What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your D.C. Nursing License
To reinstate a nursing license in Washington, D.C., you file a reinstatement petition with the D.C. Board of Nursing, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education or practice requirements that have accumulated since your license went inactive. The Board does not automatically restore your license—you must request it in writing and provide documentation showing you meet current standards.
The process differs depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily surrendered. A license that lapsed within the last few years is generally faster to reinstate than one inactive for a decade or more, because older licenses may require additional documentation or proof that you have kept current with nursing practice changes.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit a written reinstatement petition to the D.C. Board of Nursing, not straightforward renew your license online or by mail.
- Reinstatement fees in D.C. vary based on license type (RN, LPN, or APRN) and are separate from renewal fees.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you may need to complete continuing education hours or pass a jurisprudence exam before reinstatement is approved.
- The Board typically responds to reinstatement petitions within 30 to 60 days, though complex cases may take longer.
- You cannot practice nursing in D.C. under an inactive or expired license while your reinstatement petition is pending.
Steps to File Your Reinstatement Petition
Start by contacting the D.C. Board of Nursing directly to request the reinstatement petition form. You can reach them by phone at (202) 724-7800 or visit their office at 899 N. Capitol Street NE, Suite 5000, Washington, D.C. 20002. Ask them to confirm your current license status and whether any disciplinary actions or unpaid fees are attached to your record—these must be resolved before reinstatement can be granted.
Complete the reinstatement petition form and include your original license number, the reason your license became inactive, and a summary of any nursing work or education you have done since the license lapsed. If you have worked as a nurse in another state or in a non-licensed capacity, document that. The Board uses this information to assess whether you have maintained basic competency in nursing practice.
Submit the completed petition along with the reinstatement fee by mail or in person. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID. Do not submit original documents unless the Board specifically requests them—send copies instead and keep originals for your records.
Continuing Education and Practice Requirements
If your license has been inactive for fewer than three years, you may not need additional continuing education before reinstatement. However, if it has been inactive for three to five years, the Board typically requires you to complete between 15 and 30 continuing education hours in nursing topics relevant to your specialty. If your license has been inactive for more than five years, requirements are stricter and may include a jurisprudence exam covering D.C. nursing law and ethics.
Continuing education must come from accredited providers. The Board recognizes courses offered through the American Nurses Association, state nursing associations, and many hospitals and universities. Online courses are acceptable as long as they carry continuing education credit. You do not need to complete these hours before submitting your petition—you can list them as "pending" and provide proof of completion when the Board requests it—but having them done before you file speeds up the process.
A jurisprudence exam, if required, covers the D.C. Nursing Practice Act and Board regulations. You take it at a testing center in D.C. after the Board notifies you that it is required. There is a separate fee for the exam, typically under $100.
Fees and Processing Timeline
Reinstatement fees for D.C. nursing licenses vary by license type. As of the most recent Board fee schedule, reinstatement for a Registered Nurse (RN) costs around $150 to $200, while Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) reinstatement is slightly lower. Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) reinstatement fees are higher. These fees are subject to change, so confirm the exact amount when you contact the Board.
The Board typically processes reinstatement petitions within 30 to 60 days of receiving a complete process. If your petition is missing information or documentation, the Board will send you a notice requesting what is needed. You then have a set time—usually 30 days—to respond. If you do not respond, your petition may be denied, and you will have to start over.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the Board issues a new license card or a letter confirming your reinstatement. You can then practice nursing in D.C. under your reinstated license. If you need to practice before your reinstatement is final, you cannot do so legally—temporary or provisional licenses are not available for reinstatement cases in D.C.
What Happens If Your License Was Disciplined or Suspended
If your license was suspended or revoked due to disciplinary action, reinstatement is more complex. You must first petition the Board to lift the suspension or revocation, which requires showing that the underlying issue has been resolved. For example, if your license was suspended due to a substance use disorder, you may need to provide documentation of treatment completion and ongoing recovery support.
Disciplinary reinstatement petitions are reviewed by the Board's disciplinary committee and may require a hearing. You have the right to present evidence and testimony in your favor. It is common to work with a lawyer who specializes in nursing board cases for disciplinary reinstatement, because the standards are higher and the process is more formal than standard reinstatement.
If your license was voluntarily surrendered to avoid discipline, the Board may treat reinstatement as a disciplinary matter rather than a routine reinstatement. Be honest about the reason your license was surrendered when you file your petition—the Board will discover the truth through its records, and misrepresenting your history can result in denial.
Maintaining Your Reinstated License
Once your license is reinstated, you must renew it on the Board's regular renewal schedule. D.C. nursing licenses renew every two years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail before your license expires. Renewal requires paying the renewal fee and, in most cases, completing continuing education hours for that renewal period.
Keep your license active by renewing on time. If you let it lapse again, you will have to go through reinstatement a second time. If you know you will not be practicing nursing in D.C. for a period, you can voluntarily surrender your license to avoid renewal fees, then reinstate it later when you are ready to practice again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a nurse in D.C. while my reinstatement petition is being reviewed?
No. You cannot practice nursing under an inactive or expired license. If your reinstatement petition is pending, you are not legally permitted to work as a nurse in D.C. until the Board approves your reinstatement and issues your new license.
What if I worked as a nurse in another state while my D.C. license was inactive?
Document that work in your reinstatement petition. Out-of-state nursing experience helps demonstrate that you have maintained competency and stayed current with nursing practice. Include copies of your active licenses from other states if you have them.
How long does reinstatement usually take from start to finish?
If your process is complete and your license was inactive for fewer than three years, reinstatement typically takes 30 to 60 days. If continuing education or an exam is required, add four to eight weeks. Disciplinary reinstatement cases can take several months.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX if I reinstate my D.C. nursing license?
No. The NCLEX is required only for initial licensure. Reinstatement does not require retaking the exam, though the Board may require continuing education or a jurisprudence exam depending on how long your license was inactive.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement petition?
The Board will send you a written explanation of the denial. You have the right to request a hearing before the Board's disciplinary committee to challenge the decision. You can also reapply after addressing the reasons for denial, such as completing additional continuing education or resolving outstanding fees or disciplinary issues.