status and which reinstatement path applies to you.
- You will need to submit a reinstatement request form, proof of identity, and documentation of any continuing education completed since your license lapsed.
- The reinstatement fee varies depending on how long your license has been inactive; the board can quote the exact amount when you call.
- If your license lapsed more than five years ago, you may need to complete additional continuing education hours or meet other requirements set by the board at the time of reinstatement.
- Once approved, your license is restored to active status and you can resume practice when ready — you do not need to wait for a new license card to arrive.
Contact the Delaware Board of Nursing to start
Your first step is to call or visit the Delaware Board of Nursing website to confirm your license status and learn which reinstatement process applies to you. The board maintains records of all active and inactive licenses and can tell you when ready whether your license is may be able to access for standard reinstatement or whether additional requirements explore.
When you contact them, have your full name, date of birth, and any license number you remember ready. The board staff will pull your file and explain exactly what documents and fees you need. This conversation also clarifies whether you owe any back fees or have any disciplinary history that might affect reinstatement.
Do not assume your license can be reinstated until the board confirms it. Some licenses are placed on inactive status for reasons that require board review before reinstatement is possible — for example, if there was an open complaint or if your license was suspended rather than straightforward allowed to lapse.
Gather your reinstatement documentation
The board will ask you to submit a reinstatement request form along with supporting documents. The exact list depends on your situation, but typically includes a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and documentation of any continuing education you completed while your license was inactive.
If you completed continuing education hours, bring certificates or transcripts showing the course name, provider, date completed, and number of hours. If you did not complete any continuing education, tell the board when you call — they will let you know whether you can reinstate without it or whether you must complete a certain number of hours before your license is restored.
Some nurses also need to provide proof of a current CPR certification or proof that they have worked as an RN in another state during the inactive period. Ask the board which of these explore to you. Gathering these documents before you submit your request speeds up the approval process.
Submit your reinstatement request and pay the fee
Once you have your documents ready, submit your reinstatement request to the Delaware Board of Nursing. The board accepts requests by mail or through their website portal, depending on which method they currently support. Ask when you call whether you can submit everything online or whether you need to mail physical copies.
Include the reinstatement fee with your request. The fee amount depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you are requesting expedited processing. The board will quote the exact fee when you call, so you know the amount before you submit anything.
Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you submitted it. If you submit by mail, send it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If you submit online, print or save the confirmation page the board provides.
What happens during the review period
After the board receives your request, they review your documentation to confirm you meet the reinstatement requirements. This typically takes two to four weeks, though it can be faster if your file is straightforward and slower if the board needs to contact you for additional information.
During this time, the board may contact you by phone or email if they need clarification on any document or if your file shows something that requires board review. Answer promptly — delays in responding can extend the timeline.
You can call the board to ask about the status of your request after one week has passed. Have your name and license number ready when you call. The board staff can tell you whether your request is still under review or whether they are waiting for something from you.
After your license is reinstated
Once the board approves your reinstatement, your license is restored to active status. You do not need to wait for a new license card to arrive in the mail to begin working — your license is valid when ready upon approval. The board will send you written confirmation of reinstatement, and you can use that letter as proof of your active license if an employer needs it before your card arrives.
Your renewed license will have an expiration date set by the board, typically two years from the reinstatement date. You will need to renew before that date to keep your license active. The board will send you renewal notices before your expiration date, so mark your calendar and do not miss the important date.
If you plan to work in another state or need your Delaware license verified by another agency, contact the board and ask them to send official verification directly to that agency. Do not rely on your own copy of the reinstatement letter for official verification purposes.
If your license has been inactive for more than five years
If your Delaware RN license has been inactive for longer than five years, the reinstatement process may include additional requirements. The board may ask you to complete a certain number of continuing education hours, provide proof of recent work experience as an RN in another state, or in some cases retake portions of the licensing exam.
These requirements exist to may support that nurses returning to practice after a long absence have current knowledge of nursing standards and procedures. The board will explain exactly what you need to do when you call to discuss your reinstatement. If the requirements feel extensive, ask whether you can complete them before submitting your formal reinstatement request, so you can submit everything at once.
Some nurses in this situation find it helpful to take a refresher course before contacting the board. This demonstrates your commitment to current practice and may streamline the board's review of your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to retake the NCLEX to reinstate my license?
No, not if your license lapsed within the past five years and you meet the board's other requirements. If your license has been inactive longer than five years, the board may require additional continuing education or other proof of current knowledge, but retaking the full NCLEX is uncommon. Call the board to confirm what applies to your specific situation.
Can I reinstate my license if I have been working as an RN in another state?
Yes. In fact, proof that you have maintained an active RN license and worked in another state during the inactive period often satisfies the board's continuing education requirement. Bring documentation of your active license in that state and your work history. The board will review this when you explore.
What if I cannot find my old license number?
You do not need your old license number to reinstate. The board can look up your file using your full name and date of birth. When you call, provide those details and the board will pull your record and tell you your license number if you need it for reference.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee varies depending on how long your license has been inactive. Call the Delaware Board of Nursing and they will quote the exact fee for your situation. Fees typically range from $50 to $150, but the board can give you a precise number based on your file.
Can I work while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. You cannot work as an RN in Delaware until your license is reinstated and approved by the board. Once approval is granted, you can begin work when ready — you do not need to wait for your physical license card to arrive.