How to reinstate your lapsed New Jersey RN license
If your New Jersey registered nurse license has expired, you can reinstate it through the New Jersey Board of Nursing without retaking the NCLEX-RN exam. The path depends on how long your license has been inactive. If your license lapsed within the last five years, you can file a reinstatement request directly with the Board. If it has been inactive for more than five years, you will need to complete continuing education requirements and may need to demonstrate current clinical competency before the Board will restore your license.
The Board of Nursing processes reinstatement requests, not the state licensing portal. You will work directly with the Board's office in Trenton, which handles all inactive license restorations for nurses. The process typically takes four to eight weeks once the Board receives your complete request, though timing varies based on how thoroughly you document your case and whether the Board asks for additional information.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses inactive for five years or less can be reinstated by submitting a reinstatement request form and the reinstatement fee to the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
- Licenses inactive for more than five years require proof of continuing education hours and may require a clinical competency evaluation before reinstatement is granted.
- You do not need to retake the NCLEX-RN exam to reinstate a lapsed license, regardless of how long it has been inactive.
- The Board of Nursing office in Trenton processes all reinstatement requests; you cannot reinstate through the online licensing portal.
- Reinstatement fees and continuing education requirements vary, so contacting the Board directly before submitting your request will clarify what you specifically need.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive five years or less
If your RN license lapsed within the past five years, the reinstatement process is straightforward. You submit a reinstatement request form to the New Jersey Board of Nursing along with the current reinstatement fee. The Board does not require continuing education or a competency evaluation for licenses in this window, though you must demonstrate that you have not engaged in conduct that would disqualify you from holding a license.
Contact the Board of Nursing directly to request the reinstatement form and confirm the current fee amount, as fees change periodically. The Board's mailing address and phone number are listed on the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website under the Board of Nursing section. When you call, ask whether the Board will accept your request by mail or whether you must submit it in person at their Trenton office. Some requests can be processed by mail, which is faster than traveling to the office.
Include with your reinstatement request a copy of your expired license or your license number, proof of payment of the reinstatement fee, and a signed statement confirming that you have not been convicted of a crime or subject to discipline since your license lapsed. The Board will review your submission and notify you by mail of their decision.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive more than five years
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, the Board requires additional documentation before reinstatement. You must provide proof that you have completed continuing education hours in nursing. The number of hours required depends on how long your license has been inactive and what the Board's current rules specify, so you must contact the Board to learn the exact requirement for your situation.
The Board may also require you to complete a clinical competency evaluation or refresher course before your license is restored. This requirement is not automatic; the Board makes this information based on your work history, the length of time your license has been inactive, and the specialty area in which you worked. When you contact the Board, ask whether a competency evaluation will be required in your case. If it is, the Board will direct you to approved providers who offer these evaluations.
Gather your continuing education documentation before submitting your reinstatement request. Acceptable proof includes certificates of completion from accredited nursing education providers, transcripts from college courses, or documentation of hours completed through your employer's training programs. The Board will specify which types of documentation they accept when you contact them.
Documents and fees you will need
Prepare the following before contacting the Board of Nursing:
- Your expired RN license or your license number
- A government-issued photo ID
- Proof of continuing education hours (if your license has been inactive more than five years)
- Payment for the reinstatement fee, which the Board will quote when you contact them
- A signed statement confirming no criminal convictions or disciplinary actions since your license lapsed
The reinstatement fee is separate from the renewal fee and covers the cost of processing your request. If the Board approves your reinstatement, you will also need to pay the standard renewal fee to keep your license active going forward. Ask the Board whether both fees are due at the time of reinstatement or whether the renewal fee is due later.
Contacting the New Jersey Board of Nursing
The Board of Nursing is part of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. You can reach the Board by phone during business hours to request a reinstatement form and ask questions about your specific situation. The Board's phone number and mailing address are available on the Division of Consumer Affairs website under "Boards and Professions." When you call, have your license number or full name ready so the Board can look up your record.
If you cannot reach the Board by phone, you can send a written request to their mailing address asking for a reinstatement form and an explanation of what documentation you need to provide. Include your name, license number, and a phone number where you can be reached. The Board typically responds to written requests within two weeks.
Do not submit your reinstatement request until you have confirmed with the Board what documents and fees are required. Submitting an incomplete request will delay processing, and the Board will return it to you asking for missing information.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
Once the Board receives your complete reinstatement request, they will review your file and verify that you meet the requirements for reinstatement. If your license was inactive for five years or less and you have submitted all required documents, the Board typically makes a decision within four to six weeks. If your license was inactive longer and the Board needs to verify your continuing education or arrange a competency evaluation, the timeline may extend to eight weeks or longer.
The Board will notify you by mail of their decision. If your reinstatement is granted, the letter will include instructions for paying the renewal fee and any next steps to set up your license. If the Board denies your reinstatement request, the letter will explain the reason and may describe options for appeal or reapplication.
Once you receive approval and pay the renewal fee, your license will be restored to active status. You can then practice as an RN in New Jersey. The Board will issue you a new license card, which typically arrives by mail within two to three weeks after your renewal fee is processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX-RN to reinstate my license?
No. The NCLEX-RN is not required for reinstatement, regardless of how long your license has been inactive. You may be required to complete continuing education or a competency evaluation if your license was inactive for more than five years, but you will not need to retake the licensing exam.
What if I cannot find my original license or license number?
Contact the Board of Nursing with your full name and date of birth. The Board can look up your license number in their records and provide it to you. You can then use that number on your reinstatement request.
Can I work as an RN while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot practice nursing with an inactive license. You must wait for the Board to approve your reinstatement and restore your license to active status before you can work. Some employers may allow you to work in a non-nursing role during this time, but you cannot perform nursing duties.
What if the Board asks for more information after I submit my request?
The Board will contact you by phone or mail if they need additional documentation or clarification. Respond to their request as quickly as possible. Delays in providing requested information will extend the time it takes for the Board to make a decision on your reinstatement.
Is there a time limit for how long I can let my license stay inactive before I can no longer reinstate it?
New Jersey does not have a published time limit after which reinstatement becomes impossible. However, the longer your license has been inactive, the more documentation and evaluation the Board may require. If your license has been inactive for many years, contact the Board to discuss your specific situation before assuming reinstatement is still an option.