Minnesota Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements

Minnesota registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Minnesota Board of Nursing (MBN). Minnesota is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), though it has a unique Border State Registry program for nurses from neighboring states.

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Regulatory Body	Minnesota Board of Nursing
Renewal Cycle	Every 2 years
Expiration Date	Last day of your birth month (odd or even year based on birth year)
CE Hours Required	24 contact hours (RN); 12 contact hours (LPN)
Renewal Fee	$85
APRN Fee	$85 additional (total $170 with RN renewal)
Compact State (NLC)	No
Online Renewal	Yes — MBN Online Services

Continuing Education Requirements

RN — 24 Contact Hours Every 2 Years

• 24 contact hours (1 hour per month of registration) during the 2-year period
• No specific mandatory topic requirements
• CE must be from Board-approved or accepted providers relevant to nursing practice
• ANCC-accredited courses accepted

LPN — 12 Contact Hours Every 2 Years

• 12 contact hours (1 hour per every 2 months of registration)
• Same provider requirements as RN

APRN

• Current APRN certification on file with the Board satisfies the 24-hour RN CE requirement
• No additional CE requirements beyond maintaining national certification

What Counts as CE

CE activities include formal courses, academic coursework, specialty certification/recertification, professional presentations, publishing a nursing-related paper, and other Board-recognized professional activities.

Minnesota-Specific Notes

• Not a compact state. Minnesota does not participate in the NLC. You need a Minnesota license to practice in the state. Neighboring compact states (Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota) accept compact licenses, but Minnesota does not.
• Border State Registry. Nurses permanently residing in Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin with active licenses in those states may join the Border State Registry to practice in Minnesota without a separate Minnesota license. Must be employed by a Minnesota healthcare institution.
• Birth-month/birth-year expiration. License expires the last day of your birth month. If born in an even year, you renew in even years; odd year, odd years.
• No grace period. If your license is not renewed by midnight on the expiration date, it expires immediately. You cannot practice and must apply for reregistration ($105 fee).
• Reminder postcard mailed approximately 3 months before expiration. Email reminder also sent.
• Paper renewals not default. You can request a paper application by returning the reminder postcard or calling the Board, but online is standard.
• No paper licenses issued. Verify status online.
• Random CE audit. The Board randomly selects licensees for audit. If audited, you must submit documentation.
• Retain CE documentation for 2 years after using it for renewal.
• Reregistration required if missed. There is no late renewal — you must go through the full reregistration process with higher fees and potentially additional requirements.

How to Renew

1. Complete 24 contact hours of approved CE during the 2-year period
2. Log in to MBN Online Services
3. Complete the renewal application
4. Pay the $85 renewal fee
5. Save confirmation and verify license status online

Fees

Fee Type	Amount
RN Renewal	$85
LPN Renewal	$85
APRN Renewal	$85 additional ($170 total)
Reregistration (expired)	$105

Contact Information

Minnesota Board of Nursing

• Website: mn.gov/boards/nursing
• CE Info: mn.gov — Continuing Education
• Fees: mn.gov — Licensure Fees
• Phone: (612) 317-3000
• Fax: (651) 688-1841
• Address: 1210 Northland Drive, Suite 120, Mendota Heights, MN 55120

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

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