RNs may choose to let their license expire if they no longer wish to practice nursing in the state of California. A licensee cannot practice as a registered nurse in California with an inactive license. A licensee may choose this status if they have no immediate need for an active license, but wish to avoid paying the delinquent renewal fee. This status is designated for RNs who have paid the appropriate renewal fee, but have not completed the required 30 hours of continuing education. The licensee must submit the appropriate renewal fee and proof of 30 hours of continuing education. This status is required for RNs who wish to practice nursing in the state of California. Please refer to Renewal Fee Waiver for Active Duty Military Personnel for additional details. The Board waives the renewal requirements for military personnel when they are called to active duty. More information is available at the Health Professions Education Foundation website. The RN Education Fund provides loans and scholarships to nursing students. RN Education Fund FeeĮffective with licenses expiring after January 31, 2004, the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) has increased its RN Education Fund fee that is collected from RNs at the time of renewal from $5 to $10. NOTE: The employer may have more stringent requirements. Legality of Practice Between Renewal and Receipt of Licenseīusiness and Professions Code, Section 121 provides that a nurse may work pending license renewal providing the renewal fee has been submitted timely and all renewal requirements have been met. Registered nurses are responsible for renewing their licenses even if they do not receive a renewal notice. To ensure receipt of renewal notices, always keep the Board informed of any changes in address of record. If you have not received a renewal notice, you can renew online through BreEZe Online Services.
Renewal NoticesĪs a courtesy, renewal notices are mailed out approximately three months prior to the expiration date of the license.
If the license lapses and is later renewed, the same license number and renewal cycle will apply. Once a California license number is issued, it will always remain the same number whether active, inactive or delinquent. From that date on, it will expire every two years, if renewed timely. Your first California RN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years, and will expire the last day of the month following your birth date.