RN License Renewal in Kentucky (2026)

RN license renewal in Kentucky is handled by the Kentucky Board of Nursing, which requires Registered Nurse (RN)s to renew every 12 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.

Kentucky RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	12 months
Deadline rule	Annual. The renewal window runs September 15 through midnight October 31 (EDT) each year; a license not renewed by October 31 lapses. Kentucky no longer uses a birth-month schedule.
CE hours required	14 hours
Renewal fee	$65.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Kentucky Board of Nursing

Go to the official Kentucky Board of Nursing renewal page →

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

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in Kentucky

Continued competency is demonstrated each earning period (Nov 1–Oct 31). The default is 14 contact hours of approved CE; alternatives in lieu of the full 14 include a satisfactory employer evaluation plus 7 hours, current national certification, post-licensure academic nursing coursework, serving 120 hours as a preceptor, a peer-reviewed publication, presenting a CE course, or a nursing research project.

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

How to renew your RN license in Kentucky

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Kentucky Board of Nursing portal.
Complete the required 14 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 is online via the KBN Nurse Portal. The $65 fee includes $5 each to the Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund and the KARE recovery program. A lapsed license requires reinstatement ($135) rather than a simple late fee.

RN license renewal in Kentucky: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in Kentucky?

Kentucky RN licenses renew every 12 months. Annual. The renewal window runs September 15 through midnight October 31 (EDT) each year; a license not renewed by October 31 lapses. Kentucky no longer uses a birth-month schedule.

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

Approximately 14 continuing-education hours per cycle. Continued competency is demonstrated each earning period (Nov 1–Oct 31). The default is 14 contact hours of approved CE; alternatives in lieu of the full 14 include a satisfactory employer evaluation plus 7 hours, current national certification, post-licensure academic nursing coursework, serving 120 hours as a preceptor, a peer-reviewed publication, presenting a CE course, or a nursing research project. Confirm the current requirement with the Kentucky Board of Nursing.

Can I renew my Kentucky RN license online?

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

What happens if I let my Kentucky RN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Kentucky Board of Nursing promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal