Ohio Nursing License Renewal Requirements 2026: CE, Fees & Deadlines
Ohio RN and LPN renewal is handled through eLicense Ohio. For 2026, the key point is that LPNs are in an even-year renewal cycle, while RNs renew in odd-numbered years. Most active Ohio nurses must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education, including at least 1 Category A hour related to Ohio nursing law and rules.
Ohio Nursing License Renewal Deadlines for 2026
Ohio uses separate renewal years for RN and LPN licenses. Registered nurses renew in odd-numbered years, while licensed practical nurses renew in even-numbered years. That means 2026 is a regular LPN renewal year. RNs generally renew in the next odd-numbered cycle unless they have a special status, reinstatement, reactivation, or another Board-directed requirement.
| License type | Regular renewal year | Renew by September 15 | Final deadline | If not renewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Odd-numbered years | No late processing fee if renewed by September 15 of the RN renewal year | October 31 of the RN renewal year | License lapses November 1 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Even-numbered years | No late processing fee if renewed by September 15 of the LPN renewal year | October 31 of the LPN renewal year | License lapses November 1 |
Ohio Renewal Requirement Finder
Select your license situation to see the likely renewal rule.
Ohio Nursing CE Requirements
Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4723-14-03 requires an RN or LPN applying to renew an active Ohio nursing license to complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during the reporting period unless an exception applies. At least 1 of those hours must be Category A continuing education, which is directly related to Ohio nursing law and rules.
| Situation | Ohio CE requirement |
|---|---|
| Standard RN or LPN renewal | 24 contact hours, including at least 1 Category A hour. |
| First renewal after licensure by examination | No CE contact hours are required for the first renewal immediately following Ohio exam licensure. |
| Licensed by endorsement in Ohio for 1 year or less | 12 contact hours of CE. |
| Licensed by endorsement in Ohio for more than 1 year | 24 contact hours of CE. |
| LPN who also holds an active Ohio RN license | The LPN is not required to separately meet the LPN CE requirement for renewal. |
| Inactive or lapsed RN/LPN license | Generally 24 contact hours during the 24 months immediately before reactivation or reinstatement, with Category A requirements depending on lapse status. |
Ohio nurses attest to CE completion during renewal. Do not send CE certificates with the renewal application unless the Board requests proof. Ohio requires nurses to keep CE documentation for 6 years.
Ohio Nursing License Renewal Fees
| Fee item | Amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| RN renewal fee | $65 | Standard renewal of an Ohio RN license. |
| LPN renewal fee | $65 | Standard renewal of an Ohio LPN license. |
| Late processing fee | $50 | Added if the renewal application is submitted after September 15 and before the October 31 final deadline. |
| eLicense system transaction fee | $3.50 | Charged by the State of Ohio eLicense system in addition to the application fee. |
| Reinstatement of lapsed license | $100 | Applies when reinstating a lapsed license, unless a specific waiver applies. |
How to Renew an Ohio Nursing License Online
- Log in to your account at eLicense Ohio.
- Open your RN or LPN license record and choose the renewal option when available.
- Verify or update your mailing address and email address.
- Complete the renewal questions and attestations, including CE completion if required.
- Pay the renewal fee and the eLicense transaction fee by credit or debit card.
- Save your payment confirmation and keep CE certificates for 6 years in case of audit.
- Confirm that your license status updates before practicing after the renewal deadline.
Ohio Renewal Checklist
| Before submitting | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Confirm whether your license is in a renewal year | RNs renew in odd years; LPNs renew in even years. |
| Complete required CE before the deadline | Most renewals require 24 contact hours, including 1 Category A hour. |
| Keep CE certificates for 6 years | The Board may audit and request proof after renewal. |
| Renew by September 15 if possible | Renewing after September 15 adds the $50 late processing fee. |
| Submit by October 31 | A license that is not renewed by the final deadline lapses on November 1. |
Ohio Board of Nursing Contact and Map
The Ohio Board of Nursing is the official state agency for Ohio nursing license renewal, reinstatement, reactivation, and CE compliance questions.
8995 East Main Street
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
614-466-0388
Official Ohio Nursing Renewal Sources
- eLicense Ohio RN renewal instructions
- Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4723-14-03: RN/LPN continuing education
- Ohio Administrative Code Rule 4723-7-09: RN/LPN renewal deadlines
- Ohio Revised Code Section 4723.08: nursing fees
- NCSBN Ohio Board of Nursing contact page
- Ohio Board of Nursing official website
FAQ: Ohio Nursing License Renewal
How many CE hours are required for Ohio RN or LPN renewal?
Most Ohio RN and LPN renewals require 24 contact hours of continuing education, including at least 1 Category A hour related to Ohio nursing law and rules.
Is 2026 an Ohio RN renewal year?
No, Ohio RNs renew in odd-numbered years. Ohio LPNs renew in even-numbered years, so 2026 is a regular LPN renewal year.
When is the Ohio nursing renewal deadline?
Renew by September 15 to avoid the late processing fee. The final renewal deadline is October 31. If the license is not renewed by then, it lapses on November 1.
How much is Ohio RN or LPN renewal?
The Ohio RN/LPN renewal fee is $65. A $3.50 eLicense transaction fee applies, and renewal after September 15 adds a $50 late processing fee.
Do I send CE certificates to the Ohio Board of Nursing?
No. Ohio nurses attest to CE completion during renewal and keep documentation for 6 years. Send proof only if the Board requests it during an audit.