Frequently Asked Questions for Renewal/Reinstatement
I have not received my renewal postcard notification. What should I do?
I filled out my application in ink. Can I still submit my application for renewal?
How long will my renewed license be effective?
What if I want to place my license on inactive/retired nurse status?
Are Continuing Education hours required for renewal of my license?
What if I have had a Misdemeanor or Felony since my last renewal?
What if I have had action in another state since my last renewal?
What if I need to change my name?
How will I know when my license has been renewed?
I have not received my renewal postcard notification. What should I do?
Postcard notifications are mailed 90 days prior to the expiration of your current license to the last address on Board records. You may renew your license via our website under “Online Services” – “Renew – Reinstate”, paying the renewal fee with a valid credit or debit card (VISA or Mastercard). You also have the option of requesting a paper application by contacting our office at (919) 782-3211.
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I filled out my application in ink. Can I still submit my application for renewal?
If you completed your application in ink, simply go over the ink marks with a #2 pencil and submit for renewal. There is no need to request a duplicate application.
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How long will my renewed license be effective?
Licenses expire on your birth month. On-time renewal of licensure will be for two (2) years and will expire the last day of your birth month. For initial licensure or reinstatement of a lapsed license, licensure may be for less than two (2) years in order to place the expiration on the birth month.
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What if I want to place my license on inactive/retired nurse status?
You may select the inactive status, when your license is up for renewal, via our website under “Online Services – “Request Inactive Status”. Or, you may check the “Request Inactive Status” box on the renewal postcard notification (which is mailed out approximately 90 days prior to the expiration of your current license). Once a license expires it cannot be placed on inactive status; therefore, the request for inactive must be made prior to the expiration date of the current license. NO FEE IS REQUIRED.
If licensed as both an LPN and RN, you may wish to consider placing your LPN license on the inactive status. The inactive status does not permit the practice of nursing in North Carolina.
If retired, you also have the option of placing your license on the retired nurse status when your license is up for renewal. This status may be selected via our website under “Online Services” - “Request Retired Nurse Status”. Or, you may check the “Request Retired Nurse Status” box on the renewal postcard notification (which is mailed out approximately 90 days prior to the expiration of your current license). NOTE: There is a one-time $30 fee for the Retired Nurse Status.
The retired nurse status allows a nurse to use the designation of either Registered Nurse-Retired or Licensed Practical Nurse – Retired. The nurse receives a frameable certificate with this designation as well as a two-year subscription to the Bulletin. The retired nurse status does not permit the practice of nursing in North Carolina.
Once a license expires it cannot be placed on retired nurse status; therefore, the request must be made prior to the expiration date of the current license.
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Are Continuing Education hours required for renewal of my license?
CONTINUING COMPETENCE RULE (21 NCAC 36.0232) FOR NORTH CAROLINA REGISTERED NURSES (RNs) AND LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES (LPNs)
Beginning July 1, 2006, upon license renewal or reinstatement, all RNs and LPNs will be required to complete a self assessment of their practice, develop a learning plan, and select an approved learning activity option* which must be completed prior to the next renewal date in order to comply with Continuing Competence requirements.
Effective July 1, 2008 and thereafter, upon application for license renewal or reinstatement, all licensees will be required to attest to completion of a self assessment of their practice, development of a learning plan, and completion of one of the approved learning activity options during the preceding renewal cycle or prior to reinstatement of license. Licensees should be prepared to submit evidence of completion if selected for audit by the Board.
*Approved learning activity options, details about the NC Nursing Continuing Competence Rule, explanatory materials, and an informational webcast are available at:http://www.ncbon.com/prac-contcomp.asp. A Practice Consultant is also available to answer your questions at:lburhans@ncbon.com or at 919-782-3211 ext. 265.
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What if I have had a Misdemeanor or Felony since my last renewal?
1) If you are renewing your license on-line, and you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony since you’ve last renewed (including DWIs), or have had any charges pending whatsoever since you’ve last renewed, that have NOT been previously reported to the NC Board of Nursing, the following items MUST be received in our office before your renewal application can be processed:
- A written explanation describing each incident and the facts that led up to the conviction.
- CERTIFIED copy of the charge(s) and conviction(s).
- Evidence the conditions of the conviction(s) have been met.
Contact the county clerk in the jurisdiction where each conviction occurred for a certified copy of the conviction(s).
Submit these items to: Renewal Department, NC Board of Nursing, PO Box 2129, Raleigh NC 27602-2129.
Additional processing time may be required.
2) If you are completing a paper renewal application, and you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony since you’ve last renewed (including DWIs) or you have any charges pending whatsoever, that have NOT been previously reported to the NC Board of Nursing, you MUST submit the following with your completed application and fee:
- A written explanation describing each incident and the facts that led up to the conviction.
- CERTIFIED copy of the charges(s) and conviction(s).
- Evidence the conditions of the conviction(s) have been met.
Contact the county clerk in the jurisdiction where each conviction occurred for a certified copy of the conviction(s).
Additional processing time may be required.
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What if I have had action in another state since my last renewal?
1) If you are renewing your license on-line and you have had, or now have pending, any action against a nursing license issued to you by another state (including revocation, suspension, restriction, probation, reprimand, censure, participation in an alternative chemical dependency program in lieu of disciplinary action, or any other disciplinary proceedings) that has NOT been previously reported to the NC Board of Nursing, the following MUST be received in our office before your renewal application can be processed:
- A detailed written explanation of the circumstances related to the charges, what action was taken, and in which state(s)/province(s).
Submit this explanation to: Renewal Department, NC Board of Nursing, PO Box 2129, Raleigh NC 27602-2129.
Additional processing time may be required.
2) If you are completing a paper renewal application, and you have had, or now have pending, any action against a nursing license issued to you by another state (including revocation, suspension, restriction, probation, reprimand, censure, participation in an alternative chemical dependency program in lieu of disciplinary action, or any other disciplinary proceedings) that has NOT been previously reported to the NC Board of Nursing, the following MUST be mailed with your completed application and fee. Your renewal application cannot be processed without this information:
- A detailed written explanation of the circumstances related to the charges, what action was taken, and in which state(s)/province(s).
Additional processing time may be required.
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What if I need to change my name?
If you need to change your name, and your license is up for renewal:
- If you wish to renew your license on-line and you have a name change, you may update your name either prior to renewing your license or immediately after you renew your license. To change your name, you must first complete a Name and Address Change form and either mail or fax this completed form and the supporting document* to our office. To obtain the necessary form, return to our home page, select “Publications and Forms”, and then select “Name and Address Change” form. The form is also available in each edition of the Bulletin.
*Examples of a supporting legal document include social security card, court record, birth certificate, marriage license, driver's license, etc. Do not submit the original document.
THESE DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED AND PROCESSED IN OUR OFFICE BEFORE YOUR RENEWAL APPLICATION CAN BE COMPLETED ON-LINE. Allow 72 hours upon receipt in our office for the name change to be processed in our system. Once you have verified that the name change has occurred, you may renew your license via our website.
Our mailing address is NC Board of Nursing, PO Box 2129, Raleigh NC 27602-2129. Our fax number is (919) 781-9461. Send all documents to the attention of the Renewal Department.
- If you are wish to renew your license using the paper renewal application, you must also complete the name change form on page 4 of the instruction sheet included with the renewal application. Be sure to enclose a copy of the supporting document* showing your legal name.
*Examples of a supporting legal document include social security card, court record, birth certificate, marriage license, driver's license, etc. Do not submit the original document.
ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED BY OUR OFFICE BEFORE YOUR RENEWAL APPLICATION CAN BE PROCESSED.
If you need to change your name and your license is not due for renewal, click here for further instructions.
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How will I know when my license has been renewed?
Effective with licenses renewed or reinstated with a January 31, 2007 expiration date and thereafter, a plastic license card will not be issued. Instead, a postcard notice of licensure renewal/reinstatement will be mailed to your last known address on file with the Board of Nursing. The postcard notice contains specific directions on how to verify your licensure status either online at www.ncbon.com or by using the automated telephone verification system at (919) 881-2272.
The Board of Nursing's electronic database serves as the primary source of licensure information for nurses in North Carolina.
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