Licensee Frequently Asked Questions

General Renewal Information

How can I renew my license?

The only way to renew your license is online via BreEZe Online Services. You must have a California RN license that expires within the next 90 days or that is delinquent by no more than eight years from the last expiration date and a major credit card to renew online.

Renewal instructions can be found on our License/Certificate Renewal page.
Can I be issued an extension for my renewal?
No. There is no grace period from the time a license expires until it is renewed. A courtesy renewal notice is sent to the licensee approximately three months prior to the expiration date of the license. It is the responsibility of each RN to make sure his or her license is renewed in a timely manner.
My license has been renewed in your system, but I have yet to receive my renewed pocket card and my employer needs proof of renewal. How can I obtain proof that I've renewed by license?
Pocket cards are no longer issued by the Board. Your employer may verify your renewed license online using the DCA License Search system or by calling the Board at (916) 322-3350. You may also request a confirmation letter for a fee of $20.00 that verifies your license status.
Does the Board issue receipts for renewal payments?
When you renew your license through BreEZe Online Services, you will receive a receipt upon payment submission. You can also verify online within minutes that your license has been renewed.
Can you fax my employer proof that I've renewed my license?
The Board will not fax proof of renewal to employers or to any other agency. However, employers may verify an RN's renewal online using the BreEZe License Verification system or by calling the BRN at (916) 322-3350.
What is the earliest date that I can renew my license?
An RN's license cannot be renewed earlier than three (3) months prior to the expiration date.
What if I am unable to complete the 30 contact hours needed for renewal? Can I get an extension?

No, the Board does not issue an extension. However, until the continuing education is completed, a license may be renewed to inactive status by payment of the renewal fee, and by checking the "Inactive" box on the renewal form. An RN cannot practice nursing in California with an inactive license.

To reactivate an inactive license, please refer to Inactive to Active License Status for instructions.
Am I able to overnight my renewal to the Board?
The only way to renew your license is online through BreEZe Online Services.
If I submit my renewal by the expiration date, am I able to continue working until the renewal has been updated in your computer system?
Business and Professions Code, Section 121 provides that a nurse may work pending license renewal providing the renewal fee has been submitted timely and all renewal requirements have been met. NOTE: Employers may have more stringent requirements.
I am moving to another state. Should I renew my California RN license?
Many RNs who leave the state continue to maintain licensure in California. It is not necessary to reside or work in California to maintain an active RN license.
I am not currently working as an RN. Can I still hold an active license?
Yes. California does not require you to work as an RN or reside within the state to maintain an active license.
I submitted my renewal and my payment has been processed. Why isn't my license updated online?
Your license should be updated within 72 hours. If it is not updated, please review your BreEZe account for any deficiencies or contact the Board immediately.

Renewing a Delinquent License

What is the difference between a delinquent license and an inactive license?
A delinquent license is one in which the renewal fees have not been paid. An inactive license is one in which the renewal fees have been paid, but the continuing education requirement has not been met. Practice as a registered nurse in California is not permitted with either a delinquent or inactive license.
What can I do to become a nurse again after my license has lapsed?
If it has been less than eight years since the license has expired, a licensee can renew his or her license by paying the delinquent renewal fee and providing proof of completing 30 hours of continuing education completed within the last two years of the date in which renewing. If it has been longer than eight years, the RN must also provide proof of a current active license in another state, U.S. territory, or Canada (see 8-Year Renewal). If the RN does not meet this criteria, then the RN must apply for an 8-Year Retake.
If I let my license lapse, will it negatively impact my record?
No. A lapsed license will not negatively impact an RN's record providing he or she is not practicing.
What is the earliest date that will be accepted for continuing education credit for a delinquent renewal?
If the renewal is delinquent, contact hours must have been completed no more than two years prior to the date of submission.

Inactive Status

What if I am unable to complete the 30 contact hours needed for renewal? Can I get an extension?

No, the Board does not issue an extension. However, until the continuing education is completed, a license may be renewed to inactive status by payment of the renewal fee, and by checking the "Inactive" box on the renewal form. An RN cannot practice nursing in California with an inactive license.

To reactivate an inactive license, please refer to Inactive to Active License Status for instructions.
What is the difference between a delinquent license and an inactive license?
A delinquent license is one in which the renewal fees have not been paid. An inactive license is one in which the renewal fees have been paid, but the continuing education requirement has not been met. Practice as a registered nurse in California is not permitted with either a delinquent or inactive license.
If I renew to inactive status, when does the license expire?
An inactive license has the same renewal cycle (two years) as an active license. A licensee cannot practice as a registered nurse in the state of California on an inactive license. The inactive status maintains the license as current for the renewal period. If the RN chooses to return to active status during the renewal period, proof of completion of 30 contact hours must be submitted. There will be no additional fee at that time.
I am renewing my license, but I am not working as an RN at the present time. Should I renew to inactive status?
If the continuing education requirement has been met, a licensee may renew in an active status regardless of employment status. An inactive license means that the fees have been paid, but the required continuing education has not been met. Practice as a registered nurse in California is not permitted with an inactive license.
How do I change my license status from inactive to active?
Please refer to Inactive to Active License Status for detailed instructions.