What you need to do to get your Kansas RN license active again

To reinstate your Kansas RN license, you submit a reinstatement request to the Kansas State Board of Nursing, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that have accumulated since your license went inactive. The board will review your record and either reinstate you or ask for additional information — the process typically takes two to four weeks. If your license has been inactive for a long time or if there are disciplinary issues on your record, the board may require you to retake the NCLEX-RN exam or complete additional coursework.

The exact path depends on how long your license has been inactive and why it lapsed. A license that expired while you were working in another state is simpler to reinstate than one that lapsed because of a disciplinary action or because you stopped practicing years ago.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact the Kansas State Board of Nursing directly — they handle reinstatement requests and can tell you what documents your specific situation requires.
  • Reinstatement fees vary depending on how long your license has been inactive, so confirm the exact amount before you submit payment.
  • If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you may need to complete continuing education hours or retake the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • The board reviews your nursing record during reinstatement, so any past disciplinary actions or complaints will be part of that review.

How to contact the Kansas State Board of Nursing

The Kansas State Board of Nursing is the only body that can reinstate your license. You can reach them by phone at 785-296-4929 or visit their office in Topeka. Their website is the official source for current forms, fees, and requirements — do not rely on third-party sites that claim to speed up the process.

When you call or visit, tell them your name, your RN license number (if you have it), and when your license became inactive. They will tell you exactly what documents to send and what the reinstatement fee is for your situation. Keep notes of who you spoke with and when, in case you need to follow up.

Documents the board will ask for

Most reinstatement requests require a completed reinstatement process form (provided by the board), proof of your current address, and payment of the reinstatement fee. If you have worked as an RN in another state while your Kansas license was inactive, bring documentation of that employment — a letter from your employer or a copy of your active license in that state helps show you have maintained your nursing skills.

If your license lapsed because of a disciplinary action, you will need to provide additional information about what happened and what steps you have taken since then. The board may ask for letters of reference from employers or colleagues, proof of completion of any required remedial coursework, or documentation of treatment if the disciplinary action involved substance abuse or mental health issues.

Continuing education requirements for inactive licenses

Kansas requires RNs to complete continuing education hours to keep their license active. If your license has been inactive for more than two years, you will likely need to complete continuing education hours before reinstatement. The exact number of hours depends on how long your license has been inactive — the board will tell you the requirement when you contact them.

You can take these courses through accredited nursing education providers, online platforms, or community colleges. Keep proof of completion (a certificate or transcript) and send it with your reinstatement request. Some courses count toward multiple states' requirements, so if you plan to work in more than one state, look for courses that meet requirements in all of them.

When you may need to retake the NCLEX-RN exam

If your license has been inactive for more than five years, the Kansas State Board of Nursing may require you to retake the NCLEX-RN exam before reinstatement. This is not automatic — the board makes this decision based on your individual record and how long you have been away from nursing practice. Contact the board to find out whether retesting is required for you.

If you do need to retake the exam, you will register through Pearson VUE (the testing company) and schedule your test at an approved testing center. The exam costs money and requires study time, so plan for several weeks of preparation. Once you pass, you send your passing score to the Kansas State Board of Nursing as part of your reinstatement request.

Reinstatement fees and payment

The Kansas State Board of Nursing charges a reinstatement fee, but the amount varies based on how long your license has been inactive and whether you are renewing at the same time. Fees are not the same across all situations, so you must contact the board directly to find out what you owe. They accept payment by check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit your request.

Include payment with your reinstatement process. If you are unsure of the amount, call the board and ask them to confirm it before you send anything in. Sending an incorrect amount delays your reinstatement.

What happens after you submit your reinstatement request

Once the board receives your completed process and payment, they review your nursing record to make sure there are no outstanding disciplinary issues or other reasons to deny reinstatement. This review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, you cannot legally practice as an RN in Kansas — your license remains inactive until the board approves your request.

If the board approves your reinstatement, they will send you a new license or a letter confirming that your license is active. If they need more information, they will contact you. If they deny your request, they will explain why and tell you what steps you can take next — this is rare for straightforward reinstatements but can happen if there are unresolved disciplinary matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as an RN while my reinstatement request is being reviewed?

No. Your license is inactive until the board approves your reinstatement request, so you cannot legally practice nursing in Kansas during the review period. If you need to work, you must wait for approval or hold an active license in another state and work there instead.

What if I worked as an RN in another state while my Kansas license was inactive?

Bring documentation of that work — a letter from your employer, a copy of your active license in that state, or a transcript showing your employment dates. This shows the board that you have kept your nursing skills current and makes reinstatement more straightforward.

Do I have to retake the NCLEX-RN exam to reinstate my license?

Not always. If your license has been inactive for fewer than five years and there are no disciplinary issues, you usually will not need to retake the exam. The board makes this decision based on your individual situation, so ask them directly when you contact them about reinstatement.

How long does reinstatement take?

The board typically reviews reinstatement requests within two to four weeks of receiving a complete process. If they need more information from you, the timeline extends. You can call the board to check on the status of your request if you have not heard back after four weeks.

What if the board denies my reinstatement request?

The board will explain the reason for denial and tell you what you can do next. You may be able to resubmit after addressing the issue, or you may have the right to request a hearing. Ask the board what your options are if your request is denied.