LPN License Renewal in Arkansas (2026)

LPN license renewal in Arkansas is handled by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN), which requires Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Arkansas LPN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial renewal on a staggered schedule tied to the licensee's birth date; the renewal link opens in the Arkansas Nurse Portal about 60 days before expiration and renewal must be completed and fees received before the expiration date. The first license issued may be valid from 3 to 27 months depending on birth date, after which it settles into the standard 24-month cycle.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	$90.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN)

Go to the official Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). automated research workflow (official arkansas Board of Nursing), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for LPNs in Arkansas

Arkansas uses a continued-competency requirement with options rather than a single mandatory CE-hours figure. For an active license, the licensee must complete ONE of the following during the renewal cycle (the 24 months preceding renewal): 15 practice-focused contact hours from a nationally recognized or state CE approval body recognized by ASBN; OR certification/re-certification by a national certifying body recognized by ASBN; OR an academic course in nursing or a related field. Licensees affirm completion at renewal (subject to audit). No specific mandated topics are published for the standard option. Expired-license reinstatement adds a practice-hours pathway (minimum 1,000 practice hours within the prior two years with employment verification) or completion of an ASBN-approved refresher course within one year of application.

Need approved hours? Compare Arkansas LPN CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your LPN license in Arkansas

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Credential is "Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)" in Arkansas; only California and Texas call the equivalent credential a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). Arkansas separately licenses the Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurse (LPTN) — a distinct credential excluded here. The ce_hours_required field is set to null because Arkansas' rule is option-based (continued competency), not a fixed contact-hours mandate; 15 contact hours is the figure for the CE-hours pathway specifically. The $100 figure is the late renewal penalty (listed as License/Cert Reinstatement, late renewal penalty), added to the regular $90 renewal fee for licenses renewed after expiration. Renewal is completed online via the Arkansas Nurse Portal (arsbn.boardsofnursing.org). Note: if a compact state other than Arkansas is the licensee's primary state of residence with an active multistate license, the Arkansas license will not be renewed.

LPN license renewal in Arkansas: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my LPN license in Arkansas?

Arkansas LPN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial renewal on a staggered schedule tied to the licensee's birth date; the renewal link opens in the Arkansas Nurse Portal about 60 days before expiration and renewal must be completed and fees received before the expiration date. The first license issued may be valid from 3 to 27 months depending on birth date, after which it settles into the standard 24-month cycle.

Can I renew my Arkansas LPN license online?

Yes — Arkansas offers online renewal through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Arkansas LPN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $100 may apply. Contact the Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) renewal