Montana Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
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Montana Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Montana registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Montana Board of Nursing, under the Department of Labor & Industry. Montana is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). As of November 2023, Montana no longer requires CE for nursing license renewal.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Montana Board of Nursing (Dept. of Labor & Industry) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Expiration Date | December 31 (odd or even year based on original license date) |
| CE Hours Required | None (repealed effective November 18, 2023) |
| Renewal Fee | $100 |
| Compact State (NLC) | Yes (eNLC member) |
| Online Renewal | Yes — DLI Citizen Portal |
Continuing Education Requirements
RN, LPN, and APRN
Montana no longer requires continuing education for nursing license renewal. The Board repealed the CE requirement effective November 18, 2023. Previously, 24 contact hours were required every 2 years.
The Board continues to offer free CE modules on topics like delegation, complaint processes, the Nurse Licensure Compact, and substance use disorders through their Teachable platform. These are optional but encouraged for professional development.
Montana-Specific Notes
- No CE required. This is a recent change (2023). Montana joins a small group of states with zero CE for nursing renewal.
- Compact state. If Montana is your primary state of residence, you may hold a multistate license. Nurses with a multistate license from another compact state do not need a separate Montana license to practice.
- Odd/even year renewal. If originally licensed in an odd-numbered year, you renew by December 31 of odd years. Even-numbered year licenses renew by December 31 of even years.
- Renewal notices mailed 45 days before expiration.
- Nursys e-Notify available at no cost for renewal reminders.
- Online renewal recommended. Paper applications are also accepted but online is faster.
- Processing time: Approximately 30 business days from receipt of all required materials.
- If changing residence to Montana from another compact state: Apply for a Montana license within 60 days of establishing residency.
How to Renew
- Log in to the Montana DLI Citizen Portal (or submit paper application)
- Complete the renewal application
- Pay the $100 renewal fee
- Verify license status online or through Nursys
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| RN/LPN Renewal | $100 |
| Initial License (Exam) | $100 |
| Endorsement Application | $200 |
| Temporary Permit | $25 |
Contact Information
Montana Board of Nursing
- Website: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing
- CE Info: boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov — Continuing Education
- Phone: (406) 444-6880
- Email: nurse@mt.gov
- Address: P.O. Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Montana Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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