Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
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Illinois Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Illinois registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Illinois is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) — you must hold an Illinois-specific license to practice in the state.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Illinois IDFPR |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| RN Expiration Date | May 31 of even-numbered years |
| CE Hours Required | 20 hours (RN/LPN); 80 hours (APRN) |
| Renewal Fee | $80 |
| Compact State (NLC) | No |
| Online Renewal | Yes — IDFPR Online Portal |
Continuing Education Requirements
RN and LPN — 20 Hours Every 2 Years
Illinois requires 20 contact hours of approved CE, including several mandatory topics:
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| General nursing CE | Remaining hours | Every renewal |
| Alzheimer's disease and dementia | 1 hour | Every renewal (since Jan 2023) |
| Implicit bias awareness | 1 hour | Every renewal |
| Cultural competency | 1 hour | Every 6 years (since Jan 2025) |
| Sexual harassment prevention | 1 hour | Every renewal |
| Mandated reporter training | Required | Every 6 years (if working with children) |
Mandatory topic hours count toward the 20-hour total.
APRN — 80 Hours Every 2 Years
APRNs must complete 80 hours, including:
- 20 hours of pharmacotherapeutics (10 hours must focus on opioids, substance use, or pain management)
- All mandatory topics listed above
- Additional specialty-specific requirements
Illinois-Specific Notes
- Not a compact state. Illinois does not participate in the NLC. You must hold an Illinois-specific license. Neighboring compact states (Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Wisconsin) accept compact licenses, but Illinois does not.
- Renewal window opens 2–3 months before expiration (approximately March for the May 31 deadline).
- Self-attestation. You attest to CE completion during renewal — certificates are not uploaded. Retain records for at least 5 years in case of audit.
- If you miss the renewal window: The online portal will not allow renewal. You must request a Reinstatement application from IDFPR.
- No grace period. You cannot practice with an expired license.
- Approved CE sponsors include ANCC, ANA-Illinois, ISAPN, AANP, AANA, and many more. CME Category 1 courses also accepted.
- College courses: Can be used for CE if relevant to nursing. Audited courses do not count. Precepting an APRN student can earn 10 CE hours per semester.
How to Renew
- Complete 20 hours of approved CE (including all mandatory topics)
- Go to the IDFPR online renewal portal
- Log in with your credentials
- Complete the renewal application and attestations
- Pay the $80 renewal fee
- Retain CE documentation for at least 5 years
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| RN Renewal | $80 |
| LPN Renewal | $80 |
| APRN Renewal | Check IDFPR for current fees |
| Reinstatement | Contact IDFPR |
Contact Information
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Website: idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/nursing.html
- Online Renewal: idfpr.illinois.gov/renewals
- Phone: (888) 473-4858
- TTY: (866) 325-4949
- Address: 555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Chicago, IL 60661
Illinois Nursing Workforce Center (CE Info)
- Website: nursing.illinois.gov/continuing-education
- Phone: (888) 687-7307
- Email: FPR.ILCenterforNurses@Illinois.gov
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with IDFPR before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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