What happens when your LPN license expires and how to get it back
When your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license lapses — either because you did not renew it on time or let it go inactive — you cannot legally practice nursing until you reinstate it. The path back depends on how long your license has been expired and which state issued it. Most states let you reinstate a recently expired license by paying a fee and submitting paperwork, but if your license has been inactive for several years, you may need to complete continuing education hours, pass a refresher course, or retake the NCLEX-PN exam.
The good news: reinstatement is usually faster and cheaper than getting licensed from scratch. You do not have to repeat your original nursing program or start over with prerequisites. But you do need to act within your state's window — some states allow reinstatement for up to five years after expiration, while others have shorter or longer timelines.
Key Takeaways
- Most states allow you to reinstate an expired LPN license by submitting a reinstatement process, paying the required fee, and meeting any continuing education requirements set by your state board.
- If your license expired recently (usually within one to three years), you may only need to renew it and pay back fees; longer lapses often require continuing education or a refresher course.
- Some states require you to retake the NCLEX-PN exam if your license has been inactive for more than five to ten years, depending on state rules.
- You must contact your state's nursing board directly to find out your specific reinstatement requirements, because rules vary significantly by state and by how long your license has been expired.
How long you have to reinstate before losing the option
Each state sets its own important date for reinstatement. Some states allow reinstatement indefinitely, while others give you a window of three to ten years after your license expires. Once that window closes, you typically cannot reinstate — you have to reapply as a new applicant and may need to retake the NCLEX-PN.
Your state nursing board's website lists the reinstatement important date for your license type. If you are unsure whether you are still within the window, contact the board directly before you start the reinstatement process. Waiting too long can mean losing the reinstatement option entirely and having to start over.
What you need to submit for reinstatement
A typical reinstatement package includes a completed reinstatement process form (available from your state board), proof of your identity, and payment of the reinstatement fee. Some states also require you to submit proof of continuing education hours completed since your license expired, or documentation that you have completed a board-approved refresher course.
Many states now accept online applications through their nursing board portal. You will upload documents, pay the fee electronically, and receive confirmation. A few states still require paper applications mailed to the board office. Check your state board's website to see which method applies to you and what documents they specifically need.
If you cannot locate your original license number or process records, the board can look up your information by name and date of birth. You do not need the physical license card to reinstate.
Continuing education and refresher course requirements
If your license has been expired for more than a few years, your state board may require you to complete a set number of continuing education (CE) hours before reinstatement is approved. The number of hours varies — some states require 20 to 30 hours, others require more. These hours must come from board-approved providers and often focus on current nursing practice, patient safety, or state-specific regulations.
Some states offer an alternative: a board-approved refresher course, which is a structured program (often one to four weeks long) that covers current clinical practice and may substitute for or reduce the CE hour requirement. Refresher courses are offered by community colleges, hospitals, and private nursing education providers. They cost between $500 and $2,000 depending on the program length and location.
Check your state board's website or call them directly to find out whether you need CE hours, a refresher course, or both. If you need a refresher course, the board can usually point you to approved programs in your area.
When you may need to retake the NCLEX-PN exam
If your license has been inactive for a very long time — typically more than five to ten years, depending on your state — the board may require you to retake the NCLEX-PN exam as part of reinstatement. This is less common than CE or refresher requirements, but it does happen in some states, especially if nursing practice has changed significantly since you last held an active license.
Your state board will tell you upfront whether retaking the exam is required for your situation. If it is, you will need to register with the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing), pay the exam fee (currently around $200), and schedule a test date at a Pearson VUE testing center. You do not need to repeat your nursing program — you can study using NCLEX-PN review materials and take practice exams to prepare.
How long reinstatement takes and what to expect
Once you submit a complete reinstatement process, most state boards process it within two to six weeks. Some states are faster; others may take longer if they are backlogged or if your process is missing documents. You will usually receive a letter or email confirming receipt of your process and telling you what to expect next.
If your process is approved, you will receive a new license (either by mail or through your online board account, depending on your state). You can usually begin working as soon as you receive approval, even if the physical license card has not arrived yet. Some employers will accept a screenshot of your approved license status from the board's online verification system.
If the board needs more information or documents from you, they will contact you by mail or email. Respond promptly — delays in providing requested documents can slow down your reinstatement.
Costs involved in reinstatement
Reinstatement fees vary by state but typically range from $50 to $200. Some states charge a flat reinstatement fee; others charge the regular renewal fee plus a reinstatement surcharge. If your license has been expired for several years, you may also owe back renewal fees for the years you did not renew.
If continuing education is required, budget an additional $200 to $500 for CE courses, depending on how many hours you need and which provider you choose. If you need a refresher course instead, costs are higher — usually $500 to $2,000. The NCLEX-PN exam fee is approximately $200 if retesting is required.
Contact your state board for the exact fee breakdown for your situation. Many boards accept credit cards, checks, or electronic payment through their online portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an LPN while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally practice nursing with an expired or inactive license, even if your reinstatement process is pending. You must wait for approval before you return to work. Some employers will let you start work on the day you receive approval, so check with your prospective employer about their timeline.
What if I let my license expire while I was out of the country or unable to work?
Most state boards do not make exceptions for personal circumstances — the reinstatement important date is the same for everyone. However, some states have hardship provisions or extended reinstatement windows in rare cases. Contact your state board to ask whether your situation qualifies for any exceptions.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX-PN if my license expired less than five years ago?
Probably not. Most states only require retesting if your license has been inactive for many years (typically five to ten years or more). If your license expired recently, you will likely only need to pay the reinstatement fee and complete any required continuing education. Your state board will tell you exactly what is required.
Can I reinstate my LPN license if I was disciplined or had restrictions on it?
It depends on the reason for the discipline. If your license was suspended or revoked due to misconduct, you may not be able to reinstate it without first going through a formal appeal or compliance process. Contact your state board to find out whether reinstatement is possible in your case.
How do I find my state nursing board's website and contact information?
Search "[your state] nursing board" or "[your state] board of nursing" online. Most state boards have a website with reinstatement forms, fee schedules, and contact phone numbers. You can also call your state's health department and ask for the nursing board's contact information.