RN License Renewal in Illinois (2026)

RN license renewal in Illinois is handled by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Board of 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.

Illinois RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial. RN licenses expire May 31 of each even-numbered year (the most recent cycle ran June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026). There is no grace period to keep practicing once a license lapses.
CE hours required	20 hours
Renewal fee	$80.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Board of Nursing

Go to the official Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Board of Nursing renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Board of Nursing. manual review of Illinois Nursing Workforce Center CE page, IDFPR RN CE FAQ, and Admin Code Title 68 1300.30.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in Illinois

20 contact hours of approved CE per two-year cycle. The first renewal after initial licensure is CE-exempt. Several mandated topics are folded into (not added on top of) the 20 hours: 1 hour sexual-harassment prevention, 1 hour implicit-bias awareness, and 1 hour on Alzheimer's/dementia for nurses with direct interaction with adults 26+. Nurses who work with children must also attest to mandated-reporter training at least every six years.

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

How to renew your RN license in Illinois

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — 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: Fee is set at $40/year in rule, i.e. $80 for the two-year cycle. Restoration of a lapsed (non-inactive) license is $50 plus all lapsed renewal fees, capped at $250. CE sponsors must be Illinois-approved; there is no single master list.

RN license renewal in Illinois: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in Illinois?

Illinois RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial. RN licenses expire May 31 of each even-numbered year (the most recent cycle ran June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2026). There is no grace period to keep practicing once a license lapses.

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

Approximately 20 continuing-education hours per cycle. 20 contact hours of approved CE per two-year cycle. The first renewal after initial licensure is CE-exempt. Several mandated topics are folded into (not added on top of) the 20 hours: 1 hour sexual-harassment prevention, 1 hour implicit-bias awareness, and 1 hour on Alzheimer's/dementia for nurses with direct interaction with adults 26+. Nurses who work with children must also attest to mandated-reporter training at least every six years. Confirm the current requirement with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Board of Nursing.

Can I renew my Illinois RN license online?

Yes — Illinois offers online renewal through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Board of Nursing. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Illinois RN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $50 may apply. Contact the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Board of Nursing promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal