How to reinstate your New Hampshire RN license
To reinstate your New Hampshire RN license, you submit a reinstatement request to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing along with proof that you meet current requirements — usually a renewal fee, evidence of continuing education hours, and sometimes a criminal background check. The board processes reinstatement requests separately from standard renewals, and the timeline depends on whether your license lapsed recently or has been inactive for several years. Most reinstated licenses are active within four to eight weeks.
The exact path depends on how long your license has been inactive. If your license lapsed within the last year, the process is straightforward. If it has been inactive for more than a year, you may need to complete additional steps, including verification that you have not practiced nursing without a license during the lapse period.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the New Hampshire Board of Nursing directly to confirm your license status and which reinstatement documents you need to submit.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, provide proof of continuing education hours (the number varies based on how long your license was inactive), and submit a completed reinstatement process form.
- If your license has been inactive for more than two years, you may be required to pass a criminal background check or provide other documentation of your fitness to practice.
- The board processes reinstatement requests within four to eight weeks in most cases, though complex situations may take longer.
Gather your reinstatement documents before contacting the board
Before you reach out to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, collect the documents you will need. Start with your Social Security number, current address, and the date your license lapsed. You will also need proof of any continuing education you have completed since your license became inactive — this includes course certificates, transcripts, or completion letters from accredited nursing education providers.
If you have been working as an RN in another state during the lapse period, gather documentation of that employment, including letters from your employers or copies of your active licenses in those states. The board uses this information to verify that you have not practiced nursing in New Hampshire without a license. If you have not worked as an RN during the lapse, be prepared to explain what you have been doing professionally.
Contact the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for your specific requirements
Call the New Hampshire Board of Nursing at (603) 271-2323 or visit their office at 21 South Fruit Street, Concord, NH 03301. Tell them your license has lapsed and you want to reinstate it. They will pull up your record, confirm the lapse date, and tell you exactly which documents and fees you need to submit. Do not assume the requirements are the same as another nurse's — the board's requirements vary based on your individual situation.
Ask the board staff whether you need to submit a formal reinstatement process or whether you can renew your license through the standard renewal process. Some nurses can use the renewal path; others must use the reinstatement path. The board will also tell you the current reinstatement fee, which changes periodically. Write down the name of the staff member you spoke with and the date of the call — this protects you if there is later confusion about what was required.
Complete the reinstatement process and gather continuing education proof
The New Hampshire Board of Nursing will either mail you a reinstatement process form or direct you to read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, including your name, license number, Social Security number, current address, and employment history since your license lapsed. Be honest about any gaps in employment or any time you worked outside nursing — the board is not looking to disqualify you, but they need accurate information.
Continuing education requirements depend on how long your license has been inactive. If your license lapsed less than one year ago, you may need to complete a small number of hours (often 10 to 15 hours). If it lapsed more than one year ago, the requirement increases. Contact the board to confirm the exact number of hours you need and which types of courses count. Nursing courses offered by hospitals, universities, online providers, and professional nursing organizations typically count, but the board can tell you whether a specific course qualifies.
Submit your reinstatement request and fee to the board
Mail or hand-deliver your completed reinstatement process, proof of continuing education, and the reinstatement fee to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing at 21 South Fruit Street, Concord, NH 03301. Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and phone number so the board can contact you if they have questions. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Some nurses prefer to hand-deliver their documents to avoid mail delays. If you do this, ask for a receipt showing what you submitted and the date. If you mail your documents, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. The board typically sends you a confirmation email or letter within one to two weeks of receiving your complete process.
Wait for board review and approval
After the board receives your complete process, they review your reinstatement request. This review includes checking your continuing education documentation, verifying your employment history, and confirming that you have not practiced nursing in New Hampshire without a license. If everything is in order, the board approves your reinstatement and issues you a new license number or reactivates your existing one.
The entire process usually takes four to eight weeks from the date the board receives your complete process. If the board needs additional information — for example, if a continuing education certificate is unclear or if they cannot verify your employment — they will contact you by phone or email. Respond to their requests as quickly as possible, because the clock does not restart; they are still working toward that four- to eight-week timeline.
Receive your reinstated license and update your records
Once the board approves your reinstatement, they will mail you a new license certificate or send you a digital copy, depending on their current process. Your license will be active on the date the board approves it, not on the date you receive the physical certificate. If you need to work before the certificate arrives, ask the board for a temporary license or a letter confirming your reinstatement status — most employers will accept this while they wait for the official certificate.
Update your employer, your professional liability insurance provider, and any nursing registries or databases you are listed in. Notify your state's nursing workforce center if you are looking for work, because they track active RNs in New Hampshire. Keep your reinstatement approval letter and new license certificate in a safe place; you will need them for credentialing, background checks, and license renewal going forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my license lapsed because I did not renew it on time?
Contact the board when ready. If your license lapsed very recently — within the renewal grace period — you may be able to renew it as if it had never lapsed. If the grace period has passed, you will use the reinstatement process. The board can tell you which path applies to your situation.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX if my license has been inactive for a long time?
No. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing does not require you to retake the NCLEX to reinstate your license, regardless of how long it has been inactive. You will need to complete continuing education and meet other reinstatement requirements, but not the licensing exam.
Can I work as an RN while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice nursing in New Hampshire without an active license. If you need to work while your reinstatement is pending, ask the board whether they issue temporary licenses or practice permits. Some states do; New Hampshire's policy varies by situation.
What happens if the board denies my reinstatement request?
The board will send you a written explanation of why your request was denied. You have the right to request a hearing before the board to present your case. Contact the board for information about the hearing process and important date.
Do I need to pay the reinstatement fee if my license expired while I was deployed or on military leave?
Military service may may have access to you for a waiver or reduced fee under New Hampshire law. Contact the board and explain your situation. Bring documentation of your military service dates. The board will tell you whether a waiver applies.