RN License Renewal DC (CE Requirements, Fees & Deadlines)

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Washington, DC (District of Columbia) requires registered nurses (RNs) to renew every two years and complete required continuing education (CE) before the expiration date. Use this guide to see CE requirements, deadlines, fees, and how to renew online.

🗓️ Renewal Frequency & Deadlines

RN licenses renew on a 2-year cycle.
Renewal timing is tied to your birth month.
Renew before your expiration date to avoid practice interruptions.

📚 CE Requirements

Total required CE: 24 contact hours every renewal period.

Requirement	Hours	Notes
General Nursing CE	19	Any Board-accepted CE relevant to nursing practice.
HIV/AIDS	3	Required for RN renewal.
LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency	2	Required for RN renewal.
Pharmacology (APRN only)	2	APRN requirement only — not required for RN renewal.

Online CE is accepted when Board-approved.
Keep CE certificates for audit (recommended: retain for at least 4 years).
If your license was first issued very close to the cycle end, some CE may be waived for the first renewal (see Board guidance).

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💰 Fees

Fees may change. Confirm the latest amounts in the renewal portal before paying.

RN Renewal Fee: see portal for current amount
Late Renewal: additional late fee applies
Reinstatement (expired beyond grace): higher fee and documentation may be required

🧭 How to Renew

Complete CE: Finish the 24 required hours (with HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ components) before applying.
Sign in to the DC Health licensing portal: Start your RN renewal application.
Attest to CE: Upload/attest as instructed. Keep certificates for potential audit.
Pay fees online and submit your application.
Confirmation: Watch for email updates and verify your license status after processing.

❗ If License Expires

Status	What It Means	Next Steps
Recently expired	License is inactive; practice not permitted.	Submit renewal with late fee as directed in the portal.
Expired beyond grace	Renewal not available; reinstatement required.	Apply for reinstatement, meet CE/documentation rules, and pay reinstatement fees.
Practiced while expired	May trigger fines or disciplinary review.	Stop working and contact the Board for instructions.

🔎 Need renewal requirements for another state or profession? Visit our complete renewal database — updated regularly with official board links, CE rules, deadlines, and fees.

🔗 Helpful Links

❓ FAQ

Do I need to upload CE certificates during renewal?

Generally you will attest to completion during renewal, but you must keep your certificates for audit. Retain documentation for multiple years after each cycle.

Can I complete all CE online?

Yes, DC accepts online CE when it is Board-approved and relevant to nursing practice.

Is pharmacology required for RN renewal?

Pharmacology CE is an APRN requirement. It is not required for standard RN renewal in DC.

What if I was licensed late in the cycle?

If your license was first issued close to the cycle end, some or all CE may be waived for your first renewal. Check the Board’s guidance for your exact issue date.

How long should I keep my CE records?

Keep CE certificates and transcripts for audit. A safe practice is to retain them for at least four years.

Washington DC RN License Renewal Requirements (2025 Guide)