LPN License Renewal in Texas (2026)

LPN license renewal in Texas is handled by the Texas Board of Nursing, 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.

Texas LPN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	LVN licenses are renewed biennially on a birth-month schedule: the license expires on the last day of the licensee's birth month, and the licensing period generally runs from the first day of the month after the birth month for two years. Renewal must be completed on or before the expiration date or the license becomes delinquent. (Initial/post-delinquent periods may run 6-29 months, but subsequent cycles are 2 years.)
CE hours required	20 hours
Renewal fee	$68.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Texas Board of Nursing

Go to the official Texas Board of Nursing renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Texas Board of Nursing. automated research workflow (official texas Board of Nursing), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for LPNs in Texas

Per Board Rule 216.3, each renewal an LVN must demonstrate continuing competency by either completing 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) in the nurse's area of practice within the 2-year licensing period, OR achieving/maintaining/renewing a Board-approved national nursing certification in the area of practice. In addition, all nurses (LVN, RN, APRN) must satisfy applicable targeted CE requirements, and must complete the Nursing Jurisprudence and Nursing Ethics CNE requirement using traditional CNE contact hours (this requirement cannot be met by certification) per Rule 216.3(g). Targeted CE topics that may apply by practice area include forensic evidence collection and older adult/geriatric care. There is no separate practice-hours pathway; the two options are 20 CNE hours or national certification. Hours must be earned within the 2-year period preceding renewal and cannot be carried over.

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

How to renew your LPN license in Texas

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Texas Board of Nursing portal.
Complete the required 20 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: In Texas the LPN credential is called the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN); only Texas and California use "vocational nurse" terminology. The $68 fee is the timely biennial LVN renewal fee (RN renewal is $68 as well; APRN is $54). Late/penalty fees are layered per Chapter 223 Rule 223.1: late renewal adds $10 plus the current renewal fee if renewing within ~90 days late, or $20 plus the renewal fee if more than 90 days but within one year late; reactivating from delinquent status adds $60 (within 90 days) or $120 plus the current renewal fee. Renewal is done through the Texas Nurse Portal; the Board's CE/audit records are kept in its own Lifelong Learning Account system run by eStrategy Solutions (esslearning.com), not CE Broker. The Board may select licensees for a CNE audit, which must be passed before the renewal application appears in the portal. LPN totals here (20 hours) are the same as RN in Texas, but framed as a flexible continuing-competency requirement with a certification alternative.

LPN license renewal in Texas: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my LPN license in Texas?

Texas LPN licenses renew every 24 months. LVN licenses are renewed biennially on a birth-month schedule: the license expires on the last day of the licensee's birth month, and the licensing period generally runs from the first day of the month after the birth month for two years. Renewal must be completed on or before the expiration date or the license becomes delinquent. (Initial/post-delinquent periods may run 6-29 months, but subsequent cycles are 2 years.)

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

Approximately 20 continuing-education hours per cycle. Per Board Rule 216.3, each renewal an LVN must demonstrate continuing competency by either completing 20 contact hours of continuing nursing education (CNE) in the nurse's area of practice within the 2-year licensing period, OR achieving/maintaining/renewing a Board-approved national nursing certification in the area of practice. In addition, all nurses (LVN, RN, APRN) must satisfy applicable targeted CE requirements, and must complete the Nursing Jurisprudence and Nursing Ethics CNE requirement using traditional CNE contact hours (this requirement cannot be met by certification) per Rule 216.3(g). Targeted CE topics that may apply by practice area include forensic evidence collection and older adult/geriatric care. There is no separate practice-hours pathway; the two options are 20 CNE hours or national certification. Hours must be earned within the 2-year period preceding renewal and cannot be carried over. Confirm the current requirement with the Texas Board of Nursing.

Can I renew my Texas LPN license online?

Yes — Texas offers online renewal through the Texas Board of Nursing. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Texas LPN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $10 may apply. Contact the Texas Board of Nursing promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

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