What you need to do to get your Delaware nursing license active again
To reinstate a Delaware RN license, you submit a reinstatement request to the Delaware 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 will review your record and either reinstate you or ask for additional documentation. The process typically takes two to four weeks once the Board receives a complete process.
The exact steps depend on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily placed on inactive status. A license that lapsed recently is faster to reinstate than one inactive for several years, because the continuing education gap is smaller.
Key Takeaways
- You must contact the Delaware Board of Nursing directly to request reinstatement; there is no online portal that handles this on its own.
- Continuing education hours required to reinstate depend on how many years your license has been inactive, and the Board will tell you the exact number when you contact them.
- The reinstatement fee is separate from the renewal fee and varies depending on whether your license expired or was placed on inactive status.
- If your license was inactive due to discipline or a complaint, the Board may require additional steps before reinstatement is possible.
How to contact the Delaware Board of Nursing
The Delaware Board of Nursing is part of the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation. You can reach them by phone at 302-744-4500 or by mail at the Division of Professional Regulation, 861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Dover, Delaware 19904.
When you call or write, tell them you want to reinstate your RN license and provide your full name and license number if you have it. They will tell you whether your license is may be able to access for reinstatement, what continuing education you owe, and what the fee is. Ask them to send you the reinstatement form and any instructions specific to your situation.
Continuing education requirements for reinstatement
Delaware requires RNs to complete continuing education hours to keep their license current. If your license has been inactive, you will owe hours for each year it was not renewed. The Board calculates this based on the renewal cycle and will tell you the exact number when you contact them.
The continuing education must come from approved providers. Delaware accepts courses from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the American Association of Nurses (AAN), and other organizations that meet state standards. You do not have to complete the education before you explore for reinstatement, but you will need to show proof of completion before the Board will issue your reinstated license.
If you are unsure whether a course counts, ask the provider whether it is approved for Delaware RN continuing education. Many online nursing education platforms list Delaware approval on their course pages.
Reinstatement fees and payment
The reinstatement fee for a Delaware RN license is set by the Board and varies depending on your situation. The Board will quote you the exact amount when you request reinstatement. Fees are typically paid by check or money order sent with your reinstatement form, though you should confirm the current payment methods when you contact the Board.
Do not send cash by mail. If you are mailing your process, include a check or money order and keep a copy of the check for your records. Some applicants call ahead to ask whether they can pay by phone or credit card, which may be an option depending on the Board's current procedures.
What happens if your license was disciplined or had a complaint
If your license was placed on inactive status because of a disciplinary action, complaint, or investigation, reinstatement may require additional steps. The Board may ask you to provide documentation that the issue has been resolved, or they may require you to meet with a Board member or submit a written statement.
Contact the Board and ask directly whether there are any restrictions or additional requirements on your license. If there are, ask what documentation or steps are needed to clear them. This conversation will take longer than a routine reinstatement, so plan for additional time and be prepared to provide whatever the Board requests.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
Once you submit a complete reinstatement process with all required documents and fees, the Board typically processes it within two to four weeks. You may receive a letter confirming receipt of your process, and then another letter when your license is reinstated.
If the Board needs additional information, they will contact you by mail or phone. Check your process for any missing items before you mail it, because incomplete applications take longer. If you do not hear back within four weeks, call the Board to confirm they received your process.
Returning to practice after reinstatement
Once your license is reinstated, you can work as an RN in Delaware when ready. You do not need to notify your employer separately; your license number will show as active in the Board's public database, which employers check during hiring.
If you have been out of practice for a long time, some employers may ask whether you have completed a refresher course or orientation program before they place you in patient care. This is an employer decision, not a state requirement, but it is common practice when a nurse has been away from bedside work for several years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an RN while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license must be active and current to practice nursing in Delaware. You cannot work in any nursing role until the Board issues your reinstated license. If you need to work before reinstatement is complete, you will need to hold a temporary permit or work in a non-nursing role.
What if I cannot find my old license number?
You do not need your license number to request reinstatement, though it speeds up the process. Give the Board your full name, date of birth, and the city and state where you lived when you held the license. They can look up your record and tell you the number.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the NCLEX. You only need to complete the continuing education hours owed and pay the reinstatement fee. The NCLEX is required only for initial licensure, not for reinstatement.
What if my license expired more than five years ago?
Delaware may treat very old licenses differently, and reinstatement may not be possible if the license has been expired for an extended period. Contact the Board directly and ask whether your license can be reinstated or whether you would need to reapply for licensure. They will tell you which path applies to your situation.
Can I reinstate my license if I moved out of Delaware?
Yes. You can reinstate your Delaware license from anywhere. You will mail your process and fees to the Board in Dover, and they will process it by mail. Once reinstated, you can work in Delaware even if you live in another state, though you may also need to be licensed in the state where you actually work.