What you need to do to get your Colorado RN license active again
To reinstate your Colorado RN license, you must contact the Colorado Board of Nursing, submit proof that you meet current renewal requirements, and pay a reinstatement fee. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily surrendered.
If your license expired within the last five years, reinstatement is usually straightforward — you pay the fee and provide proof of continuing education hours if required. If it has been inactive longer than five years, the Board may require you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam again or complete additional education to demonstrate current competency.
The Colorado Board of Nursing handles all RN license matters and is the only body that can reinstate your license. You cannot reinstate through a third party or online service.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing directly by phone at 303-894-2430 or through their website to confirm your license status and what documents you need.
- Licenses inactive for five years or less usually reinstate with a fee and proof of continuing education; longer periods may require NCLEX-RN retesting.
- You must submit official documentation showing you meet current renewal standards, including continuing education hours and any other requirements in effect when you explore.
- Reinstatement fees vary and change periodically, so confirm the current amount with the Board before submitting payment.
Steps to reinstate your license
Start by calling the Colorado Board of Nursing at 303-894-2430 or visiting their website to confirm your current license status. Tell them your name, license number (if you have it), and when your license became inactive. The Board will tell you exactly which documents and fees you need based on how long it has been since your license was active.
Gather the documents the Board specifies. These typically include proof of continuing education hours completed since your last renewal, a completed reinstatement process form, and payment for the reinstatement fee. If your license has been inactive for more than five years, ask the Board whether you must retake the NCLEX-RN or complete a refresher course before reinstatement is possible.
Submit your process and documents to the Board by mail or through their online portal if available. Keep copies of everything you send. The Board will review your submission and contact you if they need additional information. Processing time varies but typically takes several weeks.
Continuing education requirements for reinstatement
Colorado requires RNs to complete continuing education hours during each renewal period. If your license expired, you must show that you have completed the hours required for the period during which your license was inactive.
The number of hours required depends on the length of the renewal cycle and whether you held an active license during that time. Contact the Board to learn the exact number of hours you need to document. Continuing education must come from Board-approved providers, so keep certificates or transcripts showing the course name, provider, date completed, and number of hours.
If you cannot document enough continuing education hours, the Board may allow you to complete additional hours before reinstatement, or they may require other steps such as a refresher course or exam retake. Ask the Board what options are available in your situation.
When the Board may require NCLEX-RN retesting
If your RN license has been inactive for more than five years, the Colorado Board of Nursing may require you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam again before reinstatement. This is not automatic — the Board reviews each case individually and considers factors such as whether you have worked as an RN in another state or maintained current knowledge through other means.
Contact the Board before you assume you must retake the exam. If retesting is required, you will need to register with Pearson VUE, pay the exam fee, and schedule a test date. The Board will tell you whether you need to complete a refresher course before taking the exam.
Retesting adds time and cost to reinstatement, so confirm this requirement early. Some applicants find it faster to complete a Board-approved refresher course instead, which may satisfy the Board's concerns about current competency without requiring a full exam.
Fees and payment
The Colorado Board of Nursing charges a reinstatement fee separate from the standard renewal fee. The amount changes periodically, so contact the Board directly to learn the current fee before you submit your process.
Payment methods typically include check, money order, or credit card, depending on how you submit your process. Include the fee with your process materials. If you are unsure of the exact amount, call the Board and ask — paying too little will delay your reinstatement, and overpaying may result in a refund that takes additional time to process.
Reinstatement for licenses surrendered voluntarily
If you voluntarily surrendered your RN license rather than letting it expire, reinstatement may have different requirements. Some states treat voluntary surrender as a more serious status change and may require additional steps such as a formal petition to the Board or a hearing.
Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing and explain that your license was surrendered. Ask what documents and steps are required to reinstate a surrendered license in Colorado. The process may be longer or more involved than standard reinstatement, so start early and follow the Board's instructions closely.
What to do if the Board denies your reinstatement request
If the Board denies your reinstatement request, they will provide a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to meet continuing education requirements, or concerns about your fitness to practice.
You have the right to request reconsideration or to appeal the Board's decision. The Board's letter will explain the process for doing so, including any important date. If you disagree with the decision, read the letter carefully and follow the steps outlined. You may be able to provide additional documentation, complete additional education, or request a hearing before the Board.
If you are unsure how to proceed after a denial, contact the Board and ask for clarification on your options. Some applicants benefit from consulting with an attorney familiar with nursing board matters, particularly if the denial involves concerns about your professional conduct or fitness to practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
Processing time varies depending on how complete your process is and how busy the Board is. Most reinstatements take four to eight weeks from the date the Board receives your complete process. If the Board needs additional information from you, the timeline extends. Contact the Board after two weeks if you have not heard back.
Can I work as an RN while my reinstatement is pending?
No. You cannot work as an RN in Colorado with an inactive or expired license. You must wait until the Board officially reinstates your license and issues you a new license number or confirmation. Working without an active license is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Do I need to retake the NCLEX if my license expired less than five years ago?
Usually not. If your license expired within five years and you can document the required continuing education hours, reinstatement typically does not require retesting. The Board will tell you during your initial call whether retesting is necessary in your case.
What if I completed continuing education in another state?
Contact the Colorado Board of Nursing and ask whether they will accept continuing education completed in another state. Most states accept courses from Board-approved providers regardless of where the course was taken, but you must provide official documentation. The Board will tell you what proof they need.
Can I reinstate my license if I have a disciplinary history?
A disciplinary history does not automatically prevent reinstatement, but the Board will review it carefully. Contact the Board and disclose any disciplinary action taken against you. The Board may require additional documentation, a hearing, or other steps before reinstatement. Be honest and complete in your process.