Where to Start: Your State Board of Nursing
Reinstating an RN license online begins with your state board of nursing, not a federal agency. Each state runs its own licensing system and sets its own reinstatement rules, so the first step is finding your board's website and looking for a section called "License Reinstatement," "Inactive License," or "Restore License."
Your state board's website will tell you whether reinstatement is available online, what documents you need, what fees explore, and how long the process typically takes. Some states let you complete the entire reinstatement through their online portal; others require you to mail certain documents or pay by check. A few states still do not offer online reinstatement at all.
If you cannot find the reinstatement section, call your state board directly. They can confirm whether your license is may be able to access for reinstatement, explain what route is fastest for your situation, and tell you which documents to gather before you log in.
Key Takeaways
- Your state board of nursing controls reinstatement, and each state has different rules about how long a license can be inactive before reinstatement is no longer an option.
- Most states require proof that you have completed continuing education hours during the time your license was inactive, though some waive this requirement if the lapse was recent.
- You will need your original license number, Social Security number, and current contact information to start an online reinstatement request.
- Reinstatement fees vary by state and are separate from the renewal fee you will owe once your license is active again.
- Processing time ranges from a few days to several weeks depending on your state and whether your process is complete on the first submission.
What Documents You Will Need
Before you log into your state board's portal, gather the documents that reinstatement typically requires. You will need your original RN license number (or your Social Security number if you do not have it), a government-issued photo ID, and your current mailing address and phone number.
Most states also require proof of continuing education completed during the time your license was inactive. This usually means official transcripts or certificates from the nursing education provider, not just a list you write yourself. If your license has been inactive for more than a few years, some states waive the continuing education requirement, but you should confirm this with your board before you assume it applies to you.
A few states ask whether you have any criminal convictions, disciplinary actions, or health issues that would affect your ability to practice. Answer these questions honestly; your board will likely discover the truth through a background check anyway, and dishonesty on the process can result in denial.
How to Complete the Online Reinstatement Request
Log into your state board's licensing portal using your license number or Social Security number and the password you created when you first registered. If you do not remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.
Navigate to the reinstatement or license restoration section. You will be asked to confirm your personal information, verify that your address is current, and answer questions about any disciplinary history or criminal convictions. Upload scans of your continuing education certificates or transcripts in the format the board specifies (usually PDF).
Review your entire process before you submit it. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays; if the board cannot read a document or cannot verify your continuing education, they will contact you and ask you to resubmit. Once you submit, the board will send you a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this number.
Paying the Reinstatement Fee
Your state board will tell you the reinstatement fee when you reach the payment step in the online portal. This fee is separate from your renewal fee and varies widely by state — it might be $50, $150, or more. Most boards accept credit card or debit card payment directly through the portal, though a few still require a check mailed to their office.
If your board requires a mailed check, write your license number on the check and mail it to the address listed on their website. Do not submit your process until the check has arrived and cleared, or your process may be marked incomplete. Some boards will hold your process and wait for the check; others will reject it and ask you to resubmit.
Keep your payment confirmation or receipt. If your reinstatement is delayed and you need to follow up, the board will ask for this number to locate your file.
What Happens After You Submit
After you submit your reinstatement request, your state board will review your process to confirm that you meet the requirements. This usually takes between five and twenty business days, though some states are faster and some slower. You can check the status of your process by logging back into the portal, or by calling your board with your reference number.
If your process is complete and you meet all requirements, the board will issue a reinstatement letter or send you a new license card. Some states post your active license number to their public verification database when ready; others mail a physical card first. Either way, you will receive an email confirming that your license is active.
Once your license is reinstated, you will owe a renewal fee to keep it active. Your board will tell you when this fee is due — it might be when ready, or it might not be due until your next renewal cycle. Do not miss this important date, or your license will lapse again.
If Your process Is Incomplete or Denied
If the board finds that your process is missing information or documents, they will send you an email or letter explaining what is missing and how long you have to submit it. This is usually ten to thirty days. Submit the missing documents through the portal if possible, or mail them to the address the board provides with your reference number clearly written on the envelope.
If your reinstatement is denied, the board will explain why in writing. Common reasons include continuing education hours that do not meet the state's requirements, a disciplinary action on your record, or a criminal conviction that disqualifies you. If you believe the denial was made in error, you can request a hearing or appeal, though the process and timeline vary by state. Contact your board directly to learn what your options are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my RN license be inactive before I can no longer reinstate it?
This varies by state. Some states allow reinstatement indefinitely; others set a limit of five, ten, or twenty years. Your state board's website will state this clearly. If your license has been inactive for a very long time, call your board to confirm that reinstatement is still an option before you gather documents.
Do I have to complete continuing education if my license has been inactive for only a few months?
Most states waive continuing education if the lapse is very recent — usually six months or less — but this varies. Check your state board's reinstatement page or call them to confirm whether you are exempt. Do not assume you are exempt; if you are wrong, your process will be incomplete.
Can I work as an RN while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot practice nursing with an inactive license. You must wait until your reinstatement is approved and your license is officially active again. If you need to work before reinstatement is complete, contact your employer's HR department to discuss options.
What if I cannot find my original license number?
You can use your Social Security number instead to log into most state boards' portals. If you still cannot access your account, call your state board and provide your full name, date of birth, and current address. They can look up your file and help you reset your access.
Do I need to renew my license when ready after reinstatement?
Not necessarily. Your board will tell you when your renewal is due — it might be the same date as other nurses in your state, or it might be based on when your license was originally issued. Check the reinstatement letter or log into the portal to see your renewal due date.