RN License Renewal in Tennessee (2026)

RN license renewal in Tennessee is handled by the Tennessee 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.

Tennessee RN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial. Renewal notices are mailed about 45 days before expiration and licenses may be renewed online up to 60 days before; practice on an expired license is prohibited.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	$100.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Tennessee Board of Nursing

Go to the official Tennessee Board of Nursing renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Tennessee Board of Nursing. manual review of TN Board of Nursing licensure page, fee schedule, and continued-competence rule 1000-01-.18.

Continuing-education requirements for RNs in Tennessee

Tennessee does not mandate a flat number of CE hours. Under Rule 1000-01-.18, each RN keeps evidence of TWO items from a 14-item continued-competence list per cycle. Classroom CE (10 contact hours) is just one option; others include a satisfactory employer evaluation, current national certification, a board-approved refresher, a published article, retaking the NCLEX, or relevant academic credit. Keep documentation four years.

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

How to renew your RN license in Tennessee

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Tennessee 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 via the LARS portal. The $100 renewal fee is the published amount; the Board voted to raise the RN renewal fee to $140 effective April 8, 2026, so confirm the current fee. The schedule lists no separate late fee (reinstatement is $115).

RN license renewal in Tennessee: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my RN license in Tennessee?

Tennessee RN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial. Renewal notices are mailed about 45 days before expiration and licenses may be renewed online up to 60 days before; practice on an expired license is prohibited.

Can I renew my Tennessee RN license online?

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

What happens if I let my Tennessee RN license expire?

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

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Registered Nurse (RN) renewal