Wisconsin Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Last updated
Wisconsin Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Wisconsin registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing, under the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Wisconsin is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) since 2018.
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Wisconsin Board of Nursing (DSPS) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| RN Expiration | February 28/29 of even-numbered years |
| LPN Expiration | April 30 of odd-numbered years |
| CE Hours Required | None (RN/LPN) |
| Renewal Fee | $73 (on time); $98 (late) |
| Compact State (NLC) | Yes (eNLC member since 2018) |
| Online Renewal | Yes - LicensE portal |
Continuing Education Requirements
RN and LPN - No CE Required
Wisconsin does not require continuing education for RN or LPN license renewal. This makes it one of the simplest renewal processes in the country.
APRN with Prescriptive Authority - 16 Hours
- 14 hours in clinical pharmacology or therapeutics relevant to area of practice
- 2 hours on responsible prescribing of controlled substances
Wisconsin-Specific Notes
- No CE for RN/LPN. Wisconsin is one of the few states with zero CE requirements for basic nursing license renewal.
- Compact state since January 2000 (one of the first NLC states; transitioned to eNLC in 2018).
- February 28/29 expiration for RN. All RN licenses expire on the same date in even years.
- Nursing Workforce Survey required at renewal (mandated under Chapter 106.30).
- Renewal info sent 3 months before expiration.
- $25 late fee added if renewed after deadline. Up to 5 years to renew with late fee.
- Expired over 5 years: May require a Board-approved nursing refresher course.
- No "retired" or "inactive" status. Simply let license expire if retiring.
- 119,900+ licensed RNs in Wisconsin as of 2025.
- Processing time: 7-10 business days.
How to Renew
- Complete the Nursing Workforce Survey
- Log in to the renewal system
- Complete the renewal application
- Pay the $73 renewal fee
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| RN/LPN/APRN Renewal (on time) | $73 |
| Late Renewal | $98 ($73 + $25 late fee) |
Contact Information
Wisconsin Board of Nursing (DSPS)
- Website: dsps.wi.gov - Registered Nurse
- Email: dsps@wisconsin.gov
- Phone: (608) 266-2112 or (877) 617-1565
- Address: PO Box 8366, Madison, WI 53708-8366
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change - always verify current requirements with the Wisconsin Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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