How to Reinstate a Nursing License in Washington, D.C.
To reinstate a nursing license in Washington, D.C., you file a reinstatement request with the D.C. Board of Nursing, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that have accumulated since your license lapsed. The process differs depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether you let it expire or voluntarily surrendered it. Most reinstatements take four to eight weeks once the Board receives a complete process.
The D.C. Board of Nursing is part of the Department of Health, and they handle all license reinstatement requests. You cannot reinstate through a third-party service or online portal — you must submit your request directly to the Board by mail or in person. The Board's office is located in Washington, D.C., and you can reach them by phone to confirm current fees and processing times before you submit anything.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement requires submitting a completed process form to the D.C. Board of Nursing along with the reinstatement fee, which varies based on your license type and how long it has been inactive.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you may need to complete continuing education hours or pass a refresher examination before the Board will reinstate you.
- You must contact the Board directly by phone or mail to find out your specific reinstatement requirements, because requirements depend on your individual license history.
- The Board processes reinstatement requests in the order they receive them, and you should expect four to eight weeks for a decision once your process is complete.
What Happens When a Nursing License Becomes Inactive in D.C.
A nursing license in Washington, D.C. becomes inactive when you do not renew it before the expiration date. Licenses are typically valid for two years, and the Board sends renewal notices before expiration. If you miss the important date, your license moves to inactive status, and you cannot legally practice nursing in D.C. until you reinstate it.
The length of time your license has been inactive matters significantly. If your license expired recently — within the last year or two — reinstatement is usually straightforward: you pay the fee and submit the form. If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the Board may require you to show that you have kept your nursing knowledge current, either through continuing education or by passing an examination.
Documents and Information You Will Need to Gather
Before you contact the Board, gather your nursing license number (or your Social Security number if you cannot locate it), your current address, and information about any nursing work you have done since your license lapsed. You will also need to know whether you have completed any continuing education courses related to nursing during the time your license was inactive.
If you have worked as a nurse in another state while your D.C. license was inactive, bring documentation of that work — a letter from an employer or a copy of your active license in that state. The Board uses this information to determine whether you have maintained your clinical skills. If you have not worked in nursing at all during the inactive period, be prepared to discuss what continuing education or refresher training you are willing to complete.
Contacting the D.C. Board of Nursing and Requesting Reinstatement Requirements
Call the D.C. Board of Nursing directly to ask about your specific reinstatement requirements. The Board staff can tell you the current reinstatement fee, whether you need continuing education, and what documents to include with your process. This conversation is essential because your requirements depend on your individual license history, and the Board's website may not reflect your exact situation.
When you call, have your license number or Social Security number ready, and tell the staff member how long your license has been inactive. Ask them to confirm the fee amount, the process form you need, the mailing address for submission, and whether you need to complete any education or testing before you submit your process. Request that they email or mail you a copy of the reinstatement process form if you do not have it.
Completing and Submitting Your Reinstatement process
Fill out the reinstatement process form completely and accurately. Include your full legal name, license number, current address, phone number, and email address. Answer all questions about your nursing work history since your license became inactive, including the names of employers, dates of employment, and the type of nursing you performed.
Attach the reinstatement fee payment (check or money order made payable to the D.C. Department of Health) and any supporting documents the Board requested — such as proof of continuing education, a letter from an employer confirming your recent nursing work, or documentation of a refresher course you have completed. Mail the complete process to the address the Board provided, or deliver it in person if you are in the D.C. area. Keep a copy for your records.
Continuing Education and Testing Requirements
If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the Board typically requires you to complete continuing education hours before reinstatement. The number of hours varies, but it is usually between 15 and 30 hours of nursing-related coursework. You can complete this through online courses, community colleges, hospitals, or nursing organizations — the Board will tell you which types of providers they accept.
In some cases, the Board may offer you the choice between completing continuing education or passing a refresher examination. The examination tests your knowledge of current nursing practice, safety standards, and D.C. regulations. If you choose the examination route, the Board will provide information about how to register and when testing dates are available. Most nurses find continuing education faster and less stressful than an examination, but either path is valid.
What to Expect After You Submit Your process
Once the Board receives your complete process, they will send you a confirmation letter with a reference number. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks, though it may take longer if the Board needs to verify information or if they are processing a high volume of applications. You can call the Board to check on your process status using your reference number.
If the Board approves your reinstatement, they will mail you a new license certificate and send you instructions for any renewal fees or continuing education requirements that explore to your next renewal cycle. If they need additional information from you, they will contact you by phone or mail. Once your license is reinstated, you can legally practice nursing in Washington, D.C. when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a nurse in D.C. while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally practice nursing in D.C. with an inactive license, even if your reinstatement process is pending. You must wait for the Board to approve your reinstatement and issue your new license before you begin work. Some employers will hire you contingent on reinstatement approval, but you cannot start until your license is active.
What if I let my license expire on purpose and want to reinstate it now?
Voluntary surrender and expiration are treated similarly by the Board. You still submit a reinstatement process and pay the reinstatement fee. If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, you will still need to complete continuing education or pass a refresher examination, regardless of whether you let it expire intentionally or accidentally.
Do I need to take the NCLEX exam again to reinstate my license?
No. The NCLEX is the initial licensing examination you took when you first became a nurse. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the NCLEX. If the Board requires testing, it will be a refresher or competency examination specific to D.C. regulations and current nursing practice, not the full NCLEX.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee varies depending on your license type (RN, LPN, or APRN) and how long your license has been inactive. Contact the D.C. Board of Nursing directly for the current fee, as it may change. The fee is typically between $100 and $300, but you must confirm the exact amount before submitting your process.
What if I have worked as a nurse in another state — does that count toward D.C. reinstatement?
Yes. If you have maintained an active nursing license and worked in another state while your D.C. license was inactive, that work demonstrates you have kept your clinical skills current. Bring documentation of your out-of-state employment or a copy of your active license in that state. The Board will consider this when deciding whether you need additional continuing education.