Independent California nursing renewal guide based on official BRN, BVNPT, DCA BreEZe and CA.gov information.
California nursing license renewal requirements for CE, fees, fingerprints and deadlines
Use this 2026 guide to renew the right California nursing credential, avoid inactive status, understand the current renewal fee, and know what BreEZe may ask for before the license updates.
California RNs who want an active license generally need 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years, the renewal fee, required fingerprint clearance in BreEZe, and renewal through DCA BreEZe. LVNs also renew every two years and need 30 CE hours for active renewal after the first renewal.
California renewal facts that affect whether you can keep practicing
RN renewal cycle
Your first California RN license is issued for two birthdays and expires on the last day of the month following your birth date. After that, renewal is every two years if renewed timely.
30 contact hours
Active RN renewal requires 30 contact hours from a BRN-recognized provider. LVNs and psychiatric technicians also use 30 CE hours for active renewal after the first renewal.
BreEZe deficiencies matter
If BreEZe shows missing fingerprints, CE, disclosure answers or other deficiencies, payment may process but the renewal can remain incomplete.
Do not practice on an inactive, delinquent or expired license. California BRN says active status is required for RNs who wish to practice nursing in California, and BVNPT says inactive LVN status does not permit work as a Licensed Vocational Nurse.
Choose the renewal path that fits your California credential
This tool does not connect to BreEZe. It points you to the safer official next step based on your license type and renewal problem.
How to renew a California nursing license online
BreEZe is the Department of Consumer Affairs online system used for license renewal, address changes and many licensing transactions.
Confirm your exact license and expiration date
Use BreEZe or DCA License Search to confirm whether your license is active, inactive, delinquent or expired. Do this before buying CE or paying a fee.
Open DCA License SearchComplete CE before you attest
For active RN renewal, complete 30 contact hours during the renewal period through a recognized provider. LVNs complete 30 CE hours for active renewal after the first renewal.
Review BRN CE rulesLog in to BreEZe and start renewal
Sign in, choose the license activity for renewal, review your address of record, answer disclosure questions, enter required CE information and continue to payment.
Open BreEZe Online ServicesCheck for fingerprint or disclosure holds
If BreEZe shows a fingerprint deficiency, the renewal may not finalize until DOJ and FBI results are properly matched to your file.
Read BRN fingerprint renewal rulesSave proof and verify the new expiration date
Keep your payment receipt and CE certificates. After successful renewal, verify the public license record rather than relying only on an email or old card.
Verify the renewed licenseCalifornia nursing CE requirements for renewal
| Credential | Active renewal CE requirement | Important exceptions or notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | 30 contact hours every two years, from a BRN-recognized provider. | First renewal after passing the national licensing exam may be exempt from the 30-hour CE requirement, except the implicit bias requirement. |
| Advanced practice certificate | Renewal is tied to the RN license renewal, and some certificates require additional renewal fees. | Primary-care NPs serving a patient population with more than 25% age 65 or older must include at least 6 of the 30 hours in gerontology, dementia or care of older patients. |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse | 30 hours of CE within the two years before renewal for active status after the first renewal. | The first renewal after license issuance does not require the 30 CE hours. Keep certificates for four years in case of audit. |
| Inactive renewal | CE is not required to renew inactive. | Inactive status does not allow nursing practice. To return to active status, CE and other requirements apply. |
California nursing license renewal fees in 2026
Fees can change. Use the live BreEZe checkout and official fee schedules as the controlling source before paying.
| Fee item | Timely amount | Delinquent or extra amount | Official note |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN renewal | $190 | $280 delinquent | California BRN renewal fee schedule. |
| RN 8-year renewal | N/A | $350 | Applies to certain long-lapsed RN renewal situations. |
| LVN biennial renewal | $305 | $150 delinquent fee | BVNPT fee schedule lists biennial renewal for two years. |
| APRN certificate renewal | $150 for NA, NMW, CNS or NP renewal | $225 delinquent | Due at the same time as the RN renewal when applicable. |
| Furnishing number renewal | $180 for NMWF or NPF | $255 delinquent | CURES fee may also apply to controlled-substance-authorized licensees. |
CURES fee alert: California BRN says the CURES fee increases from $9 to $15 annually for licenses expiring on or after July 1, 2025. Most licensees assessed this fee will see $30 because of the biennial renewal cycle.
Why a California renewal can be paid but still not complete
Active RN renewal needs DOJ and FBI fingerprints
BRN says active RN renewal requires fingerprint results for both DOJ and FBI on file, or a new fingerprint submission if directed by the Board. Missing results can hold the renewal.
Older or missing BVNPT records can trigger fingerprinting
BVNPT says LVNs and PTs licensed before January 1, 1998, or licensees whose fingerprint record no longer exists, may need fingerprints as a condition of renewal.
What happens if renewal is late, inactive or lapsed
Active status
Use this if you plan to practice. It requires the renewal fee, CE, required fingerprints and truthful renewal disclosures.
Inactive status
Inactive status can avoid certain delinquency issues when CE is not complete, but it does not allow nursing practice in California.
Delinquent or expired
BRN and BVNPT have separate delinquent/lapsed rules. Check the official board page before assuming a late license can be renewed normally.
BRN says a nurse may work pending license renewal when the renewal fee was submitted timely and all renewal requirements were met, but employers may impose stricter requirements. Always verify the public record if work scheduling depends on current status.
California Board of Registered Nursing office, map and contact routes
Use BreEZe first for renewal status. The BRN public counter accepts and date-stamps documents, accepts payments and provides paper applications, but BRN says the counter cannot research, review or approve applications.
(916) 322-3350
Main BRN automated phone system.
(916) 557-1208
For BreEZe account registration, password and technical issues.
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834-1924.
Before visiting or mailing
Check BreEZe first, save proof of any submission, and use the official BRN contact form or correct fax route for licensee services when renewal status is unclear.
Mailing address: Board of Registered Nursing, PO Box 944210, Sacramento, CA 94244-2100.
Official sources used for this California renewal guide
California nursing license renewal FAQ
How many CE hours do California RNs need for renewal?
California RNs who want to maintain an active license generally need 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years from a provider recognized by the Board of Registered Nursing.
How much is the California RN renewal fee in 2026?
The official BRN fee schedule lists Registered Nurse Renewal at $190 timely and $280 delinquent. Always confirm the live amount in BreEZe before paying.
How much is the California LVN renewal fee?
The BVNPT fee schedule lists the Vocational Nursing biennial renewal for two years at $305, with a $150 delinquent fee when applicable.
Where do I renew a California nursing license online?
Use DCA BreEZe Online Services. CA.gov describes BreEZe as the Department of Consumer Affairs system used to submit applications, renew licenses and change addresses.
Can I renew earlier than my California RN renewal window?
BRN says licensees may not renew earlier than three months before the license expiration date.
Can I practice while my California RN renewal is pending?
BRN explains that a nurse may work pending renewal if the renewal fee was submitted timely and all renewal requirements were met, but employers may have stricter rules.
Does California require fingerprints for RN renewal?
For active RN renewal, BRN must have DOJ and FBI fingerprint results on file, or the nurse may be directed to submit a new set. Missing results can hold renewal.
Are California LVNs exempt from CE on first renewal?
BVNPT says the first renewal after issuance of an LVN license does not require the 30 CE hours. After the first renewal, active renewal requires 30 CE hours.
Do inactive California nurses need CE?
Inactive renewal does not require the 30 CE hours, but inactive status does not permit nursing practice. Returning to active status requires proof of CE and other active-status requirements.
How long should I keep CE certificates?
BRN and BVNPT guidance tells nurses to retain CE proof for four years because licensees may be audited and required to produce certificates or grade slips.
Practical renewal takeaway
Finish CE before attesting, renew through BreEZe within the official window, check for fingerprint or disclosure deficiencies, and verify the public license record after payment so you know the renewal actually posted.