How To Renew Your Expired Nursing License In Texas

How To Renew Your Expired Nursing License In Texas

If your nursing license has expired in Texas, do not panic. You can still get your license renewed, but it requires following the right steps. An expired nursing license does not have to end your career as a nurse. With the correct procedure and documentation, you can get back to work.

Why Is It Important to Renew Your Nursing License?

Your nursing license is necessary for legally practicing nursing and providing care to patients. If your license expires, you cannot work in the healthcare field. In Texas, nursing licenses need to be renewed every two years.

Missing the renewal deadline results in an expired nursing license. The good news is that it is not too late to renew your license and continue your career.

How to Check If Your License Has Expired

To check the status of your nursing license, visit the Texas Board of Nursing’s website. The BON has an online tool where you can enter your name or license number to see if your license is active or expired. If your license is expired, it is important to act quickly. You do not want to risk further complications, such as fines or penalties.

Steps to Renew Your Expired Nursing License in Texas

Verify Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Before you apply for renewal, make sure you have met the required continuing education (CE) hours. In Texas, nurses are required to complete 20 hours of CE every two years. These hours must be related to your area of practice.

If you have not completed the necessary CE hours, you must do so before you can renew your license. Continuing education courses are available online and in person from accredited providers. Once you have completed the required hours, you will be ready to move on to the next steps.

Submit the Renewal Application

After confirming that you meet the CE requirements, you can submit your renewal application online through the Texas Board of Nursing’s website. The application process is straightforward.

You will need your license number and other personal information, such as your social security number. The online application allows you to review and update your personal details before submission, so make sure all information is accurate.

Pay the Renewal Fee

Along with your application, you must pay the renewal fee. The renewal fee for an RN license in Texas is currently $65, but this may vary depending on the specific type of license. Payment is made online via credit or debit card. Once the payment is processed, your application will be submitted to the Texas Board of Nursing for review.

Address Additional Requirements If Your License Has Been Expired for Longer Than Two Years

If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to take additional steps. You may be required to complete a nursing refresher course or demonstrate that you are up-to-date with current nursing practices. In some cases, you may need to submit extra documentation or go through a background check before your license can be renewed.

If your situation is complex, consider contacting a nursing license defense attorney. Legal representation can help you navigate the complexities of renewal, especially if your license has expired for an extended period.

Wait for Your License Renewal Confirmation

Once you have completed the application, paid the fee, and submitted all necessary documents, the Texas Board of Nursing will process your renewal. You will receive confirmation once your renewal has been approved. If there are any issues with your application, the BON will notify you and offer instructions on how to resolve them.

In most cases, you will receive a new license card in the mail once your renewal is processed. Keep an eye on your mailbox, and remember to check your email for confirmation as well.

What If My Expired Nursing License Cannot Be Renewed?

If your license has been expired for a long period and you cannot renew it through the standard process, you may need to apply for nurse license reinstatement.

The reinstatement process is more involved than renewal. It may require additional steps such as completing a nursing refresher course, providing documentation of continuing education, or even taking the licensing exam again.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is a good idea to consult with a nursing license defense attorney. A legal expert can help you understand the reinstatement process and make sure your application is filed correctly.

How to Prevent Your Nursing License from Expiring

To avoid future issues with your nursing license, here are some tips for staying on top of your renewal:

• Set reminders: Mark your calendar to remind yourself about the renewal deadline at least 60 days in advance. This gives you enough time to complete any CE requirements and submit your renewal.
• Stay current with CE: Keep track of the CE hours you have completed throughout the year. Do not wait until the last minute to complete your CE requirements.
• Update your contact information: Make sure the Texas Board of Nursing has your correct contact information, including your mailing address and email. This way, you will not miss any important renewal notices.

Why Work Texas Nurse Lawyer?

If your license has been expired for a significant period or if you face complications during the process, consider contacting a nursing license defense attorney for guidance.

Our law firm focuses exclusively on nursing license defense and has handled more than 600 disciplinary responses over the past 17 years.

With four Doctors of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Ph.D. nurses on our legal team, we bring both clinical expertise and legal strategy to your case. Whether you're an LVN, RN, or APRN/NP, our deep familiarity with the board’s investigators and long-standing history of casework can help you avoid costly missteps.

If your license has expired and you’re unsure about the renewal or reinstatement process, or if the BON has raised additional concerns, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and speak with a legal team that understands both nursing and the Texas disciplinary system inside and out.