Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
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Colorado Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Colorado registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Colorado State Board of Nursing, part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations. Colorado is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| RN Expiration Date | September 30 of odd- or even-numbered years (based on issuance date) |
| CE Hours Required | None mandated for RN/LPN |
| Renewal Fee | $108 |
| Compact State (NLC) | Yes (eNLC member since 2018) |
| Online Renewal | Yes — DPO Online Services portal |
Continuing Education Requirements
Colorado currently has no mandatory CE hours for RN or LPN license renewal. This makes Colorado one of the most straightforward states for license renewal.
However, if you have not practiced nursing with an active license in the previous two years, you may be required to demonstrate continued competency through a Board-approved refresher course.
APRN Requirements
APRNs have additional requirements. APN and Prescriptive Authority (RXN) authorities expire on September 30, mirroring the RN expiration date, and must be renewed independently along with the RN license. APRNs must maintain current national certification.
Colorado-Specific Notes
- Fixed calendar deadlines. Unlike states that tie renewal to birth dates, Colorado uses fixed September 30 expiration dates. Everyone in your license category renews at the same time.
- Compact state. If Colorado is your primary state of residence, you may hold a multistate license. Nurses from other compact states can practice in Colorado on their home state multistate license without obtaining a separate Colorado license.
- Renewal window opens 4–6 weeks before expiration. If you try to renew earlier, the option may not appear in the portal.
- No background check at renewal unless specifically requested by the Board.
- If issued within 120 days of upcoming expiration: Your license will be issued with the subsequent expiration date (effectively giving you a longer initial period).
- Lapsed license: You must apply for reinstatement, which may require a refresher course if you've been inactive for an extended period.
- No paper renewal. All renewals are processed online through the DORA portal.
How to Renew
- Log in to the DPO Online Services portal (opens 4–6 weeks before expiration)
- Select your RN license and choose "Renew License"
- Verify and update your contact and employment information
- Answer all legal and regulatory questions
- Pay the $108 renewal fee by credit or debit card
- Confirm your updated active status and download a copy for your records
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| RN Renewal | $108 |
| LPN Renewal | $108 |
| Late Renewal | Additional fees apply |
| Reinstatement | Contact DORA for current fees |
Contact Information
Colorado State Board of Nursing (DORA)
- Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing
- Applications & Forms: dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/Applications
- Online Portal: dpo.colorado.gov online services
- Phone: (303) 894-2430
- Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Colorado Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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