Arizona Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements

Arizona registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). Arizona is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), enabling nurses to practice across compact states with a multistate license.

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Regulatory Body	Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
Renewal Cycle	Every 4 years (RN/LPN); every 2 years (CNA/LNA)
Renewal Deadline	April 1 of expiration year
CE Hours Required	None mandated — continuing competency model
Renewal Fee	$160 (RN); $50 late fee per month if late
Compact State (NLC)	Yes (eNLC member)
Online Renewal	Yes — AZBN Nurse Portal

Continuing Competency Requirements

Arizona does not require a fixed number of CE hours for RN or LPN license renewal. Instead, the state uses a continuing competency model. To renew an active license, you must meet one of the following within the past 5 years:

1. 960 hours of nursing practice (clinical, administrative, educational, or research)
2. Graduation from a nursing program and obtained a degree
3. Completion of a Board-approved refresher course
4. Obtained an advanced nursing degree (LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate)

APRN Requirements

APRNs have additional requirements beyond the RN renewal:

• 960 hours of APRN practice in the past 5 years in your role and population focus
• Active national certification in your specialty (your APRN certification expires when your RN license expires)
• Opioid CE (DEA holders): If you hold an active DEA license, you must complete a minimum of 3 hours of CE related to opioids, substance use disorders, or addiction

Arizona-Specific Notes

• 4-year renewal cycle. Unlike most states (which renew every 2 years), Arizona RN/LPN licenses renew every 4 years. This is one of the longest renewal periods in the country.
• No CE documentation required at renewal. Arizona uses self-attestation — you confirm you meet competency requirements. However, you must retain supporting documentation for at least 5 years in case of Board audit.
• Compact state. If Arizona is your primary state of residence, you may qualify for a multistate license. If you relocate to Arizona from another compact state, you must apply for Arizona licensure within 60 days.
• Late renewal: You have until August 1 to renew late (with $50/month late fees). After August 1, your license expires and you must apply for reinstatement ($150 fee).
• No physical license cards. Arizona stopped issuing hard copy licenses in September 2018. Verify your license status through the Arizona Verification Portal or Nursys.
• Renewal window: You can submit renewal up to 6 months before your expiration date or within 30 days after.

How to Renew

1. Confirm you meet at least one continuing competency requirement
2. Log in to the AZBN Nurse Portal
3. Complete the online renewal application
4. Pay the $160 renewal fee
5. Retain competency documentation for at least 5 years

Fees

Fee Type	Amount
RN Renewal	$160
Late Fee	$50 per month (after April 1)
Reinstatement	$150 (after August 1)
APRN Certificate Renewal	Included with RN renewal

Contact Information

Arizona State Board of Nursing

• Website: azbn.gov
• Renewal Info: azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/renew-your-license
• Phone: (602) 771-7800
• Address: 1740 W. Adams Street, Suite 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85007

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This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Arizona Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.

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