NC Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Written by: Jeanne Kal Senior Manager, B2C Content

Reviewed by: Marie Hasty, BSN, RN Content Writer

Are you a Tar Heel nursing professional with an upcoming renewal? An NC nursing license renewal is a fairly straightforward process, but because there is no grace period in North Carolina, you don’t want to leave your renewal to the last minute. Get to know the requirements so you can remain eligible for work in NC.

North Carolina is home to nearly 11.2 million residents, all of whom need access to quality healthcare services. That’s where you come in. Nursing professionals have a responsibility to keep up with the standards and legislation that govern the profession.

Below, you’ll learn about the three steps of the NC nurse license renewal process. For general regulatory information regarding nursing in this state, explore our article on the North Carolina Nurse Practice Act.

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North Carolina Nursing Facts

Have questions about North Carolina nursing license renewal protocol? Need a North Carolina Board of Nursing application? The contact information below can help you out.

Is North Carolina part of the nursing licensure compact (NLC)?

Yes. Learn more about getting licensed in nurse compact states.

How much do nurses in North Carolina earn?

The average CNA salary in North Carolina is $39,280 per year.
The average LPN salary in North Carolina is $63,720 per year.
The average RN salary in North Carolina is $90,470 per year.
The average NP salary in North Carolina is $130,870 per year.

How can I contact the NC Board of Nursing (NCBON)?

North Carolina Board of Nursing Phone Number: 919-782-3211

Website: https://www.ncbon.com/

North Carolina Board of Nursing Address
4516 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607

North Carolina Board of Nursing Mailing Address
PO Box 2129
Raleigh, NC 27602-2129

NC Board of Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

If you work as an LPN or RN in North Carolina and the state is your primary residence, follow the steps below. Otherwise, you can apply for a North Carolina nursing license by endorsement or by examination.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

LPN and RN licenses are valid for two years and expire on the last day of your birth month. NPs must renew their practice approval every year before the end of their birth month], or it will lapse at midnight on the final day of the month. There is no grace period, and you will not be able to work with an expired license.

CNA credentials are managed by the NC Division of Healthcare Service Regulation. You’ll need to maintain your spot on the state CNA registry to remain eligible to work. CNAs must renew their certification every two years after meeting the work requirement.

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

Before you can renew a nursing license in North Carolina, you must fulfill the state’s work and continuing competency requirements. See the requirements corresponding to your credentials below:

CNA: Must work for at least 8 hours in a nursing home or other healthcare setting during the renewal period.
LPN and RN: NCBON license renewal requires completing 1 of 8 options within the renewal period:
- 15 contact hours of continued education and 640 hours of practice within previous 2 years
- National certification or recertification by a national credentialing body recognized by the board
- 30 contact hours of continued education
- Board-approved refresher course
- 2 semester hours of post-licensure academic education related to nursing practice
- 15 contact hours of continued education and completion of a nursing project as principal investigator or co-investigator
- 15 contact hours of continued education and authoring or co-authoring a nursing-related article, paper, book, or book chapter
- 15 contact hours of continued education and developing and conducting a nursing continuing education presentation or presentations, totaling at least 5 contact hours
NP: Must maintain RN licensure, as well as a national certification with an advanced practice credentialing body.

Having difficulty fulfilling your continuing education? Choose from a variety of courses offered by IntelyEdu, which is accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Step 3: File Your NC Nursing License Renewal Online

If you’re an RN or LPN within 90 days of your renewal period, visit the NCBON website to get the process started. Use their portal to submit and manage all license renewal applications. Log in and select your license. Under licensure options, select “Renewal/Reinstatement” and fill out the application. The fee to renew RN and LPN licenses is $100.

Have questions about the status of your NC nursing license? Look up your application and verify your license online.

CNAs have a two-step process to renew their registration:

Fill out and submit the nurse aide renewal form.
Ask an RN to fill out and submit your employment verification form.

The Division of Health Service Regulation will approve and update the registry listing within three to five days of receiving your forms. When you’re finished with the steps above, start searching for roles in North Carolina by professional title:

Great Areas in North Carolina for Nursing Jobs

Want to narrow your job search? Try focusing on areas with some of the largest populations in the state, like:

Ready to begin your search for a new nursing position? Here are the latest jobs at leading NC hospitals and healthcare employers:

Find Top North Carolina Nursing Jobs

Now that your NC nursing license renewal is good to go, check out the various nursing jobs in North Carolina right now, and pick the one that fits your needs.