RN License Renewal in Louisiana (2026)

RN license renewal in Louisiana is handled by the Louisiana State 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.

Louisiana RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial (two-year licensure period). Renewal opens October 1 and must be completed online by December 31; a $50 late fee applies after December 31, and an unrenewed license expires at midnight January 31.
CE hours required	30 hours
Renewal fee	$100.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Louisiana State Board of Nursing

Go to the official Louisiana State Board of Nursing renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. manual review of LSBN renewal FAQs, CE brochure, and LAC 46:XLVII rule.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in Louisiana

Each two-year period an RN completes one of: 30 board-approved CE contact hours; OR 900 verified practice hours; OR initial licensure by exam/endorsement in the prior calendar year; OR current board-recognized specialty certification. Academic nursing coursework can substitute (1 semester hour = 15 contact hours). Compliance is checked by random spring audit.

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

How to renew your RN license in Louisiana

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Louisiana State Board of 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: Online renewal via the Nurse Portal is mandatory (no paper). Fee and late fee per LAC 46:XLVII. The 'two-year licensure period' is confirmed by the Board's own CE brochure and rule, despite a common belief that Louisiana renews annually.

RN license renewal in Louisiana: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in Louisiana?

Louisiana RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial (two-year licensure period). Renewal opens October 1 and must be completed online by December 31; a $50 late fee applies after December 31, and an unrenewed license expires at midnight January 31.

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

Approximately 30 continuing-education hours per cycle. Each two-year period an RN completes one of: 30 board-approved CE contact hours; OR 900 verified practice hours; OR initial licensure by exam/endorsement in the prior calendar year; OR current board-recognized specialty certification. Academic nursing coursework can substitute (1 semester hour = 15 contact hours). Compliance is checked by random spring audit. Confirm the current requirement with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing.

Can I renew my Louisiana RN license online?

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

What happens if I let my Louisiana 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 Louisiana State Board of Nursing promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal