How to reinstate your New Jersey LPN license
To reinstate an inactive or lapsed New Jersey LPN license, you contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing, pay a reinstatement fee, and submit proof that you meet current renewal requirements — usually continuing education hours and a clean background check. The process takes roughly four to six weeks. You do not need to retake the NCLEX-PN exam unless your license has been inactive for more than five years or was revoked for disciplinary reasons.
The exact steps depend on how long your license has been inactive and why it lapsed. A license that expired while you were straightforward not renewing is faster to restore than one that was suspended or revoked. Starting with a call to the Board of Nursing gets you a clear answer about which documents you personally need.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing directly to confirm your license status and learn which documents explore to your situation.
- Most reinstatements require proof of continuing education hours completed within a set timeframe before you submit your request.
- You will pay a reinstatement fee to the Board of Nursing; the amount varies depending on how long your license has been inactive.
- If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, you may need to retake the NCLEX-PN or complete additional clinical hours.
- The Board of Nursing processes reinstatement requests in four to six weeks on average, though this can vary by workload.
Understand why your license is inactive
New Jersey LPN licenses become inactive when you do not renew them by the expiration date, or when the Board suspends or revokes them for disciplinary reasons. If you straightforward let your license expire because you were not working as an LPN or did not renew on time, reinstatement is straightforward. If the Board took action against your license — for example, due to a complaint or violation — the reinstatement process is more involved and may require additional documentation or a hearing.
Pull up your license status on the New Jersey Board of Nursing website using their license lookup tool. This tells you whether your license shows as inactive, expired, suspended, or revoked. Write down the exact status and the date it became inactive; you will need this information when you contact the Board.
Contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing
Call the Board of Nursing at 973-504-6430 or visit their office in person at 124 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Tell them your license number and ask what documents you need to submit for reinstatement. The Board staff can tell you when ready whether you need continuing education hours, what your reinstatement fee will be, and whether any disciplinary history affects your case.
If you prefer to start in writing, send an email to the Board through their website or mail a letter requesting reinstatement information. Include your full name, license number, and the date your license became inactive. Email is usually faster — you may hear back within a few business days.
Complete continuing education requirements
New Jersey requires LPNs to complete continuing education hours before reinstatement. The number of hours depends on how long your license has been inactive. If your license expired less than two years ago, you typically need 15 contact hours of continuing education. If it has been inactive longer, the requirement may be higher.
The Board of Nursing publishes a list of approved continuing education providers on their website. You can take courses online, in person, or through your employer's training programs — as long as the provider is Board-approved. Keep your course completion certificates; you will submit them with your reinstatement request. Some providers send certificates directly to the Board, so confirm with them whether you need to forward anything yourself.
Gather required documents and pay the reinstatement fee
Standard documents for reinstatement include your completed reinstatement process form (available on the Board of Nursing website), proof of continuing education completion, and a copy of a government-issued ID. If you have been out of practice for a long time or had disciplinary action, the Board may ask for additional items such as a letter explaining your absence from practice or documentation of any treatment or remediation you have completed.
The reinstatement fee varies. As of recent years, reinstatement fees for LPNs range from roughly $100 to $200, but confirm the exact amount with the Board when you call — fees can change. Pay by check, money order, or credit card, depending on which methods the Board accepts. Include the fee with your process packet.
Submit your process and wait for processing
Mail your completed process, continuing education certificates, and reinstatement fee to the Board of Nursing at 124 Halsey Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Include a cover letter listing what you are submitting so the Board can quickly verify everything is there. Keep a copy of everything for your records.
The Board typically processes reinstatement requests in four to six weeks. You can call the Board during this time to confirm they received your packet, but do not expect a status update until the full processing period has passed. Once approved, the Board will mail you a new license or a reinstatement letter confirming your license is active again.
What happens if your license was inactive for five years or longer
If your New Jersey LPN license has been inactive for five years or more, the Board may require you to retake the NCLEX-PN exam or complete additional clinical practice hours under supervision before reinstatement. This is to may support you are current with nursing standards and safe practice. The Board will tell you which option applies to your situation when you contact them.
If retesting is required, you register with Pearson VUE (the testing vendor) and schedule your exam. If supervised clinical hours are required, you work with a healthcare facility or preceptor approved by the Board to complete them. Both paths take additional time beyond the standard reinstatement timeline, so plan accordingly if this applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an LPN while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot work under an inactive or expired license. You must wait until the Board approves your reinstatement and issues a new active license. If an employer asks you to start before reinstatement is complete, explain that you are waiting for Board approval and provide them with a copy of your reinstatement request or the Board's confirmation that your process is under review.
What if I do not have all my continuing education hours completed yet?
Contact the Board and ask for a timeline. Some providers offer accelerated or online courses that you can complete in a few weeks. The Board will not process your reinstatement until you submit proof of all required hours, so completing them before you mail your process speeds up the overall timeline.
Do I need a background check for reinstatement?
The Board may request a criminal background check or fingerprinting as part of reinstatement, especially if your license was suspended or revoked. They will tell you if this is required when you contact them. If needed, they will provide instructions on where and how to submit fingerprints or authorize a background check.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement request?
The Board will send you a written explanation of the denial. You have the right to request a hearing before the Board to contest the decision. The Board's letter will include instructions on how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so. An attorney who specializes in professional licensing can help you prepare for a hearing if you choose to pursue one.
How much does reinstatement cost in total?
The reinstatement fee to the Board is typically $100 to $200. If you need continuing education, courses may cost $50 to $300 depending on the provider and number of hours required. If you need to retake the NCLEX-PN, the exam fee is around $200. Contact the Board and your chosen education provider for exact costs in your situation.