RN License Renewal in Massachusetts (2026)

RN license renewal in Massachusetts is handled by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in 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.

Massachusetts RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial. An RN license expires at 11:59 PM on the licensee's birthday in even-numbered years. Renewal opens up to 90 days before expiration; you can't practice on an expired license.
CE hours required	15 hours
Renewal fee	$120.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

Go to the official Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. manual review of mass.gov nursing renewal and mandatory-CE pages.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in Massachusetts

15 contact hours (1 contact hour = 60 minutes) within the two years before renewal, per 244 CMR 5.00. No CE is required for the first renewal. CPR/BLS and workplace in-services don't count. One-time Alzheimer's/cognitive-impairment training and Chapter 260 domestic/sexual-violence training also apply. CE is self-attested under penalty of perjury and audit-verifiable.

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

How to renew your RN license in Massachusetts

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing portal.
Complete the required 15 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: RN-only renewal is $120 (combined RN+APRN is $180). A $57 late fee applies on top of the renewal fee if renewed after expiration. Keep CE evidence for the two most recent renewal periods. The Board no longer mails paper licenses.

RN license renewal in Massachusetts: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial. An RN license expires at 11:59 PM on the licensee's birthday in even-numbered years. Renewal opens up to 90 days before expiration; you can't practice on an expired license.

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

Approximately 15 continuing-education hours per cycle. 15 contact hours (1 contact hour = 60 minutes) within the two years before renewal, per 244 CMR 5.00. No CE is required for the first renewal. CPR/BLS and workplace in-services don't count. One-time Alzheimer's/cognitive-impairment training and Chapter 260 domestic/sexual-violence training also apply. CE is self-attested under penalty of perjury and audit-verifiable. Confirm the current requirement with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.

Can I renew my Massachusetts RN license online?

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

What happens if I let my Massachusetts RN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $57 may apply. Contact the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal