LPN License Renewal Guide

Your particular state board of nursing designates your specific expiration date and the process for LPN license renewal. The process to renew your license includes following the specific guidelines of your state board, assures your legal right to practice and promotes continuing competency requirements that keep you current with new research and medical advances in health. As a licensee, you cannot work legally in the capacity of an LPN if your license expires.

• Process of LPN license renewal
• Renewal requirements vary by state
• Fees required for LPN renewal
• Continuing education requirements

Process of LPN License Renewal

Most state boards of nursing allow you to renew online if your license expires within 60 to 120 days and provide current renewal updates on the website. To ensure you follow the renewal requirements and rules correctly to receive your license promptly, follow the steps such as:

• Perform an online verification and look up your license expiration date
• Check your license status and ensure your mailing address is correct
• Locate online submission or download the application form to renew your license
• Ensure you have completed the mandatory amount of CEUs prior to renewal
• Submit your completed application and check your online status in three to fourteen days for renewal and six to eight weeks for your physical LPN license to arrive by mail

Renewal Requirements Vary by State

Requirements for license renewal vary by individual states and may include continuing education units (CEUS), a minimum of employment or practice hours worked and the appropriate fees for administrative costs. For example:

• The California State Board of Vocational Nursing requires LVN license renewal every 24 months, the completion of 30 mandatory continuing education (CEs) credits and a background recheck.
• The Louisiana State Board requires license renewal online only for LPNs each year and does not require continuing education completion or an hour practice minimum.
• Florida LPNs renew licenses every two years, are required to complete 26 CEUs and may need a refresher course if they have had an inactive license.

Fees Required for LPN Renewal

Costs of license renewal fees you pay for vary widely and depend on your state of practice. Online submissions generally require a credit or debit card and applications by mail may include a check or money order.

While California reported a fee of $155 in 2014 for an LPN license renewal every 24 months, the Louisiana Board of Nursing requests $50 to renew a license per year and Florida requires a processing fee of $80 for a two-year application. If you withdraw your renewal application, you may be entitled to a partial refund.

Continuing Education Requirements

Your state board may require a specific number of mandatory CEUs or CEs for a particular licensure renewal period such as:

• Specific courses that are state-approved for LPN licensure renewal
• General courses that address nursing practice, patient rights or healthcare reform
• Continuing education that provides LPNs with local information on influenza, meningitis or viral outbreaks in the community
• New surgical or medical procedures that require specific protocols and complications
• Domestic violence or abuse issues that must be reported in the workplace

Your state board of nursing expects you to familiarize yourself with the process of renewing a license. Failure to provide a timely application may result in a delinquent license that requires the costly process of reinstatement. Consult your state board of nursing renewal requirements and keep current with bulletin announcements on the website to ensure your application process is completed without LPN license renewal delays.