What you need to do to get your Tennessee RN license back
To reinstate your Tennessee nursing license, you'll contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that have accumulated since your license went inactive. The process differs depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether you let it lapse voluntarily or it was suspended for disciplinary reasons.
If your license has been inactive for fewer than five years and you have no disciplinary history, reinstatement is typically straightforward. If it's been longer or there are disciplinary issues involved, you may need to complete additional steps like refresher coursework or appear before the board.
The Tennessee Board of Nursing handles all reinstatement requests. You cannot reinstate through a third party or online portal — you must work directly with the board's licensing division.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Tennessee Board of Nursing directly to request a reinstatement process; the board is located in Nashville and can be reached by phone or mail.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on whether your license lapsed voluntarily or was suspended, and how long it has been inactive.
- Continuing education hours required for reinstatement depend on how many years your license has been inactive; the board will tell you the exact number when you request your process.
- If your license was suspended for disciplinary reasons, you may need to submit additional documentation or attend a board hearing before reinstatement is granted.
- Once you submit your completed process and fees, the board typically processes reinstatement requests within four to six weeks.
Contacting the Tennessee Board of Nursing
The Tennessee Board of Nursing is the only body that can reinstate your license. You can reach them at 615-532-5105 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Their mailing address is 665 Mainstream Drive, Nashville, TN 37228.
When you call, tell them your license has lapsed and you want to reinstate it. They will ask for your name, license number (if you remember it), and the approximate date your license became inactive. Have this information ready before you call.
The board will mail you a reinstatement process packet. This packet includes the process form, a list of continuing education requirements specific to your situation, fee information, and instructions for submitting your materials.
Reinstatement fees and what they cover
Reinstatement fees in Tennessee vary. A voluntary lapse (you chose not to renew) typically costs less than a suspension that resulted from disciplinary action. Fees also depend on how long your license has been inactive.
As of the most recent board fee schedule, reinstatement fees range from approximately $100 to $300, but you should confirm the exact amount when the board sends your process packet. Some applicants also pay for continuing education courses, which are separate from the reinstatement fee itself.
You must include the reinstatement fee with your completed process. The board will not process your request without payment.
Continuing education requirements for reinstatement
Tennessee requires continuing education hours for license reinstatement, and the number of hours depends on how long your license has been inactive. The board calculates this based on the number of renewal periods you missed.
Generally, you need to complete continuing education hours that cover the time your license was inactive. For example, if your license lapsed three years ago and Tennessee requires 24 hours per renewal period, you may need to complete 72 hours of approved continuing education before reinstatement.
The board will specify which courses count toward reinstatement. Most approved courses are offered online and can be completed within weeks. When you request your reinstatement process, ask the board for a list of approved providers in your area or online.
What happens if your license was suspended for discipline
If your license was suspended because of a complaint, violation, or disciplinary action by the board, reinstatement is more complex. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and renew — you must address the reason for the suspension first.
The board will require you to submit documentation showing that the underlying issue has been resolved. This might include proof of completing a substance abuse program, mental health treatment, additional education, or other remedial steps depending on what led to the suspension.
In some cases, the board will schedule a hearing where you appear before board members to discuss your reinstatement. You have the right to bring an attorney or representative to this hearing. The board will notify you if a hearing is required when they send your process materials.
Steps to complete your reinstatement process
Once you receive your reinstatement packet from the board, follow these steps in order:
- Complete the reinstatement process form with your current contact information, employment history, and any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions since your license lapsed.
- Enroll in and complete all continuing education hours required by the board. Keep certificates of completion from each course.
- Gather any additional documentation the board requested — this might include proof of employment, references, or medical records depending on your situation.
- Write a check for the reinstatement fee payable to the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
- Mail your completed process, continuing education certificates, supporting documents, and fee to the board's Nashville address.
- Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.
Do not mail your materials until you have completed all continuing education. The board will not process an incomplete process.
Timeline and what to expect after you submit
After the board receives your completed process, processing typically takes four to six weeks. During this time, the board reviews your materials to confirm that all continuing education has been completed and all fees have been paid.
If the board needs additional information, they will contact you by phone or mail. Respond promptly to any requests — delays in responding can extend the timeline.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the board will mail you a new license certificate and update their online license verification system. You can then begin working as an RN in Tennessee. Your new license will be valid for the standard renewal period, which is typically two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a nurse while my reinstatement process is being processed?
No. You cannot work as a licensed RN in Tennessee until your license is officially reinstated and you receive your new license certificate. Working without an active license is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
What if I don't remember my old license number?
You don't need your old license number to request reinstatement. The board can look up your record using your name and date of birth. When you call the board, provide your full name and date of birth, and they will locate your file.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX exam to reinstate my license?
No. The NCLEX is required only for initial licensure. Reinstatement requires continuing education and payment of fees, but not retesting. However, if your license has been inactive for more than ten years, the board may require additional steps — ask about this when you contact them.
What if I moved out of Tennessee and want to reinstate my license there later?
You can reinstate your Tennessee license even if you no longer live in the state. Contact the board by mail or phone with your current address, and they will send your process packet to you. Once reinstated, you can work in Tennessee or use your Tennessee license to transfer to another state through reciprocity.
How much will continuing education courses cost?
Continuing education course costs vary by provider and course length. Most online courses cost between $15 and $50 per course. Since you may need multiple courses to meet your total hour requirement, budget $100 to $300 for education depending on how many hours you need. This is separate from the reinstatement fee itself.