Nursing (RN)MA
Massachusetts Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Last updated
Massachusetts Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Massachusetts registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Board of Registration in Nursing, under the Department of Public Health. Massachusetts has adopted the Nurse Licensure Compact in law but implementation is still in progress.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| RN Expiration | 11:59 PM on your birthday in even-numbered years |
| LPN Expiration | 11:59 PM on your birthday in odd-numbered years |
| CE Hours Required | 15 contact hours per renewal period |
| Renewal Fee | $120 (RN/LPN); $180 (APRN) |
| Late Fee | $57 additional |
| Compact State (NLC) | Adopted but implementation pending |
| Online Renewal | Yes — DPH Online Licensing |
Continuing Education Requirements
RN, LPN, and APRN — 15 Contact Hours Every 2 Years
- 15 contact hours of continuing education within the 2 years before your renewal date
- No CE required for your first renewal after initial licensure
- CE must be from approved providers (ANCC-accredited or Board-approved)
Mandatory Training
- Chapter 260 Domestic and Sexual Violence Training: Required within the 2 years before renewal. This is a separate training offered through chapter260training.org (free). Counts toward the 15-hour total.
- Alzheimer's/Dementia Patient Care Training: One-time requirement (not every renewal). Must be completed once during your career as a condition of licensure.
- Prescriber Training (APRN): Additional requirements under M.G.L. c. 94C, §18(e) for APRNs with prescriptive authority.
Massachusetts-Specific Notes
- NLC adopted but not yet operational. Massachusetts has passed NLC legislation but the implementation process must be completed before multistate licenses are issued. Until then, you need a separate Massachusetts license to practice in the state.
- Birthday-based expiration. RN licenses expire on your birthday in even-numbered years. LPN licenses expire on your birthday in odd-numbered years.
- Renewal window opens 90 days before expiration.
- No paper licenses issued. License verification and status available online 24/7 at the Check a License feature.
- Self-attestation with audit risk. You attest to CE completion at renewal. The Board may request verification at any time.
- Retain CE records for the two most recent consecutive renewal periods (4 years).
- Renewal by mail is available — request a paper form by emailing renew.bymail@state.ma.us. But online is faster and safer.
- Most renewals process immediately upon online submission.
- Cannot practice with an expired license.
How to Renew
- Complete 15 contact hours of approved CE (including Chapter 260 training)
- Complete one-time Alzheimer's/dementia training if not previously done
- Log in to Massachusetts DPH Online Licensing
- Complete the renewal application and attestations
- Pay the $120 renewal fee
- Save confirmation and verify license status online
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| RN Renewal | $120 |
| LPN Renewal | $120 |
| APRN Renewal | $180 |
| Late Fee | $57 additional |
Contact Information
Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
- Website: mass.gov/nursing-licenses
- Renewal Info: mass.gov — Renew your nursing license
- Email: nursing.admin@state.ma.us
- Phone: (617) 973-0800
- Address: 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
Track your nursing license with CredMinder — never miss a renewal deadline. Download on iOS | Download on Android
Track your nursing credentials with CredMinder
Store, track, and get reminders for every expiring license and certification — all in one secure place. Available on web, iOS, and Android.