LPN License Renewal in California (2026)

LPN license renewal in California is handled by the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), 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.

California LPN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	LVN licenses are renewed every two years (biennial). The renewal fee must be received on or before the license expiration date for the licensee to keep working legally; renewal notices are mailed about 6 weeks before expiration. A delinquency fee applies if not paid within 30 days after expiration.
CE hours required	30 hours
Renewal fee	$305.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT)

Go to the official California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). automated research workflow (official california Board of Nursing), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for LPNs in California

After the first renewal, an active LVN must complete 30 hours of continuing education within the two years immediately preceding the renewal date. No CE is required for the first renewal after initial licensure, or for licenses renewed on inactive status. Courses must be related to the licensee's scope of practice; no specific mandatory topic is otherwise required by the board page.

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

How to renew your LPN license in California

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) portal.
Complete the required 30 CE hours.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: California calls the LPN credential a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN); only California and Texas use the "LVN" terminology instead of LPN. The governing body is the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), separate from the California Board of Registered Nursing that handles RNs. Online renewal is via the DCA BreEZe system (breeze.ca.gov). Fee schedule effective Sept 21, 2022: biennial renewal $305, delinquent fee $150, reinstatement $300 plus accrued delinquent fees. A $5 portion of the renewal funds the VN scholarship/education loan program (included in the $305). Late renewals allowed within 4 years of expiration with accrued fees. LVN's 30-hour CE requirement differs from RN requirements (RNs are regulated by a different board). Could not confirm on the official page whether expiration falls on the last day of the issuance month versus another fixed schedule, so the deadline rule is paraphrased to the verified biennial/on-or-before-expiration facts.

LPN license renewal in California: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my LPN license in California?

California LPN licenses renew every 24 months. LVN licenses are renewed every two years (biennial). The renewal fee must be received on or before the license expiration date for the licensee to keep working legally; renewal notices are mailed about 6 weeks before expiration. A delinquency fee applies if not paid within 30 days after expiration.

How many CE hours are required to renew an LPN license in California?

Approximately 30 continuing-education hours per cycle. After the first renewal, an active LVN must complete 30 hours of continuing education within the two years immediately preceding the renewal date. No CE is required for the first renewal after initial licensure, or for licenses renewed on inactive status. Courses must be related to the licensee's scope of practice; no specific mandatory topic is otherwise required by the board page. Confirm the current requirement with the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

Can I renew my California LPN license online?

Yes — California offers online renewal through the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my California LPN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $150 may apply. Contact the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

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