Renewal cycle
Evidence reviewed24 months
California · Nursing
California Nursing License Renewal
Provenance
Official sources
- https://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtmlRetrieved 2026-09-03
- https://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/lic-renewal.shtmlRetrieved 2026-09-03
Official-source reference
Renewal facts and steps
Field-reviewed details link to their exact supporting source. Any older detail awaiting a separate field review is labeled and retains the guide source. Confirm the current rules for your license type before applying or renewing.
Renewal window
Evidence reviewedRenewal is available no earlier than three months before expiration.
Deadline
Evidence reviewedThe first California RN license covers two birthdays and expires on the last day of the month after the nurse's birth date; after that, a timely renewed license expires every two years.
Continuing education
Evidence reviewed30 hours
Required topics
Evidence reviewedCourses must be completed during the applicable renewal period and taken through a continuing-education provider recognized by the Board of Registered Nursing.
Renewal fee
Evidence reviewedThe Board requires the applicable RN renewal fee. Confirm the current dollar amount on the Board's linked Renewal Fees page; the reviewed renewal guide itself does not state it.
If the license lapses
Evidence reviewedAn inactive RN may not practice in California. A delinquent license expired less than eight years requires the delinquent renewal fee and 30 hours of continuing education from the prior two years; after eight years, competency proof or retaking the licensing exam is also required.
Renewal steps
Evidence reviewedRenew the RN license online through BreEZe Online Services.
Complete your renewal with the licensing authority.
Open official renewal information