What You Need to Do to Reinstate an RN License in New Jersey
To reinstate a lapsed New Jersey Registered Nurse license, you must file a reinstatement petition with the New Jersey Board of Nursing, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet the Board's requirements for continuing education or practice hours depending on how long your license has been inactive. The process differs based on whether your license expired within the last five years or more than five years ago, and whether you let it lapse voluntarily or it was suspended or revoked.
New Jersey does not use the term "reinstatement" for all inactive licenses. If your license straightforward expired and you did not renew it on time, you may be able to file for restoration instead, which is faster. If your license was suspended or revoked by the Board due to discipline, you will need to file a formal reinstatement petition and may face additional requirements or a hearing.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing directly to confirm your license status and which reinstatement path applies to you, because the requirements differ for expired licenses versus suspended or revoked licenses.
- If your license expired within the last five years and you have no disciplinary history, you may restore it by submitting a form and paying the restoration fee without additional education requirements.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you will likely need to complete continuing education hours and may need to pass a jurisprudence exam or other Board-approved requirements.
- Reinstatement fees and continuing education requirements vary, so request the current fee schedule and reinstatement guidelines from the Board before submitting any documents.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must file a formal petition and the Board may require a hearing or additional documentation before deciding whether to reinstate you.
Restoration Versus Reinstatement: Which Path Applies to You
New Jersey distinguishes between restoration of an expired license and reinstatement of a suspended or revoked license. This distinction matters because the requirements and timelines are different. If your license straightforward expired because you did not renew it on time and you have no disciplinary record, you are likely seeking restoration. If the Board suspended or revoked your license due to a complaint, violation, or disciplinary action, you are seeking reinstatement and will face a more formal process.
To find out which category you fall into, contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing at (973) 504-6430 or visit their website to check your license status. You can also request a status letter that states whether your license is expired, suspended, revoked, or active. This letter will clarify what you need to do next and which forms to submit.
Restoring an Expired License Within Five Years
If your RN license expired within the last five years and you have no disciplinary history, you can restore it by submitting a restoration form and paying the restoration fee. The Board does not require you to complete additional continuing education hours for licenses that have been inactive for five years or less, though you should confirm this with the Board before submitting your petition.
To restore your license, obtain the process for Restoration of License from the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Complete the form, which will ask for your license number, the reason your license lapsed, your current employment or practice status, and whether you have any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions since your license expired. Submit the form along with the current restoration fee (contact the Board for the exact amount, as fees change) and any required documentation, such as proof of your identity or a letter from your employer confirming your nursing credentials.
Processing time for restoration typically ranges from four to eight weeks. The Board will review your process and notify you by mail whether your license has been restored. Once restored, your license will be active and you can practice as an RN in New Jersey when ready.
Reinstatement After More Than Five Years of Inactivity
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, the Board requires you to complete continuing education hours before reinstatement. The number of hours depends on how long your license has been lapsed and the Board's current rules, which can change. Contact the Board to learn the exact requirement for your situation.
You will also need to submit proof that you have completed the required continuing education through Board-approved providers. The Board maintains a list of approved continuing education programs on its website. Some programs are offered online, which may be convenient if you are not currently working in New Jersey or have limited access to in-person courses. After you complete the education, request a certificate of completion from the provider and include it with your reinstatement petition.
In addition to continuing education, the Board may require you to pass a jurisprudence exam covering New Jersey nursing law and regulations. This exam is separate from the NCLEX and focuses on state-specific rules. The Board will inform you whether this exam is required when you contact them about reinstatement.
Reinstatement After Suspension or Revocation
If your license was suspended or revoked by the Board due to a complaint, violation, or disciplinary action, you cannot straightforward restore it. You must file a formal Petition for Reinstatement with the Board and meet any conditions the Board imposed when it suspended or revoked your license.
The petition process is more rigorous than restoration. You will need to provide detailed information about the circumstances that led to the suspension or revocation, steps you have taken to address the underlying issue, and evidence that you are fit to practice nursing again. For example, if your license was suspended due to substance abuse, you may need to provide documentation of treatment completion and ongoing recovery support. If it was suspended due to patient safety concerns, you may need to provide evidence of additional training or supervision.
The Board may schedule a hearing at which you can present your case and answer questions from Board members. You have the right to be represented by an attorney at this hearing. The Board will then decide whether to reinstate your license, reinstate it with conditions (such as probation or additional monitoring), or deny reinstatement. This process typically takes several months.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
The specific documents required depend on your situation, but most reinstatement or restoration petitions require the following:
- Completed process or petition form from the New Jersey Board of Nursing
- Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
- Current reinstatement or restoration fee (contact the Board for the exact amount)
- Proof of continuing education completion (if required)
- Proof of jurisprudence exam passage (if required)
- Any additional documentation requested by the Board based on your specific circumstances
Fees vary and change periodically. The Board's website lists current fees, or you can call (973) 504-6430 to ask. Do not send cash; the Board accepts checks or money orders made payable to the State of New Jersey. Some applications may also be submitted online through the Board's portal, which may accept credit card payment.
Mail your completed petition and all supporting documents to the address listed on the process form. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending the packet by certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Processing times range from four to twelve weeks depending on the complexity of your case and the Board's current workload.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
One of the most common mistakes is submitting an incomplete process. The Board will return an incomplete petition without processing it, which delays your reinstatement by weeks. Before you mail your petition, check the process form line by line to may support you have answered every question and included every required document. If a question does not explore to you, write "N/A" rather than leaving it blank.
Another frequent error is submitting continuing education certificates from providers that are not on the Board's approved list. The Board will not accept hours from unapproved providers, even if the course content seems relevant. Always verify that your education provider is Board-approved before enrolling in a course.
Sending payment by cash or without a return address is also problematic. The Board cannot track cash payments, and if your payment is lost, you will have no proof you sent it. Use a check or money order and include your name and license number on the payment so the Board can match it to your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice nursing while my reinstatement petition is pending?
No. Once your license expires or is suspended, you cannot legally practice nursing in New Jersey until it is reinstated. Working without an active license is a violation of state law and can result in criminal charges. If you need to work as a nurse while your petition is pending, you will need to hold a license in another state or seek temporary licensure through reciprocity if available.
What if I completed continuing education in another state—will New Jersey accept it?
New Jersey may accept continuing education completed in other states if the provider is accredited by a nationally recognized body and meets New Jersey's standards. However, you must confirm this with the Board before submitting your petition. Some states' education requirements are stricter than others, and the Board has final say on whether hours count toward reinstatement.
How long does reinstatement take if my license was suspended?
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation typically takes three to six months if the Board does not schedule a hearing, or six to twelve months if a hearing is required. The timeline depends on the complexity of your case, the Board's current caseload, and whether you need to complete additional requirements before the Board will consider your petition.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to reinstate my license?
No. The NCLEX is required only for initial licensure. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the NCLEX, though the Board may require a jurisprudence exam covering New Jersey nursing law if your license has been inactive for a long time or if you were disciplined.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement petition?
If the Board denies your petition, you have the right to request a hearing or appeal the decision. The Board will provide information about the appeal process in its denial letter. You may also consult with an attorney who specializes in professional licensing to discuss your options and whether reapplying with additional documentation or evidence would strengthen your case.