What you need to do to get your New Hampshire RN license back
If your New Hampshire RN license has expired or been suspended, you can reinstate it by submitting a reinstatement request to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was suspended for a specific reason. Most nurses can reinstate through a straightforward paperwork process, though some situations require additional steps like continuing education or a jurisprudence exam.
The Board of Nursing handles all reinstatement requests and will tell you exactly what documents and fees they need from you. You cannot reinstate online — you must submit your request by mail or in person to their office in Concord. The timeline varies, but most reinstatements take two to four weeks once the Board receives a complete process.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the New Hampshire Board of Nursing directly to find out whether your license expired or was suspended, because each path has different requirements.
- Licenses that have been inactive for more than five years typically require proof of continuing education hours and passage of the New Hampshire jurisprudence exam before reinstatement.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on how long your license has been inactive.
- The Board of Nursing is located in Concord and processes reinstatement requests by mail or in-person submission only.
Reinstatement for expired licenses versus suspended licenses
An expired license and a suspended license are different, and the reinstatement path depends on which one you have. An expired license straightforward ran past its renewal date without being renewed — there is no disciplinary action involved. A suspended license means the Board of Nursing took action to stop you from practicing, usually because of a complaint, violation, or failure to meet a requirement like continuing education.
If your license expired, you generally only need to submit the reinstatement form and pay the fee. If your license was suspended, you must first resolve whatever caused the suspension before the Board will reinstate it. This might mean completing a specific number of continuing education hours, paying outstanding fines, or demonstrating that you have met the conditions the Board set. Contact the Board of Nursing to find out the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to clear it.
Continuing education requirements for reinstatement
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, the New Hampshire Board of Nursing requires you to complete continuing education hours before reinstatement. The exact number of hours depends on how long your license has been inactive and the Board's current rules, so you must ask them directly what they require in your situation.
Continuing education must come from accredited providers — the Board will give you a list of approved organizations when you contact them. You will need to provide proof that you completed the hours, usually in the form of certificates from the course provider. Some nurses also need to pass the New Hampshire jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of state nursing laws and regulations. The Board will tell you whether you need to take this exam when you submit your reinstatement request.
Documents and fees you will need
When you contact the Board of Nursing to start your reinstatement, ask for a reinstatement process form and a complete list of what documents to submit. At minimum, you will typically need to provide your name, license number, and current contact information. If you have moved or changed your name since your license was active, bring documentation of that change.
You will also need to pay a reinstatement fee. The amount varies depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether you need to take the jurisprudence exam. The Board will tell you the exact fee when you request the process. Bring a check or money order — the Board does not accept credit cards by mail. If you are submitting in person, ask whether they accept payment methods other than check.
How to submit your reinstatement request
The New Hampshire Board of Nursing is located at 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 16, Concord, NH 03301. You can submit your reinstatement request by mail or deliver it in person during business hours. The Board does not accept reinstatement requests by email or online portal, so you must use one of these two methods.
Before you mail or deliver your process, call the Board at their phone number (which you can find on the state nursing board website) to confirm you have all the required documents and the correct fee amount. This one call can save you weeks of back-and-forth if something is missing. Include a cover letter with your process that briefly explains why your license became inactive and what you have done since then if relevant — this is not required, but it can help the Board understand your situation.
What happens after you submit your request
Once the Board receives your complete process, they will review it and send you a letter confirming receipt. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you and ask you to submit additional information. This is why it is important to include a phone number and mailing address where they can reach you.
If you need to take the jurisprudence exam, the Board will tell you how to register for it and when it is offered. You must pass the exam before your license can be reinstated. Once the Board approves your reinstatement, they will send you a new license or a letter confirming that your license is active again. You should receive this within two to four weeks of submitting a complete process, though it may take longer if the Board is processing a high volume of requests.
What to do if your reinstatement is denied
The Board of Nursing may deny your reinstatement request if you do not meet the requirements or if there are unresolved disciplinary issues. If your request is denied, the Board will send you a letter explaining why and what you can do next. In some cases, you may be able to reapply after meeting additional conditions or waiting a certain amount of time.
If you disagree with the Board's decision, you have the right to request a hearing. The letter denying your reinstatement will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so. You can also contact the Board directly to ask about your options if you are unsure what the next step is.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate an RN license in New Hampshire?
Most reinstatements take two to four weeks from the time the Board receives your complete process. If you need to take the jurisprudence exam or if the Board needs to gather additional information, it may take longer. Contact the Board to ask about the current processing time.
Do I need to retake the NCLEX if my license expired?
No. You do not need to retake the NCLEX to reinstate an expired New Hampshire RN license. You may need to complete continuing education or pass the jurisprudence exam, depending on how long your license has been inactive, but the NCLEX is not required for reinstatement.
What is the New Hampshire jurisprudence exam?
The jurisprudence exam is a test of your knowledge of New Hampshire nursing laws, regulations, and ethical standards. It is required for reinstatement if your license has been inactive for a long time. The Board will tell you whether you need to take it and will provide study materials or a list of resources to help you prepare.
Can I work as a nurse while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. You cannot practice nursing in New Hampshire with an expired or suspended license. You must wait until your reinstatement is approved and you receive confirmation from the Board before you can return to work. Working without an active license is illegal and can result in serious penalties.
What if I moved out of state and want to reinstate my New Hampshire license?
You can reinstate your New Hampshire license even if you no longer live in the state. Follow the same process — contact the Board of Nursing, submit your process by mail, and pay the reinstatement fee. You do not need to be a New Hampshire resident to hold a New Hampshire license.