You are required to renew your license by the last day of your birth month. If you do not renew by the last day of your birth month, your license is automatically placed on expired status at midnight on the last day of the expiration month. A licensee with an expired status shall not practice as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse. Prior to practicing, you will be required to reapply for licensure by completing the Reinstatement application process.
An active North Carolina license is not issued when another Compact State is claimed as the primary state of residence.
Submission of your online application should not be construed as automatic renewal of your license. The North Carolina Board of Nursing must verify that you have met all the conditions for renewal before your license is renewed.
Licenses are valid for two (2) years.
Licensees are only to submit evidence of continuing competence if specifically notified by the Board.
Submission and Fee Information
How to submit...
- Access the Nurse Portal to complete the Renewal application
- Select your license
- Your license includes your license type (RN Permanent License or LPN Permanent License), license number, expiration date, and license status.
- Select 'Renewal/Reinstatement' under license options
- Complete application in full
Fee Information: $100.00
FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE
Valid Forms of Payment
- Credit or Debit Card; MasterCard or Visa only
Renewal Requirements
Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse
- You currently hold an active license in North Carolina
- Your current license is within 90 days prior to expiration
- You must not declare another Compact State as a primary residence
- You must have met the Continuing Competence requirements: Continuing Competence - 21 NCAC 36.0232
Criminal Background Check
If you have been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor or have any charges pending (which have NOT been previously reported through an application process to the NC Board of Nursing); or if you have any charges or actions against any professional license (which have NOT been previously reported through an application process to the NC Board of Nursing), submission of additional documents will be required before your license renewal can be processed.
If additional documents are required, your online renewal application will be processed once all required documentation has been received and reviewed.
Click here for more information regarding Criminal Background Checks.
The Application Confirmation which serves as your official receipt will be available on the Nurse Portal upon successful completion of the application process. To access, select the appropriate license and locate the confirmation page under the files heading.
If a valid email address is listed with the North Carolina Board of Nursing, you will receive confirmation via email verifying receipt of your online application.
Upon successful completion of the online application, you may check your application status via the Nurse Portal. Licensure information can be verified on the Board's website. The Board of Nursing’s electronic database serves as the primary source of licensure information for nurses in North Carolina.