California Registered Nurse License Renewal: Fees & Requirements (2026)
California RN Renewal at a Glance
- Renewal Fee
- $160
- CE Required
- 30 Contact Hours
- Renewal Cycle
- 2 years
- Late Fee
- $320
- Grace Period
- 60 days
California RNs must complete 30 contact hours of CE every two years.
How to Renew Your California RN License
- 1
Complete 30 Contact Hours
Complete 30 Contact Hours during the 2-year renewal period. Keep certificates of completion — the California Board of Registered Nursing may audit your CE records.
- 2
Submit your renewal application
Log in to the California Board of Registered Nursing online licensing portal before your license expiration date. Complete the renewal application and attest to CE completion if required.
- 3
Pay the $160 renewal fee
Pay the $160 base renewal fee. If renewing after expiration but within the 60-day grace period, the late fee of $320 applies.
- 4
Confirm license renewal
Download or print your renewed license. Verify your new expiration date and confirm the license appears as active in the California Board of Registered Nursing's public license lookup.
Calculate Your Total Renewal Cost
Use the full Registered Nurse calculator to factor in late fees, compare all 51 states, or estimate CE costs.
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