RN License Renewal in California (2026)

RN license renewal in California is handled by the California Board of Registered Nursing, which requires Registered Nurse (RN)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 RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial. An RN license expires the last day of the month following your birth month; after the first cycle it renews every two years if renewed on time.
CE hours required	30 hours
Renewal fee	$190.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	California Board of Registered Nursing

Go to the official California Board of Registered Nursing renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the California Board of Registered Nursing. manual review of California Board of Registered Nursing renewal, CE, and fee pages.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in California

30 contact hours of continuing education from a Board-recognized provider during each two-year period. New licensees are exempt from CE at their first renewal except for a one-time one-hour implicit-bias course due within the first two years. Effective Jan 1, 2025, nurse practitioners doing primary care for older patients must take at least 6 of the 30 hours in gerontology/older-adult care.

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

How to renew your RN license in California

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the California Board of Registered Nursing 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: Renewal fee includes a $10 RN Education Fund assessment; $280 is the delinquent (late) renewal fee. The Board does not use CE Broker — licensees track and attest CE themselves and keep records for audit. Lapsed licenses under 8 years can be renewed with the delinquent fee plus proof of 30 CE hours.

RN license renewal in California: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in California?

California RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial. An RN license expires the last day of the month following your birth month; after the first cycle it renews every two years if renewed on time.

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

Approximately 30 continuing-education hours per cycle. 30 contact hours of continuing education from a Board-recognized provider during each two-year period. New licensees are exempt from CE at their first renewal except for a one-time one-hour implicit-bias course due within the first two years. Effective Jan 1, 2025, nurse practitioners doing primary care for older patients must take at least 6 of the 30 hours in gerontology/older-adult care. Confirm the current requirement with the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Can I renew my California RN license online?

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

What happens if I let my California RN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $280 may apply. Contact the California Board of Registered Nursing promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal