RN License Renewal Kentucky (2025 Requirements, CE & Fees Guide)

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Staying on top of rn license renewal Kentucky requirements is essential if you want to keep working without interruption. This 2025 guide walks through the basics of Kentucky RN license renewal, including renewal frequency, CE / continuing competency, fees, the online Kentucky Nursing Portal, and what to do if your license expires.

Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) website before you renew, as rules and deadlines can change.

🗓️ Renewal Frequency & Deadlines

Renewal timing is a key part of rn license renewal KY. Be sure to know your specific expiration date and submit renewal before it passes.

• RN licenses in Kentucky renew on a set cycle determined by the Kentucky Board of Nursing.
• Your exact expiration date and eligibility to renew are shown inside the KBN Nursing Portal.
• Renewal typically opens weeks before expiration—renew early to avoid last-minute issues with logins or payments.

If you miss the deadline, your license can move to inactive or expired status, and you cannot practice as an RN in Kentucky until it is renewed or reinstated.

📚 CE & Continuing Competency Requirements

To complete Kentucky RN license renewal, you must meet Kentucky’s continuing education / competency requirements for each renewal period.

• RNs are required to complete Board-approved continuing education (CE) and/or other competency options during each renewal cycle.
• Accepted pathways may include a combination of:
  • CE contact hours from KBN-approved providers
  • National certification or recertification
  • Academic nursing coursework
  • Employer-based competency validation
• Certain mandatory topics may apply (for example, areas such as domestic violence, suicide prevention, or pediatric abusive head trauma). These are listed on the KBN CE page.
• Online CE is generally acceptable when completed through an approved provider that meets KBN standards.
• Keep CE records—including course titles, providers, dates, and hours—for the period specified by KBN in case you are selected for audit.

Because details and required topics can change, always review the most current information on the official KBN RN CE page before you renew.

💰 Fees for RN License Renewal Kentucky

Fees for rn license renewal Kentucky are set by the Kentucky Board of Nursing and can change over time.

• Renewal fee: The current RN renewal fee is displayed in the KBN Nursing Portal when you complete your online renewal.
• Late fee / reinstatement fee: Additional costs may apply if you renew after the deadline or need to reinstate an expired or lapsed license.
• All fees are typically paid online by credit/debit card during the renewal process.

For the most accurate fee information, always follow the amount shown in the online renewal system or on KBN’s official fee schedule.

🧭 How to Complete Kentucky RN License Renewal

Most nurses complete rn license renewal Kentucky fully online through the state’s Nursing Portal.

1. Review current requirements. Visit the Kentucky Board of Nursing site and confirm CE/competency rules, deadlines, and any required topics for your cycle.
2. Gather your documentation. Have your RN license number, personal information, and CE or competency records ready.
3. Log in to the Nursing Portal. Go to the KBN Nursing Portal and sign in or create an account.
4. Locate your license. From your dashboard, select your RN license and choose the option to renew.
5. Answer renewal questions. Complete all practice, legal, and disciplinary questions honestly and completely.
6. Attest to CE / competency. Indicate how you met continuing competency (CE hours, certification, coursework, or other KBN pathway).
7. Update contact information. Confirm that your mailing address, email, and phone number are correct so you receive reminders and notices.
8. Pay the renewal fee. Submit payment online and keep a copy of your payment confirmation or receipt.
9. Verify your status. After processing, check your license in the lookup system to ensure it shows as active.

Processing times vary, so try to complete your renewal well before the deadline to avoid gaps in your ability to work.

❗ If Your Kentucky RN License Expires or Lapses

If your license is not renewed on time, it may become inactive or expired. Practicing with an inactive, lapsed, or expired license is not allowed.

• Stop practicing immediately if you discover your license is not active.
• Review KBN’s instructions for reinstatement or late renewal—this may include additional fees, CE, competency validation, and background checks.
• Submit all required forms and documentation through the Nursing Portal or as directed by KBN.
• Do not return to work as an RN until your license shows active in the official verification system.

🔗 Helpful Links

• Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) – Home:
  https://kbn.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx
• KBN Nursing Portal (Online Renewal):
  https://kbn.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/nursing-portal.aspx
• RN CE / Continuing Education Requirements:
  https://kbn.ky.gov/Registered-Nurse/Pages/Continuing-Education.aspx
• License Lookup / Verification:
  https://kybn.boardsofnursing.org/licenselookup

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

Here are a couple RN license renewal guides you may find helpful:

• Ohio RN License Renewal Guide
• Illinois RN License Renewal Guide

❓ RN License Renewal Kentucky – FAQ

How often do I need to renew my RN license in Kentucky?

RN licenses in Kentucky must be renewed on a regular cycle set by the Kentucky Board of Nursing. Your exact expiration date and renewal window are listed in your Nursing Portal account and on your license record. Always verify the current schedule with KBN.

What continuing education is required for Kentucky RN license renewal?

RNs must meet Kentucky’s continuing competency requirements each renewal period, usually through a combination of approved CE hours, national certification, academic coursework, or employer-based competency programs. Specific required topics and options are posted on the KBN RN CE page.

Can I complete nursing license renewal Kentucky online?

Yes. Most nurses complete rn license renewal Kentucky online via the KBN Nursing Portal. After logging in, you can select your RN license, answer renewal questions, attest to CE/competency, and pay fees electronically.

How do I check if my Kentucky RN license is active after renewal?

Use the official KBN license lookup to confirm that your license status is “active” and to view your current expiration date. Employers and third parties also rely on this system for verification.

What should I do if my Kentucky RN license has expired?

Stop practicing immediately and review the reinstatement or late renewal instructions on the KBN website. You may need to submit a reinstatement application, pay additional fees, and provide proof of CE or other competency. Do not return to work until KBN updates your status to active.