California Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements

California registered nurse licenses are regulated by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). California is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) — you must hold a California-specific license to practice in the state.

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Regulatory Body	California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN)
Renewal Cycle	Every 2 years (biennial, tied to birth month)
Renewal Deadline	Last day of the month following your birth month
CE Hours Required	30 contact hours per renewal period
Renewal Fee	$190 (active); $280 if delinquent ($190 + $90 late fee)
Compact State (NLC)	No
Online Renewal	Yes — BreEZe Online Services

Continuing Education Requirements

RN

• Total CE Hours: 30 contact hours every 2 years
• Must be from BRN-approved or accepted CE providers (verify provider CEP number status on BreEZe)
• No limit on online/distance learning hours — all 30 hours can be completed online
• 1 contact hour = 50–60 minutes of structured instruction
• Content must be relevant to nursing practice (clinical, administration, management, education, or research)

Implicit Bias Requirement (New Licensees)

• 1 contact hour on implicit bias required within the first 2 years of initial licensure in California (for licenses issued after January 1, 2023)
• This is in addition to the standard 30-hour requirement for subsequent renewals

What Counts

• Courses from BRN-approved CE providers (check CEP number)
• CME Category 1 courses
• Courses approved by ANCC-accredited regional bodies (when taken out of state)
• Courses approved by other states' Boards of Nursing
• Academic nursing courses

What Does NOT Count

• CPR, BLS, and basic first aid courses
• Basic EKG/dysrhythmia and basic IV courses (at LVN certification level)
• Self-improvement, weight loss, yoga, or financial planning courses
• Employer orientation programs
• Taking the same course twice in one renewal cycle (counted once only)

California-Specific Notes

• Not a compact state. You must hold a California-specific RN license to practice in the state, regardless of licenses held elsewhere. Out-of-state nurses must apply by endorsement.
• Birth-month renewal cycle. Your license expires on the last day of the month following your birth month, every 2 years. Your first license may span up to two birthdays (not exactly two years).
• Self-attestation at renewal. You attest to completing CE during the BreEZe renewal process — you do not upload certificates. However, retain all CE documentation for at least 4 years in case of audit.
• Fingerprinting required. If renewing to active status, you must have fingerprints on file with the DOJ and FBI. Failure to submit fingerprints is grounds for discipline.
• First renewal exemption. During the first 2 years immediately following initial California licensure, you are exempt from the 30-hour CE requirement (except the implicit bias requirement).
• Inactive status option. If you haven't completed CE but want to avoid delinquency, you can renew to inactive status by paying the renewal fee. You cannot practice on an inactive license.
• Lapsed license (under 8 years): Pay delinquent fee + complete 30 hours of CE within the preceding 2 years.
• Lapsed license (over 8 years): Must also provide proof of current active license in another state/territory/Canada, or retake the NCLEX.
• Renewal available 3 months before expiration through BreEZe.

How to Renew

1. Complete 30 contact hours of BRN-approved CE during the renewal period
2. Log in to BreEZe Online Services
3. Select your RN license and choose "Renew"
4. Complete the renewal questions (CE attestation, background/fingerprints, personal info)
5. Pay the $190 renewal fee
6. Retain CE certificates for at least 4 years

Fees

Fee Type	Amount
RN Active Renewal	$190 (includes $10 RN Education Fund assessment)
Delinquent Renewal	$280 ($190 + $90 delinquent fee)
Inactive to Active	Requires 30 hours CE + renewal fee

Contact Information

California Board of Registered Nursing

• Website: rn.ca.gov
• CE Info: rn.ca.gov/licensees/ce-renewal.shtml
• Renewal Info: rn.ca.gov/licensees/lic-renewal.shtml
• BreEZe Portal: breeze.ca.gov
• Phone: (916) 322-3350
• Address: P.O. Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

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

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