The reinstatement fee for an expired RN license in Tennessee is $100

When your Tennessee RN license expires and you want to practice nursing again, the Tennessee Board of Nursing charges a $100 reinstatement fee. This is the core cost you will pay to the state. The fee covers the administrative work of reactivating your license in the state's system.

The $100 is separate from any other costs you may face during reinstatement — such as continuing education requirements, background checks, or fees charged by the organizations providing those services. Understanding what the $100 covers and what it does not will help you budget for the full reinstatement process.

Key Takeaways

  • Tennessee charges a flat $100 reinstatement fee to reactivate an expired RN license.
  • The $100 fee goes to the Tennessee Board of Nursing and covers the cost of processing your reinstatement request.
  • Continuing education hours may be required depending on how long your license has been expired, and those courses may have their own costs.
  • You must submit your reinstatement request and fee to the Board of Nursing; they do not process reinstatements through other channels.
  • Payment methods and the mailing address for your reinstatement packet are listed on the Board of Nursing website.

What the $100 reinstatement fee covers

The $100 fee pays the Tennessee Board of Nursing to process your reinstatement process. This includes reviewing your request, checking your background, and updating their records to show your license as active again. You cannot reinstate your license without paying this fee.

The fee does not cover continuing education courses, background check processing by third parties, or any other services outside the Board's direct reinstatement work. If your reinstatement requires continuing education hours — which depends on how long your license expired — you will pay for those courses separately to the provider offering them.

When you need to pay the reinstatement fee

You pay the $100 fee when you submit your reinstatement request to the Tennessee Board of Nursing. The Board will not process your process without payment. Most applicants include the fee with their reinstatement packet when they mail it in, or they pay online if the Board's system offers that option at the time you explore.

Check the Board of Nursing website for current payment methods before you submit your request. Payment options and procedures can change, and the website will show you exactly how to send your fee along with your process materials.

Additional costs beyond the reinstatement fee

Depending on how long your license has been expired, you may need to complete continuing education hours before the Board will reinstate you. These courses are not free. The cost varies by provider and by the number of hours required — some providers charge per hour, others charge a flat rate per course. You will need to budget for these separately from the $100 state fee.

If the Board requires a background check as part of your reinstatement, you may also pay a fee to the agency conducting that check. Again, this is separate from the $100 reinstatement fee. The Board's reinstatement instructions will tell you whether a background check is required for your situation.

How to submit your reinstatement fee

Start by visiting the Tennessee Board of Nursing website and downloading the reinstatement process form. The form will list the current mailing address and any online payment options available. Include your $100 fee with your completed process and any supporting documents the Board requires.

Do not send cash through the mail. The Board typically accepts checks, money orders, or credit card payments through their online portal. Follow the payment instructions on their website exactly — sending payment to the wrong address or in the wrong format can delay your reinstatement.

Timeline for processing after you pay

After the Board receives your reinstatement fee and completed process, processing typically takes several weeks. The exact timeline depends on how many applications the Board is handling and whether your file is complete. Incomplete applications — missing documents, unsigned forms, or unclear information — will delay processing.

You can contact the Board of Nursing to ask about the status of your reinstatement once you have submitted everything. Having your process number or license number ready will help them locate your file quickly.

What happens if you cannot pay the fee right away

The Tennessee Board of Nursing does not offer payment plans for the $100 reinstatement fee. You must pay the full amount before they will process your reinstatement. If you cannot pay when ready, you will need to wait until you have the funds available.

During the time your license is expired, you cannot legally practice nursing in Tennessee. If you are working toward reinstatement but do not yet have the $100, focus on gathering the other required materials — your process form, continuing education certificates if needed, and any other documents the Board requires. Having everything ready except payment means you can submit as soon as you have the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the $100 reinstatement fee refundable if my process is denied?

No. The Tennessee Board of Nursing does not refund the reinstatement fee if your process is denied. The fee covers the cost of processing your request, whether the outcome is approval or denial. If your process is denied, you will need to address the reason for denial before you can reapply, and a second process would require another $100 fee.

Can I reinstate my license without paying the fee?

No. The $100 fee is required to reinstate your license. The Board will not process a reinstatement process without payment. If you submit an process without the fee, the Board will return it to you and ask you to resubmit with payment included.

Does the $100 fee include continuing education costs?

No. The $100 reinstatement fee covers only the Board's processing cost. If you are required to complete continuing education hours as part of reinstatement, you will pay for those courses separately to the education provider. The Board will tell you in their reinstatement instructions whether continuing education is required for your situation.

What if I paid the fee but never received confirmation?

Contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing directly with your payment details — the amount, date, and method you used to pay. They can confirm whether your payment was received and locate your process in their system. Keep copies of any payment receipts or confirmation numbers you receive.

Can I pay the reinstatement fee online?

It depends on the Board's current system. Some states offer online payment portals for license fees; others require mailed checks or money orders. Check the Tennessee Board of Nursing website for the payment methods they accept at the time you are ready to reinstate. The website will show you all available options.