What you need to do to get your New Jersey LPN license active again
To reinstate your New Jersey Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license, you must submit a reinstatement request to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that have accumulated since your license went inactive. The process takes roughly four to eight weeks from the time the Board receives your complete process. You do not need to retake the NCLEX-PN exam unless your license has been inactive for more than five years or the Board specifically requires it.
New Jersey distinguishes between a lapsed license (expired but in good standing) and a suspended or revoked license (removed by the Board for cause). The reinstatement path depends on which category your license falls into. Most nurses with lapsed licenses can reinstate by mail or online; those with suspensions or revocations must work directly with the Board and may face additional requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Lapsed licenses (expired but not disciplined) reinstate through a straightforward form submission and fee payment to the New Jersey Board of Nursing.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you may need to complete refresher education or pass a competency exam before reinstatement is granted.
- Suspended or revoked licenses require a formal petition to the Board and may involve a hearing or additional conditions set by the Board.
- The reinstatement fee varies depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether you are explore for a standard or expedited review.
- You must verify your Social Security number, current address, and any criminal history changes since your license lapsed.
Reinstatement for a lapsed license in good standing
If your LPN license expired but was never suspended or revoked by the Board, you have a lapsed license. To reinstate it, contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing directly or visit their website to read the reinstatement process form. You will need to provide your current name, address, phone number, and Social Security number. The Board will cross-check this information against their records to confirm your license history.
Submit the completed form along with the reinstatement fee to the Board's mailing address or through their online portal if available. Include a copy of your current identification and proof of your New Jersey address (a utility bill or lease dated within the past 60 days works). The Board will review your process and send you a new license by mail once approved. During this time, you are not legally permitted to practice as an LPN in New Jersey.
Continuing education requirements based on how long your license was inactive
New Jersey's continuing education rules for LPN reinstatement depend on the length of your license lapse. If your license has been inactive for fewer than two years, you typically do not need to complete additional education before reinstatement. If it has been inactive for two to five years, you must complete a certain number of continuing education hours (the exact number is set by the Board and may change; contact the Board directly for the current requirement). These hours must be completed before you submit your reinstatement process or within a timeframe the Board specifies after approval.
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, the Board may require you to pass a competency examination, complete a refresher course, or both. Some nurses in this situation are asked to retake portions of the NCLEX-PN or a Board-approved LPN competency exam. The Board will notify you of these requirements when you contact them about reinstatement. Plan for this to add two to four months to your timeline if you fall into this category.
How to handle a suspended or revoked license
If your license was suspended or revoked by the New Jersey Board of Nursing (usually for disciplinary reasons such as patient safety violations, substance abuse, or criminal conviction), reinstatement is not automatic and requires a formal petition. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and reactivate your license. Instead, you must submit a written petition to the Board explaining the circumstances that led to the suspension or revocation and demonstrating that you are now fit to practice.
Your petition should address the specific violation, show what steps you have taken to correct the problem (such as completing a substance abuse program, obtaining mental health treatment, or taking additional training), and include letters of support from employers, colleagues, or educators. The Board may schedule a hearing before the State Board of Nursing or a hearing officer. You have the right to attend this hearing, present evidence, and answer questions. The Board will then decide whether to reinstate your license, reinstate it with conditions (such as supervised practice or additional monitoring), or deny reinstatement.
Fees and processing timelines
The reinstatement fee for a lapsed LPN license in New Jersey varies based on how long your license has been inactive and the type of reinstatement you are seeking. As of the most recent Board fee schedule, standard reinstatement fees range from approximately $100 to $200, but you should confirm the exact amount with the Board before submitting your process because fees are updated periodically. Some nurses pay an additional fee for expedited processing, which can reduce the review time from eight weeks to four weeks.
Processing time for a complete, error-free process is typically four to eight weeks. The Board may request additional information or clarification, which will extend this timeline. If you are missing documents or if the Board cannot verify your information, your process may be returned to you for correction. Once the Board approves your reinstatement, your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process. You can practice as an LPN only after you receive your reinstated license in hand.
Documents and information you will need to gather
Before you contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing, gather the following: your Social Security number, your current legal name (and any former names if you have changed your name since your license lapsed), your current address and phone number, and a copy of a government-issued photo ID. You will also need proof of your New Jersey address, such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement.
If you have completed continuing education since your license lapsed, collect the certificates or transcripts showing course titles, dates completed, and the number of hours. If you have been employed as an LPN in another state or in a non-licensed capacity since your license lapsed, have those employment dates and employer contact information ready. If you have any criminal convictions or arrests since your license lapsed, you must disclose these to the Board. Honesty about your history is essential; failing to disclose information can result in your process being denied or your reinstatement being revoked later.
Contacting the New Jersey Board of Nursing
The New Jersey Board of Nursing is part of the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs. You can reach them by phone, mail, or through their website. Their website has the current reinstatement process form, fee schedule, and contact information. When you call, have your name, Social Security number, and the approximate date your license lapsed ready so the staff can pull your file quickly.
If you are unsure whether your license is lapsed, suspended, or revoked, the Board can tell you over the phone or you can check the online license verification system on their website. This step is important because it determines which reinstatement process you follow. If you have questions about continuing education requirements or whether you need to retake an exam, ask the Board directly rather than relying on information from other sources, because requirements can change and your specific situation may have exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX-PN to reinstate my LPN license in New Jersey?
No, unless your license has been inactive for more than five years or the Board specifically requires it. For most lapsed licenses inactive for fewer than five years, you do not need to retake the exam. The Board will tell you if an exam or competency assessment is required when you contact them about reinstatement.
Can I practice as an LPN while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You are not legally permitted to practice as an LPN in New Jersey once your license expires or is suspended. Practicing without an active license is a violation of state nursing law and can result in criminal charges. You must wait until your reinstatement is approved and your new license is in your hands.
What if I moved out of New Jersey and my license lapsed while I was living in another state?
You can still reinstate your New Jersey LPN license even if you are currently living out of state. You will need to provide your current out-of-state address on your reinstatement process. The Board will mail your reinstated license to that address. If you plan to practice in New Jersey again, you will need to reinstate your license before you move back or before you accept a job offer.
How long does it take to get my license back if I have a suspended license?
Reinstatement of a suspended license takes significantly longer than reinstatement of a lapsed license — typically three to six months or more. This is because the Board must review your petition, may schedule a hearing, and must make a formal decision about whether you are fit to practice. The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and the Board's hearing schedule.
What happens if the Board denies my reinstatement petition?
If the Board denies your reinstatement petition, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves filing a notice of appeal with the Board within a set timeframe (usually 20 days) and may include a hearing before an administrative law judge. You may also reapply for reinstatement at a later date if your circumstances change significantly.