RN License Renewal in Rhode Island (2026)

RN license renewal in Rhode Island is handled by the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education (RI Dept of Health), 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.

Rhode Island RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial, expiring March 1 every other year (a fixed date, not birth month). The renewed license takes effect March 2; the Department mails a notice by January 1 and again ~60 days before expiration.
CE hours required	10 hours
Renewal fee	$135.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education (RI Dept of Health)

Go to the official Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education (RI Dept of Health) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education (RI Dept of Health). review of RI SOS regulation 216-40-05-3, fee schedule 216-10-05-2, and health.ri.gov.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in Rhode Island

10 CE contact hours each two-year cycle, of which at least 2 hours must address substance abuse, plus a one-time (once-per-career) 1-hour course on Alzheimer's disease. The nurse attests to completion at renewal and keeps documentation four years.

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

How to renew your RN license in Rhode Island

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education (RI Dept of Health) portal.
Complete the required 10 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: Fee from the official RI fee schedule (216-10-05-2). No separate RN late fee is published. Online renewal via healthri.mylicense.com. RI rejoined the Nurse Licensure Compact effective Jan 1, 2024.

RN license renewal in Rhode Island: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial, expiring March 1 every other year (a fixed date, not birth month). The renewed license takes effect March 2; the Department mails a notice by January 1 and again ~60 days before expiration.

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

Approximately 10 continuing-education hours per cycle. 10 CE contact hours each two-year cycle, of which at least 2 hours must address substance abuse, plus a one-time (once-per-career) 1-hour course on Alzheimer's disease. The nurse attests to completion at renewal and keeps documentation four years. Confirm the current requirement with the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education (RI Dept of Health).

Can I renew my Rhode Island RN license online?

Yes — Rhode Island offers online renewal through the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education (RI Dept of Health). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Rhode Island RN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education (RI Dept of Health) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal