RN License Renewal in District of Columbia (2026)

RN license renewal in District of Columbia is handled by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration), 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.

District of Columbia RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial. Historically expired June 30; DC Health is transitioning to a birth-month cycle — credentials issued on or after June 16, 2024 expire the last day of the holder's birth month. A limited late grace window with a late fee applies.
CE hours required	24 hours
Renewal fee	$195.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration)

Go to the official District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration). manual review of DC Health Board of Nursing RN/APRN renewal FAQ.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in District of Columbia

24 contact hours of CE per cycle, which must include 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 3 hours in a DC public-health-priority topic. During the cycle transition, licensees with less than a full two-year term complete 50% of the hours. Keep certificates for audit.

Need approved hours? Compare District of Columbia RN CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your RN license in District of Columbia

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration) portal.
Complete the required 24 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: The $195 reflects the cumulative cost in the official renewal FAQ: $145 RN application fee plus a mandatory $50 criminal background check; $85 late fee applies after the deadline. Renewal is online-only via the DC Health portal. The cycle is moving from fixed June 30 to birth-month expiration.

RN license renewal in District of Columbia: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial. Historically expired June 30; DC Health is transitioning to a birth-month cycle — credentials issued on or after June 16, 2024 expire the last day of the holder's birth month. A limited late grace window with a late fee applies.

How many CE hours are required to renew an RN license in District of Columbia?

Approximately 24 continuing-education hours per cycle. 24 contact hours of CE per cycle, which must include 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 3 hours in a DC public-health-priority topic. During the cycle transition, licensees with less than a full two-year term complete 50% of the hours. Keep certificates for audit. Confirm the current requirement with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration).

Can I renew my District of Columbia RN license online?

Yes — District of Columbia offers online renewal through the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my District of Columbia RN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $85 may apply. Contact the District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal