How Colorado reinstates a lapsed nursing license
To reinstate a Colorado nursing license, you submit a reinstatement process to the Colorado Board of Nursing, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education or practice requirements that have accumulated since your license lapsed. The board does not automatically reinstate licenses — you must request it, and the timeline depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you need to complete additional training.
The process is faster if your license lapsed recently and you have kept current with continuing education. It takes longer if your license has been inactive for several years, because the board may require you to demonstrate that your nursing knowledge is still current before they restore your license to active status.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit a reinstatement process directly to the Colorado Board of Nursing — the board does not contact you or process reinstatement automatically.
- The reinstatement fee and continuing education requirements depend on how long your license has been inactive and what type of nursing license you hold.
- Licenses inactive for more than five years may require additional verification that your nursing knowledge is current, which can include coursework or a refresher program.
- You can find the reinstatement process and current fee amounts on the Colorado Board of Nursing website or by calling their office directly.
What the Colorado Board of Nursing requires to reinstate
The Colorado Board of Nursing requires you to complete a reinstatement process form, which you can obtain from their website or by phone. The form asks for your license number, your current contact information, and details about what you have been doing since your license lapsed — whether you have worked as a nurse in another state, taken continuing education courses, or been out of nursing entirely.
You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee, which varies depending on whether you hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. The fee covers the cost of processing your process and updating the board's records. Check the Colorado Board of Nursing website or call their office for the current fee amount, because fees change periodically.
If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the board typically requires proof that your nursing knowledge is still current. This might mean completing a certain number of continuing education hours, passing a refresher course, or in some cases retaking the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam. The board will tell you which option applies to your situation when you submit your reinstatement request.
Continuing education hours you may need to complete
Colorado requires all active nurses to complete continuing education hours to maintain their licenses. If your license lapsed, you may owe continuing education hours for the time your license was inactive. The number of hours depends on how long you have been out of practice and what type of license you hold.
Continuing education courses must be approved by the Colorado Board of Nursing or by certain national nursing organizations. You can take these courses online, in person, or through your employer if you return to work before your reinstatement is final. Keep documentation of any courses you complete, because you will need to provide proof to the board.
If you are unsure how many continuing education hours you owe, contact the Colorado Board of Nursing directly. They can tell you the exact requirement based on your license type and how long your license has been inactive.
Where to submit your reinstatement process
Submit your reinstatement process to the Colorado Board of Nursing. You can mail a paper process or, in many cases, submit it online through the board's licensing system. The board's website lists both the mailing address and instructions for online submission.
Include your reinstatement fee with your process. If you are mailing a paper process, send a check or money order made out to the Colorado Board of Nursing. If you submit online, you will typically pay by credit card through the board's system.
Keep a copy of everything you submit, including the process form, your fee receipt, and any supporting documents. The board will send you a confirmation when they receive your process, and they will contact you if they need additional information before they can process your reinstatement.
How long reinstatement typically takes
The time it takes to reinstate your license depends on how quickly you submit all required documents and how busy the board is at the time you explore. If your process is complete and your license lapsed recently, reinstatement can take two to four weeks. If your license has been inactive for several years or if you need to complete continuing education or a refresher course, the process may take two to three months or longer.
The board will contact you if your process is missing information or if they need clarification about anything you submitted. Respond to their requests as quickly as possible to avoid delays. Once the board approves your reinstatement, they will send you a new license certificate or a digital confirmation that your license is active again.
What happens if your license was suspended or revoked
If your Colorado nursing license was suspended or revoked by the board — rather than straightforward lapsing because you did not renew it — the reinstatement process is different and more complex. A suspension or revocation usually results from a disciplinary action, such as a complaint about your nursing practice or a violation of board rules.
If your license was suspended, you may be able to request reinstatement after the suspension period ends, but you will need to follow the board's specific reinstatement procedures for disciplinary cases. If your license was revoked, reinstatement is much more difficult and may require a formal hearing before the board.
Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing directly if you are unsure whether your license lapsed or was suspended or revoked. They can tell you your license status and explain what steps you need to take next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a nurse in Colorado while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally work as a nurse in Colorado with a lapsed license. You must wait until the board approves your reinstatement and your license is active again. If you need to work before your reinstatement is complete, you may be able to work in another state that has reciprocal agreements with Colorado, but check with that state's nursing board first.
Do I need to retake the NCLEX if my license has been inactive for a long time?
Not always. If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the Colorado Board of Nursing may require you to complete a refresher course or additional continuing education instead of retaking the NCLEX. The board will tell you which option applies when you submit your reinstatement request. In some cases, they may allow you to choose between options.
What if I worked as a nurse in another state while my Colorado license was lapsed?
Tell the Colorado Board of Nursing about your out-of-state work on your reinstatement process. If you maintained an active license in another state, that may reduce or eliminate the continuing education or refresher course requirements for Colorado reinstatement. The board will review your out-of-state practice history and let you know what you need to do.
Can I reinstate my license if I have unpaid fines or disciplinary issues with the board?
If you have unpaid fines or unresolved disciplinary issues, you will need to address those before the board will reinstate your license. Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing to find out what you owe and what steps you need to take to resolve the issue. Once everything is settled, you can proceed with your reinstatement process.