Verify a Connecticut Nurse—or Renew Before the 90-Day Grace Period Ends
Most people arrive with one practical question: Is this nurse legally licensed today? Others need to know why a renewal is pending, whether they can keep working after expiration or how Connecticut’s new multistate license affects an out-of-state job.
Connecticut nursing licensing is managed through the Department of Public Health and the eLicense system, while the Board of Examiners for Nursing handles professional regulation and nursing education matters. This guide puts the useful verification, renewal, grace-period, CE, endorsement and school-check details together.
Use Connecticut eLicense for instant primary-source public verification and private renewal services. Use Nursys when RN or LPN verification must be sent to another nursing board or when compact privileges must be checked.
Verify an RN, LPN or APRN
Check current status, license number, expiration and disciplinary history.
Renew a CT nursing license
Use the existing eLicense account, update details and pay the correct annual fee.
Check pending application status
Review missing endorsement, examination, education or verification items.
Convert to an NLC license
Eligible CT-resident RNs and LPNs can request a multistate license.
Apply by endorsement
Submit the online application, verification and required education documents.
Verify a nursing program
Check the exact practical or registered nursing program and NCLEX results.
Connecticut nursing-license facts that determine your next step
Day 91 matters: Connecticut allows practice and renewal during the 90 days following license expiration. On the 91st day, the license becomes void and the nurse must complete reinstatement before practising again.
eLicense is instant primary-source verification
Connecticut states that public License Lookup data is maintained by the state, updated instantly and considered primary-source verification.
Nursing licenses renew annually
Most licenses expire in the first birth month after issuance and then renew annually on the applicable expiration date.
Connecticut now participates in the compact
Eligible Connecticut-resident RNs and LPNs may convert a single-state license to a multistate license without a conversion fee.
Connecticut does not offer inactive status
A nurse must keep the license current or allow it to lapse. Returning after lapse requires profession-specific reinstatement.
Nurses receive renewal notices electronically
Keep the eLicense email current. Nurses receive renewal notifications by email rather than relying on paper mail.
CNA certification uses a separate route
Connecticut nurse-aide certification, renewal and registry services are separate from RN, LPN and APRN licensure.
What do you need from Connecticut nursing licensing today?
Choose the closest situation to identify the correct eLicense, Nursys, renewal, endorsement, compact, reinstatement or education route.
Choose your situation
This tool does not access private records or submit an application.
How to verify a Connecticut RN, LPN or APRN license
Connecticut eLicense is the fastest public source for a live state record. Employers and members of the public may also use Nursys for RN and LPN verification.
Open Connecticut eLicense
Select “Lookup a License” without creating a private renewal account.
Open Official eLicenseChoose the correct profession
Select Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse before searching.
Search by license number when available
A license number reduces the risk of opening the record of another person with a similar name.
Review the entire result
Check status, expiration, original issue details and past or pending disciplinary history displayed in the record.
Use Nursys for RN/LPN interstate verification
Connecticut directs RN and LPN licensees to Nursys when verification must be sent to another U.S. nursing board.
Open Nursys QuickConfirmRecord the verification date
Employers should retain the live result, the date checked and the source used under their credentialing procedure.
| Record or status | What it means | Correct next action |
|---|---|---|
| Active | The displayed credential is currently active under the record shown. | Confirm expiration, profession and compact authority where relevant. |
| Expired within 90 days | The statutory renewal grace period may still apply. | Renew immediately and confirm the updated eLicense record. |
| Void after day 90 | The ordinary renewal period has ended. | Stop practice and submit a reinstatement application. |
| Single-state | The credential authorizes Connecticut practice but does not independently provide multistate privilege. | Apply for NLC conversion if CT is the primary residence and all requirements are met. |
| Multistate license | The RN or LPN has NLC authority through the primary state of residence. | Verify current home-state and multistate status in Nursys. |
| Pending discipline | The public record indicates an unresolved or pending regulatory matter. | Review the complete official record before making an employment decision. |
No result? Check spelling, previous legal names, profession type and whether the nurse practises through another compact state’s multistate license.
Employer verification checklist
How to renew a Connecticut nursing license online
RN, LPN and APRN licenses renew online through eLicense. Most licenses expire in the first birth month following issuance and renew annually thereafter.
Check the exact expiration date
Use the public eLicense record or the current license document rather than estimating from your birthday.
Check License ExpirationConfirm your eLicense email
Nursing renewal notices are sent by email approximately 60 days before expiration.
Use the existing licensing account
Do not create a separate unrelated account. Recover the User ID and validate the email connected to the license.
Update name and address before renewal
Incorrect contact details can delay notices and produce an inaccurate license document.
Complete the applicable education attestation
RN/LPN and APRN continuing-education requirements differ. Do not use the APRN rule for an RN-only renewal.
Select Renewal and pay the profession fee
Review all answers, submit payment and later confirm that the public record shows the new expiration date.
Read Official Renewal StepsRegistered nurse
Annual renewal fee: $110.
Practical nurse
Annual renewal fee: $70.
Advanced practice nurse
Annual renewal fee: $130.
License document
Nursing license documents are delivered electronically after renewal.
Active-duty fee waiver: a Connecticut legal resident on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces may request a renewal-fee exemption by providing the required commanding-officer letter and proof of Connecticut residence.
A final renewal notice is generally sent 30 days after expiration. Do not wait for that notice when the public record already shows an approaching or passed expiration date.
Can a Connecticut nurse work after the license expires?
Connecticut provides a 90-day statutory grace period after expiration. During that period the licensee may continue to practise and complete renewal. On day 91, the license becomes void.
| Timing | License effect | What the nurse should do |
|---|---|---|
| Before expiration | The license is active under the current record. | Complete renewal early and verify the new expiration date. |
| Days 1–30 after expiration | The license remains within the statutory grace period. | Renew immediately instead of waiting for the final notice. |
| Days 31–90 after expiration | Grace-period practice and renewal remain available. | Treat this as urgent and confirm successful payment and status update. |
| Day 91 and later | The license becomes void. | Stop practice and complete reinstatement. |
The grace period is not an extra annual license term. Employers and nurses should monitor the live record and complete renewal as soon as possible.
Connecticut does not offer an ordinary inactive status. A nurse who no longer wishes to maintain the license can allow it to lapse, but future practice requires reinstatement.
Connecticut RN, LPN and APRN education requirements
RN/LPN requirements are much narrower than APRN requirements. Keep completion records rather than sending certificates to DPH unless the Department asks for them.
| License type | Required education | Timing and records |
|---|---|---|
| Actively practising RN or LPN | Two contact hours covering veteran-related mental-health screening and suicide-prevention topics. | Required for renewal after January 1, 2022 and once every six years thereafter. |
| RN/LPN documentation | Attest to completion during online renewal. | Keep records for at least three years and provide them within 45 days if requested. |
| APRN | At least 50 contact hours during the preceding 24 months in the APRN’s practice area. | Complete before the applicable renewal and retain proof for at least three years. |
| APRN pharmacology | At least five contact hours in pharmacotherapeutics. | Included within the required APRN education period. |
| APRN mandatory topics | At least one hour each in diseases/HIV, risk management, sexual assault, domestic violence, cultural competency and substance abuse/pain management. | Complete within the applicable 24-month period. |
| APRN veteran mental health | Two contact hours on veteran and family mental-health screening and suicide prevention. | First required renewal and at least once every six years thereafter. |
First APRN renewal exemption
An APRN applying for renewal for the first time is exempt from the APRN continuing-education requirement for that first renewal.
DPH document request
When DPH requests proof, the nurse must provide the required records or certificates within 45 days.
Do not mail certificates with an ordinary renewal unless DPH specifically directs you to submit them. Keep readable records showing course title, provider, date and contact hours.
Connecticut nursing application, renewal and reinstatement fees
Fees differ by profession. Nursys, NCLEX registration, education reports and other third-party services may charge separate amounts.
| License and transaction | Official fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| RN initial / endorsement | $180 | Online application; verification and other source documents may cost extra. |
| RN annual renewal | $110 | Renew online through eLicense. |
| RN reinstatement | $180 | Additional refresher or NCLEX requirements can apply after a practice gap. |
| LPN initial / endorsement | $150 | Education documents must be sent as required. |
| LPN annual renewal | $70 | Renew online through eLicense. |
| LPN reinstatement | $150 | Practice-gap rules can require refresher education and NCLEX-PN. |
| APRN initial application | $200 | A current Connecticut RN license and national certification are required. |
| APRN annual renewal | $130 | Maintain APRN certification and education requirements. |
| APRN reinstatement | $200 | Requires current certification and additional supporting evidence. |
| RN retired renewal | $15 | No compensated nursing practice for at least three years; volunteer service may be allowed. |
| LPN retired renewal | $11 | Available only during the renewal period to eligible unrestricted licensees. |
| APRN retired renewal | $17 | Returning later to unrestricted practice requires reinstatement. |
| RN/LPN multistate conversion | $0 | Connecticut currently lists no conversion fee for eligible existing licensees. |
All amounts should be rechecked on the relevant DPH profession page immediately before payment. Application and renewal fees are generally non-refundable.
Check a Connecticut nursing application without starting over
Applicants can review status and outstanding documents through the same eLicense account used to submit the application.
Sign in using the original account
Use the User ID and email connected to the submitted application.
Open eLicenseSelect License Status
Open “License Status” under the Online Services menu.
Read every pending item separately
Check education, original-state verification, certification, employment, identity and other document requirements.
Confirm who must send the document
A nursing school, state board, certifying organization or employer may need to submit the item directly.
Do not upload a substitute document
An unofficial transcript, screenshot or license card may not replace official source verification.
Contact the nursing team with exact details
Include the application type, document name, sending source and date sent.
| Pending item | What to verify | Useful next action |
|---|---|---|
| License verification | Whether the original or required state sent verification through Nursys or an accepted direct method. | Order verification using the required source. |
| Transcript or education form | Whether the nursing school sent the transcript and any required theory/clinical form directly. | Ask the school for its exact sending date and method. |
| National certification | Whether the certifying organization sent current APRN certification verification. | Contact the certifier rather than uploading a wallet card unless instructed. |
| Employment verification | Whether the employer supplied dates and an evaluation of safe clinical performance. | Use the requested direct-source letter or form. |
| Name mismatch | Whether the application name matches school, state-board and identity records. | Complete the official name-change process and provide legal proof. |
| No update | Whether the source sent the correct document to the correct nursing mail stop or email. | Contact dph.nursingteam@ct.gov with dates and source details. |
“I submitted a Connecticut _____ nursing application on _____. My application or license reference is _____. eLicense shows _____ as pending. The document was sent by _____ on _____ using _____. Please confirm whether it has been matched and identify the exact remaining requirement.”
Information not publicly provided as one guaranteed processing time for every nursing application. Missing source documents, discipline, practice gaps or foreign education can extend review.
Connecticut RN and LPN licensure by endorsement
Before applying, determine whether a current home-state multistate license already authorizes practice in Connecticut. Otherwise use the appropriate Connecticut endorsement route.
Check NLC authority first
A nurse whose primary residence is another compact state may already have authority through a valid multistate license.
Submit the correct online application
RN endorsement is $180 and LPN endorsement is $150. Paper applications are not accepted.
Order original license verification
Use Nursys for participating jurisdictions. A non-participating state must send written verification directly.
Order Nursys VerificationArrange education documents
LPN applicants may need the school to send a transcript and Verification of Theory and Clinical Instruction form before temporary authority is issued.
Review temporary-permit eligibility
Qualifying endorsement applicants with a current U.S. license may receive a 120-day non-renewable temporary permit.
Verify issuance before practising
Check eLicense for the issued Connecticut license or temporary permit before beginning nursing duties.
Temporary-permit length
Connecticut endorsement temporary permits are valid for 120 days and cannot be renewed.
Permit issuance target
Official RN and LPN guidance states that an eligible temporary permit is issued within 15 business days once the application is complete.
Do not assume that paying the application fee creates practice authority. Verify the actual license, compact privilege or temporary permit in the official record.
Convert a Connecticut RN or LPN license to multistate status
Connecticut implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on October 1, 2025. An eligible RN or LPN whose primary state of residence is Connecticut can apply for conversion through eLicense.
Confirm Connecticut is your primary residence
The compact license must be issued by the nurse’s primary state of residence.
Sign in to the existing eLicense account
Open “Nurse Compact” under “More Online Services.” You do not need to wait for annual renewal.
Upload qualifying residence evidence
Use an accepted document showing Connecticut as the primary state of residence.
Complete the uniform NLC requirements
The nurse must meet compact eligibility requirements concerning education, examination, discipline, criminal history and other criteria.
Submit the conversion request
Connecticut currently states there is no fee to convert an existing qualifying single-state license.
Verify multistate status before using it
Confirm the updated eLicense and Nursys record before accepting work in another compact jurisdiction.
Examples of accepted residence evidence
Multistate RN or LPN authority does not create an APRN license. Advanced-practice authority must still be separately licensed and maintained in Connecticut.
Reinstate a Connecticut nursing license after day 90
Reinstatement applications are submitted online. The nurse must document professional activity, recent clinical performance and every nursing license held.
Confirm that the license is void
Check eLicense to determine whether the 90-day grace period has ended.
Open Reinstatement Application
Sign in using the original licensing account and select the reinstatement service.
Prepare your professional-activity summary
Include nursing positions, dates, duties, practice gaps, employment plans and how skills will be refreshed.
Arrange recent-employment verification
The appropriate authority must send dates and an evaluation of clinical performance directly to DPH.
Order verification of every nursing license
Include current and expired nursing licenses through Nursys or the required direct-state process.
Complete any practice-gap requirements
RN and LPN applicants with longer clinical-practice gaps can be required to complete a refresher course and NCLEX.
| Practice gap | RN / LPN requirement | Temporary-permit effect |
|---|---|---|
| Three years or less | Standard reinstatement evidence is reviewed. | A qualifying applicant with another current U.S. license may be eligible. |
| Longer than 3 but less than 5 years | Complete an approved nursing refresher course. | Not eligible for the reinstatement temporary permit. |
| Longer than 5 years | Complete an approved refresher course and pass NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. | Not eligible for the reinstatement temporary permit. |
| APRN over 3 years | DPH may require supervised retraining; current national certification and 25 recent CE hours are also required. | Follow APRN-specific instructions. |
A qualifying RN or LPN reinstatement applicant with a current license in another U.S. jurisdiction may receive a 120-day non-renewable temporary permit. The applicant is not eligible when out of active clinical practice for longer than three years.
Check Connecticut nursing-program approval and NCLEX performance
Use the Board of Examiners for Nursing pages to verify the exact practical or registered nursing program and compare current first-time NCLEX pass rates.
Open the Board education page
Select the Registered Nurse or Approved Practical Nurse education-program list.
Open Board Education ResourcesMatch the exact campus
A school can operate more than one location with different program records and results.
Confirm the intended license pathway
Verify whether the program leads to LPN, associate-degree RN, baccalaureate RN or graduate-entry eligibility.
Review the current program entry
Check the address, contact details and whether the program or campus is listed as active or closed.
Compare 2026 NCLEX results
The official pass-rate table includes 2026 first-time RN and PN candidate data where available.
View Current NCLEX Pass RatesVerify accreditation separately
State approval and national nursing accreditation are different and can affect transfer, graduate study or employment.
Recover eLicense, update details and obtain license documents
Forgot the User ID
Use the eLicense recovery process and match the first name, last name and last four digits of the Social Security number already on record.
Forgot the password
Recover the existing account and validate the active email rather than creating an unrelated new profile.
Email or address changed
Update contact details before renewal so notices and electronic license documents reach the correct destination.
Legal name changed
Complete the official name-change request and provide the required marriage, divorce or court documentation.
Need a duplicate license
Contact DPH by email with name, license number, profession, date of birth and the last four digits of the Social Security number.
Unexpected phone call
DPH warns that scammers spoof its phone number and send fake eLicense links. Do not provide personal identifying information to an unexpected caller.
Connecticut DPH states that formal action against a license is communicated by letter through U.S. Mail. The Department does not telephone licensees and demand Social Security numbers or other identifying information.
Connecticut nursing licensing phone, email and address
Use eLicense first for public verification, renewal and application status. When contacting the nursing team, include the profession, application type, license number and exact document question.
Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section.
RN, LPN and APRN application and licensing questions.
Preferred general PLIS renewal and licensing contact.
Use only when the specific nursing instruction permits fax submission.
Connecticut DPH, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134.
Connecticut DPH, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308.
“I am contacting Connecticut DPH about my _____ nursing license or application. My license or application reference is _____. eLicense currently shows _____. The document named _____ was sent by _____ on _____ using _____. Please confirm whether it has been received and identify the exact remaining action.”
Do not travel to the office expecting same-day application approval, document matching or license issuance. Confirm the permitted submission method before visiting or faxing records.
Connecticut nursing-license FAQ
How do I verify a Connecticut nursing license?
Use Connecticut eLicense and select Lookup a License. Search by license number when possible, match the RN, LPN or APRN profession and review status, expiration and disciplinary history.
Is Connecticut eLicense primary-source verification?
Yes. Connecticut states that License Lookup data is maintained by the state, updated instantly and considered primary-source verification.
How often do Connecticut nursing licenses renew?
RN, LPN and APRN licenses generally renew annually. Most expire in the first birth month following issuance and annually thereafter.
How long is the Connecticut renewal grace period?
The grace period is 90 days after expiration. The licensee may practise and renew during that period. On day 91, the license becomes void and reinstatement is required.
How much does Connecticut RN renewal cost?
The current published RN annual renewal fee is $110.
How much does Connecticut LPN renewal cost?
The current published LPN annual renewal fee is $70.
How much does Connecticut APRN renewal cost?
The current published APRN annual renewal fee is $130.
What continuing education is required for an RN or LPN?
Actively practising RNs and LPNs must complete two contact hours covering veteran-related mental-health screening and suicide prevention for an applicable renewal after January 1, 2022 and once every six years thereafter.
How many education hours does a Connecticut APRN need?
An APRN generally needs 50 contact hours during the preceding 24 months, including five pharmacotherapeutics hours and required subject areas. The first APRN renewal is exempt.
Is Connecticut a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Connecticut implemented the NLC on October 1, 2025. Eligible Connecticut-resident RNs and LPNs may apply for multistate status.
Does Connecticut charge for multistate conversion?
Connecticut currently states that there is no fee for an eligible existing RN or LPN to convert a single-state license to multistate status.
How long is a Connecticut nursing temporary permit?
A qualifying RN or LPN endorsement or reinstatement temporary permit is valid for 120 days and is not renewable.
What happens after a three-year nursing practice gap?
RN and LPN reinstatement applicants out of active clinical practice for longer than three but less than five years must complete an approved refresher course. Longer than five years also requires the appropriate NCLEX examination.
How do I check a Connecticut nursing application?
Sign in to the eLicense account used for the application and select License Status under Online Services to review the current record and outstanding documents.
How do I verify a Connecticut nursing school?
Use the Board of Examiners for Nursing program pages, match the exact practical or registered nursing program and compare the current NCLEX first-time pass rates.
What is the Connecticut nursing licensing phone number?
The Practitioner Licensing and Investigations Section phone number is (860) 509-7603. Nursing questions can be emailed to dph.nursingteam@ct.gov.
Connecticut pages used for this guide
Fees, renewal instructions, compact eligibility and education requirements can change. Recheck the relevant official page before submitting an application, renewal, verification or payment.
For employers and public users
Use the live eLicense record, match the exact professional and credential, review expiration and discipline, and verify multistate authority through Nursys when relevant.
For nurses and applicants
Use the secure eLicense account for renewal, application status, reinstatement, compact conversion and profile changes. Do not provide personal information through an unexpected phone call or unofficial link.