Tennessee nursing licenses can be reinstated through the Board of Nursing if your license has expired or been inactive, but the path depends on how long it has been inactive and why it lapsed.
The Tennessee Board of Nursing handles reinstatement requests for both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). If your license expired because you did not renew it on time, or if you voluntarily let it lapse, you have options to restore it — but the requirements change based on how long the license has been inactive. A license that expired within the last year follows a different process than one that has been inactive for five years or longer.
The Board does not automatically reinstate licenses. You must submit a formal request, meet current renewal requirements, and in some cases complete additional education or documentation. Understanding which category your situation falls into will determine what you need to do next.
Key Takeaways
- Tennessee nursing licenses that have been inactive for fewer than five years can usually be reinstated by paying the renewal fee and meeting current continuing education requirements.
- Licenses inactive for five years or longer require you to retake and pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam in addition to paying renewal fees.
- You must submit your reinstatement request directly to the Tennessee Board of Nursing, not through an online portal — contact them by phone or mail to begin the process.
- If your license was suspended or revoked due to disciplinary action, reinstatement follows a separate legal process and may require a hearing before the Board.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive less than five years
If your RN license expired within the last five years and you let it lapse for reasons other than disciplinary action, reinstatement is the most straightforward path. You will need to pay the current renewal fee, which varies depending on the renewal cycle. Contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing directly to confirm the exact fee amount, as it may change year to year.
You must also meet the continuing education requirement that applies to the current renewal period. Tennessee requires RNs to complete a set number of continuing education hours before renewal — the exact number depends on whether you are renewing for the first time after licensure or renewing an existing license. The Board can tell you the specific hours required for your situation when you call.
Submit your reinstatement request in writing to the Board. Include your name, license number, current contact information, and a statement that you are requesting reinstatement. The Board will send you instructions on how to pay the renewal fee and how to document your continuing education hours. Some education can be completed through online courses, though you should verify that any course you take is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive five years or longer
If your license has been inactive for five years or more, Tennessee requires you to retake the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) and pass it before reinstatement is granted. This is a significant step and means you will need to study and prepare for the exam as if you were a new graduate.
You must also meet all current renewal requirements, including continuing education hours and renewal fees. The Board will not process your reinstatement until you have passed the NCLEX and submitted proof of the passing score. You can register for the NCLEX through Pearson VUE, the testing organization that administers the exam in Tennessee. The exam can be taken at testing centers throughout the state.
Before registering for the NCLEX, contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing to confirm that your nursing education and background meet current requirements for exam may be able to access. Standards and regulations can change over time, and the Board needs to verify that your original education meets today's standards before you can sit for the exam.
Licenses suspended or revoked due to discipline
If your license was suspended or revoked because of disciplinary action by the Board — such as violations of nursing practice standards, criminal conduct, or substance abuse issues — reinstatement requires a different process. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and renew. Instead, you must petition the Board for reinstatement, and the Board will review your petition and may hold a hearing.
The Board will consider factors such as how long ago the suspension or revocation occurred, what you have done since then to address the underlying issue, and whether you pose a risk to public safety. If the original violation involved substance abuse, the Board may require proof that you have completed treatment and are in recovery. If it involved criminal conduct, you may need to show that the criminal matter has been resolved.
Contact the Board's legal department or disciplinary section to understand the specific requirements for your case. The process can take several months and may involve submitting written statements, attending a hearing, or providing documentation from employers, treatment providers, or other sources. The Board will notify you in writing of its decision.
How to contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing
The Tennessee Board of Nursing is located in Nashville and handles all reinstatement requests by mail and phone. You can reach them at their main office line to ask questions about your specific situation and to request the reinstatement process materials. Have your license number ready when you call, as it will help the staff locate your record quickly.
You can also mail your reinstatement request directly to the Board's office address. Include a cover letter stating that you are requesting reinstatement, your name, license number, and the reason your license lapsed. The Board will respond with instructions on next steps and any additional documents you need to submit.
The Board's website lists current contact information, office hours, and mailing address. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case and how quickly you submit required documents, but you should expect the process to take at least several weeks.
Continuing education requirements and approved providers
Tennessee requires RNs to complete continuing education hours as part of renewal, and these hours must come from Board-approved providers. Common approved sources include accredited colleges and universities, hospitals and health systems, professional nursing organizations, and online education platforms that hold Board approval.
When you enroll in a continuing education course, confirm that the provider is approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing before you pay and complete the course. Some national nursing organizations offer courses that are approved in Tennessee, but not all courses offered by a provider are automatically approved — you may need to check the specific course title and number against the Board's list.
Keep documentation of every course you complete, including the course title, provider name, number of hours, completion date, and any certificate of completion. You will need to submit this documentation to the Board as part of your reinstatement request. Digital copies are usually acceptable, but confirm the Board's preferred format when you contact them.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit your request
After you submit your reinstatement request and all required documents, the Board will review your file. If everything is in order and you meet all requirements, the Board will issue a reinstatement letter and a new license certificate. This typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can be longer if the Board needs to verify information or if you are missing documents.
If the Board identifies missing information or documents, they will contact you by mail or phone and give you a important date to submit what is needed. Respond promptly to these requests, as delays in providing information will extend the overall timeline.
Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new license certificate in the mail. Your license number may remain the same or may be assigned a new number depending on the Board's procedures. You can use your reinstated license to work as an RN in Tennessee when ready upon receiving the certificate, though some employers may want to see the physical certificate before you start work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an RN in Tennessee while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. You cannot legally practice nursing in Tennessee with an expired or inactive license. You must wait until your license is officially reinstated and you receive the new certificate. Some employers may allow you to work in a non-nursing role while your reinstatement is pending, but you cannot perform nursing duties.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX if my license expired only two years ago?
No. The NCLEX requirement applies only if your license has been inactive for five years or longer. If your license expired within the last five years, you only need to pay the renewal fee and meet current continuing education requirements.
What if I cannot remember my license number?
Contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing with your full name and date of birth, and they can look up your license number in their system. You will need this number to submit your reinstatement request, so get it before you begin the process.
Can I reinstate my license if I moved out of Tennessee and am now living in another state?
Yes. You can reinstate your Tennessee license even if you no longer live in Tennessee. Submit your reinstatement request by mail to the Board's Nashville office. You will need to arrange to take the NCLEX (if required) at a testing center in your current state or travel to Tennessee to test.
What happens if my reinstatement request is denied?
The Board will send you a written explanation of why your request was denied. You may be able to resubmit your request with additional information or documentation, or you may have the right to request a hearing. Contact the Board to understand your options if your initial request is denied.