What you need to do to get your RN license active again in New Jersey
To reinstate your New Jersey RN license, you submit a reinstatement process to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education or practice requirements that have accumulated since your license went inactive. The process takes four to eight weeks from the time the Board receives a complete process. You cannot practice as a registered nurse in New Jersey until your license is officially reinstated — working without an active license is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
The path forward depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you let it lapse voluntarily or it was suspended or revoked. Each situation has different requirements, and some require additional steps like fingerprinting or proof of practice hours.
Key Takeaways
- You must submit a reinstatement process directly to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, along with the reinstatement fee, which varies depending on how long your license has been inactive.
- 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 on New Jersey nursing law.
- Licenses suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons require additional documentation and may need Board approval before reinstatement is possible.
- The Board processes complete applications in four to eight weeks, but incomplete applications are returned and the timeline restarts once you resubmit.
- You cannot legally practice nursing in New Jersey until your license shows as active in the Board's online verification system.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive five years or less
If your RN license has been inactive for five years or fewer, the reinstatement process is more straightforward. You fill out the reinstatement process form (available on the New Jersey Board of Nursing website), include the reinstatement fee, and submit both by mail or through the Board's online portal if available. The Board will verify your identity and check for any disciplinary history.
You do not automatically need to complete continuing education hours if your license lapsed within five years, but you should confirm the current requirement with the Board before submitting. Some nurses in this window are required to complete a certain number of contact hours in specific topics like infection control or patient safety. The Board's website lists the current continuing education requirements, and you can take these courses through approved providers before or after you submit your reinstatement process.
Once the Board approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license certificate and your name will appear as active in the Board's online license verification system. You can then legally practice as an RN in New Jersey.
Reinstatement for licenses inactive more than five years
If your license has been inactive for longer than five years, the Board typically requires you to complete continuing education hours before reinstatement is granted. The number of hours and the specific topics depend on the Board's current rules, which can change. You will also likely need to pass the New Jersey Nursing Jurisprudence Exam, which tests your knowledge of state nursing laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
You can take the jurisprudence exam at a testing center in New Jersey or, in some cases, online. The exam fee is separate from the reinstatement fee. Many nurses schedule the exam before submitting their reinstatement process so they can include proof of passage with their paperwork. The Board's website lists approved testing locations and exam dates.
Some nurses who have been inactive for extended periods are also required to provide proof of recent practice hours or clinical experience. If you have worked as a nurse in another state or in a non-clinical nursing role during your inactive period, document those hours and include them with your process. The Board will review whether that experience counts toward reinstatement requirements.
Reinstatement after suspension or revocation
If your license was suspended or revoked due to disciplinary action, reinstatement is more complex and not may provide. You must first determine the reason for the suspension or revocation by contacting the Board directly or reviewing any disciplinary documents you received. The Board's website also maintains a public list of disciplined licensees.
For a suspension, the Board sets a date when you become may be able to access to petition for reinstatement. You cannot reinstate before that date. When you are may be able to access, you submit a reinstatement petition (not a standard process) that addresses the reason for the suspension, what you have done to correct the underlying issue, and why you should be allowed to practice again. This might include completing additional education, undergoing substance abuse treatment, or obtaining a mental health evaluation, depending on the nature of the suspension.
For a revocation, reinstatement is rarely granted and requires a formal petition to the Board demonstrating substantial rehabilitation and changed circumstances. You should consult with an attorney who specializes in nursing board matters before pursuing reinstatement after revocation, as the process is adversarial and the Board's decision can be appealed.
Documents and fees you will need
Your reinstatement process packet should include the completed reinstatement form, a government-issued photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and the reinstatement fee. The fee amount depends on whether your license was inactive for one to five years or longer than five years. Check the Board's website or call the Board directly for the current fee, as it may change annually.
If you are completing continuing education as part of reinstatement, include proof of completion (a certificate or transcript) from an approved provider. If you are taking the jurisprudence exam, you can submit proof of passage after you pass, or wait to submit your full process until you have that proof in hand.
If your license was suspended or revoked, include any additional documentation the Board requested in the original disciplinary order. This might be proof of treatment completion, letters of reference, or a written statement explaining the circumstances.
Submit your complete packet by mail to the New Jersey Board of Nursing or through the Board's online system if you are using it. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you submit. The Board will send you a confirmation once it receives your process.
What happens after you submit your process
The Board reviews your process for completeness. If anything is missing — an unsigned form, a missing fee, proof of continuing education not included — the Board returns the process to you with a list of what is needed. You then have a set time (usually 30 days) to resubmit the missing items. If you do not resubmit within that window, your process is closed and you must start over.
Once your process is complete, the Board processes it. This typically takes four to eight weeks, though it can take longer if the Board needs to verify information or if there are any flags in your background. You can call the Board to ask about the status of your process, but do not expect a specific date — the Board will contact you when a decision is made.
When your reinstatement is approved, the Board mails you a new license certificate. Your name also appears in the Board's online license verification system as an active RN. You can practice when ready once you receive the certificate, though many employers ask you to show the certificate or provide the license number before your first shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a nurse while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally practice nursing in New Jersey without an active license. Working while your license is inactive or suspended is illegal and can result in criminal charges, civil penalties, and permanent damage to your nursing career. Wait until your reinstatement is approved and your license is active before you accept any nursing position.
What if I do not know why my license went inactive?
Contact the New Jersey Board of Nursing directly by phone or through its website. The Board can tell you whether your license lapsed because you did not renew it, whether it was suspended for non-payment of fees, or whether there was a disciplinary action. This information determines what steps you need to take for reinstatement.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX if I reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake the NCLEX. You may be required to complete continuing education or pass a jurisprudence exam depending on how long your license was inactive, but the NCLEX is not part of the reinstatement process in New Jersey.
Can I reinstate my license if I moved out of New Jersey?
Yes. You can submit your reinstatement process by mail or online even if you no longer live in New Jersey. However, once your license is reinstated, you can only practice nursing in New Jersey or in states that have reciprocity agreements with New Jersey. If you want to practice in another state, you will need to obtain a license in that state.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement process?
If your process is denied, the Board sends you a written explanation of the reason. You have the right to request a hearing before the Board to appeal the decision. Contact the Board for information about the appeal process and important date. An attorney who works with nursing boards can help you prepare for a hearing.