Kansas RN licenses can be reinstated through the Kansas State Board of Nursing, but the path depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you let it lapse voluntarily or it expired without renewal.
If your license lapsed within the last five years, you can usually reinstate it by paying the reinstatement fee, submitting a completed process form, and providing proof of continuing education hours. If your license has been inactive for more than five years, Kansas requires you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam again before reinstatement. The Board of Nursing handles all reinstatement requests — there is no third-party processor or shortcut.
The specific requirements and fees change based on how long you have been out of practice and whether you held an active license continuously before it lapsed. Understanding which category you fall into determines what documents you need to gather and how long the process will take.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses inactive for five years or less can be reinstated by submitting an process, paying the reinstatement fee, and providing continuing education documentation to the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
- Licenses inactive for more than five years require you to pass the NCLEX-RN examination again before the Board will reinstate your license.
- You must contact the Kansas State Board of Nursing directly to request the reinstatement process and confirm your specific requirements based on your license history.
- The Board's office is located in Topeka and processes reinstatement requests by mail or in person; there is no online reinstatement portal.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive five years or less
If your Kansas RN license lapsed within the past five years, you are in the faster reinstatement category. You will need to complete the reinstatement process form (available from the Board of Nursing), pay the current reinstatement fee, and provide documentation of continuing education hours earned during the period your license was inactive.
The continuing education requirement is typically 30 contact hours for the renewal period you missed, though this can vary depending on which renewal cycle your license fell into. You must obtain transcripts or certificates directly from the provider of the education — the Board does not accept verbal confirmation or informal documentation. Courses must be relevant to nursing practice and approved by an accredited nursing education body.
Submit your completed process, fee payment, and education documentation by mail to the Kansas State Board of Nursing at their Topeka office. The Board will review your materials and notify you of approval or any missing information. Processing typically takes two to four weeks after the Board receives a complete process.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive more than five years
If your Kansas RN license has been inactive for longer than five years, the Board requires you to retake and pass the NCLEX-RN examination. This is a separate requirement from the reinstatement process itself — you must pass the exam before submitting your reinstatement request to the Board.
To sit for the NCLEX-RN, you will need to register with Pearson VUE (the testing vendor) and pay the exam fee. You can schedule your exam through Pearson VUE's website or by phone. After you pass the exam, Pearson VUE sends your results to the Kansas State Board of Nursing automatically.
Once the Board receives your passing NCLEX-RN score, you then submit your reinstatement process, pay the reinstatement fee, and provide any continuing education documentation required for the renewal period. The Board will process your reinstatement after confirming your exam results and reviewing your process materials.
What documents and fees you need
Gather the following before contacting the Board: your Social Security number or Kansas license number (if you remember it), proof of your nursing education (your original RN diploma or transcript), and documentation of any continuing education hours you completed while your license was inactive. If you are in the five-year window, you will also need certificates or transcripts from the continuing education provider showing course titles, dates, and contact hours.
The reinstatement fee varies depending on whether you are explore during a regular renewal period or outside of it. Contact the Kansas State Board of Nursing directly to confirm the current fee amount, as it changes periodically. Payment is typically accepted by check, money order, or credit card, depending on whether you submit your process by mail or in person.
If you are reinstating after more than five years of inactivity, you will also pay the NCLEX-RN exam fee to Pearson VUE separately from the Board's reinstatement fee. The exam fee is set by Pearson VUE and is the same regardless of your location.
How to contact the Kansas State Board of Nursing
The Kansas State Board of Nursing is the only agency that processes RN license reinstatements in Kansas. Their office is located in Topeka and can be reached by phone, mail, or in-person visit. You can find their current contact information, including phone number and mailing address, on the Kansas Department for Regulation and Licensure website under the Nursing section.
When you call, have your name, date of birth, and any Kansas license number ready. Ask the staff member to confirm whether your license falls into the five-year or longer-than-five-year category, what continuing education hours you need (if any), and what the current reinstatement fee is. Request that they mail or email you the reinstatement process form and any other required forms.
If you prefer to explore in person, you can visit the Board's office in Topeka during business hours. Bring your identification, Social Security number, and any continuing education documentation you have already gathered. Staff can review your materials on the spot and tell you if anything is missing before you leave.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After you submit a complete reinstatement process with all required documents and fees, the Board typically processes the request within two to four weeks. You will receive written notification of approval or a request for additional information. If the Board needs more documentation, respond as quickly as possible — delays in providing missing materials will extend the overall timeline.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the Board will issue you a new license number and send you a license certificate by mail. You can then use your reinstated license to practice nursing in Kansas when ready. Some employers may ask to see your new license certificate before allowing you to return to work, so keep it in a safe place.
If your reinstatement is denied, the Board will provide a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons for denial include incomplete continuing education documentation, failure to pass the NCLEX-RN (if required), or failure to meet other state requirements. You have the right to request a hearing or appeal if you believe the decision was made in error.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an RN while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license is inactive until the Board approves your reinstatement and issues a new license. Working without an active license is illegal in Kansas and can result in penalties. Wait for written approval from the Board before accepting any nursing position.
Do I need to retake the NCLEX if my license lapsed less than five years ago?
No. If your license has been inactive for five years or less, you do not need to retake the NCLEX. You only need to submit the reinstatement process, pay the fee, and provide continuing education documentation. The five-year threshold is the dividing line the Board uses.
What if I cannot find my continuing education certificates?
Contact the organization or facility where you took the courses and request official transcripts or duplicate certificates. The Board requires documentation from the provider, not from you alone. If you cannot locate the provider or they no longer exist, explain this in writing to the Board and ask what alternative documentation they will accept.
Can I reinstate my license by mail, or do I have to go to Topeka?
You can submit your reinstatement process by mail to the Kansas State Board of Nursing's Topeka office. You do not have to appear in person. However, visiting in person allows you to confirm your documents are complete before submitting and can speed up the process if the Board has questions.
What happens if I let my license lapse on purpose?
The reinstatement process is the same whether your license lapsed intentionally or unintentionally. The Board does not distinguish between the two. You still must meet the continuing education and exam requirements based on how long your license has been inactive.