RN License Renewal in Pennsylvania (2026)

RN license renewal in Pennsylvania is handled by the Pennsylvania 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.

Pennsylvania RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial. The Board assigns one of four staggered expiration dates (April 30 or October 31, in even- or odd-numbered years); RNs have historically renewed by April 30. Renew before the printed expiration date.
CE hours required	30 hours
Renewal fee	$122.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

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

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. manual review of PA Dept of State Board of Nursing pages and 49 Pa. Code 21.29.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in Pennsylvania

30 contact hours of board-approved CE per two-year cycle, of which 2 hours must cover child-abuse recognition and reporting (Act 31), reported electronically by the approved provider. A new one-time 2-hour organ/tissue-donation course applies within a five-year period beginning May 1, 2026. New licensees are generally CE-exempt at their first renewal.

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

How to renew your RN license in Pennsylvania

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Pennsylvania 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: Renewal is completed through the PALS online portal (pals.pa.gov). The $122 biennial fee is the standard renewal fee; late renewal incurs a per-month penalty rather than a single fixed late fee, so the late fee is left unverified. Approved CE providers transmit completions electronically to the Board.

RN license renewal in Pennsylvania: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial. The Board assigns one of four staggered expiration dates (April 30 or October 31, in even- or odd-numbered years); RNs have historically renewed by April 30. Renew before the printed expiration date.

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

Approximately 30 continuing-education hours per cycle. 30 contact hours of board-approved CE per two-year cycle, of which 2 hours must cover child-abuse recognition and reporting (Act 31), reported electronically by the approved provider. A new one-time 2-hour organ/tissue-donation course applies within a five-year period beginning May 1, 2026. New licensees are generally CE-exempt at their first renewal. Confirm the current requirement with the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Can I renew my Pennsylvania RN license online?

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

What happens if I let my Pennsylvania RN license expire?

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

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal