RN License Renewal in North Carolina (2026)

RN license renewal in North Carolina is handled by the North Carolina 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.

North Carolina RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial, due by the last day of your birth month. If not renewed by that date the license expires at midnight and you may not practice until reinstated.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	$100.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	North Carolina Board of Nursing

Go to the official North Carolina Board of Nursing renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the North Carolina Board of Nursing. manual review of NC Board of Nursing renewal and continuing-competence pages.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in North Carolina

North Carolina uses a continuing-competence requirement (21 NCAC 36 .0232) rather than one fixed CE-hour mandate — you complete one of eight learning options each cycle. The most common is 15 contact hours of CE plus 640 hours of active practice in the prior two years; others include national certification/recertification, 30 contact hours of CE, a board-approved refresher course, or two semester hours of post-licensure academic nursing study.

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

How to renew your RN license in North Carolina

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the North Carolina Board of Nursing portal.
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 completed through the online Nurse Portal and is not final until the Board verifies requirements. Evidence of continuing competence is submitted only if you are selected in a random audit. An active NC license is not issued if another Compact state is your primary residence.

RN license renewal in North Carolina: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in North Carolina?

North Carolina RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial, due by the last day of your birth month. If not renewed by that date the license expires at midnight and you may not practice until reinstated.

Can I renew my North Carolina RN license online?

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

What happens if I let my North Carolina RN license expire?

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

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal