TN RN License Renewal Guide (2025 Version)

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Last Updated: November 2025

Registered Nurses (RNs) in Tennessee must renew their nursing licenses every two years to stay active with the Board. This step-by-step guide explains CE hour requirements, deadlines, fees, and how to complete your RN license renewal Tennessee online through the official portal. Whether you searched for RN license renewal TN or nursing license renewal Tennessee, you’ll find everything you need to stay compliant.

📌 Tennessee RN License Renewal at a Glance

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years (biennial).
• Expiration: Last day of your birth month in an even or odd year, based on original licensure.
• CE requirement: Typically 5 contact hours per year of the renewal cycle (often 10 hours total).
• Renewal method: Online through the Tennessee Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS).
• Regulator: Tennessee Board of Nursing (Tennessee Department of Health).

🗓️ Renewal Frequency & Deadlines

• Renewal period: Biennial (every 2 years).
• Expiration date: Your RN license generally expires on the last day of your birth month in either an even or odd year, depending on when you were first licensed.
• Reminder notices: The Tennessee Board of Nursing typically sends electronic reminders, so be sure your email and mailing address are current in LARS.
• No grace period: Tennessee does not offer a true grace period for RN license renewal Tennessee. If you do not renew on time, your license may lapse and you must follow reinstatement steps.

📚 CE Requirements

For nursing license renewal Tennessee, RNs must complete continuing education each renewal cycle. Requirements can vary based on Board rules and employer mandates, but a common standard is 5 contact hours per year of the renewal period (often 10 hours total for a full two-year cycle).

• CE must relate to nursing practice, patient safety, or professional development.
• Acceptable options include live courses, online programs, conferences, and in-service training from Board-approved or nationally accredited providers.
• Online CE is generally permitted if offered by a recognized CE provider.
• Keep CE certificates and transcripts for at least two renewal cycles in case you are audited by the Board.

If you are unsure whether a course meets the Tennessee Board’s standards, verify with the provider or review current guidance from the Board before relying on it for TN RN license renewal.

💰 Fees

Fees are subject to change, but here are common costs associated with TN RN license renewal:

• RN renewal fee: Approximately $100 (check LARS for the exact current amount at checkout).
• Late renewal fee: Additional charges may apply if you attempt renewal after your expiration date.
• Reinstatement fee: A higher fee (often $200 or more) may be required if your license has lapsed and you must apply for reinstatement.

Always confirm current fee amounts directly in the Tennessee online renewal portal before submitting payment.

🧭 How to Renew Your RN License in Tennessee

Most Tennessee RN license renewal is completed fully online through the state’s Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS).

1. Confirm CE completion. Make sure you’ve completed the required CE hours for your renewal period and collected documentation from approved providers.
2. Go to the Tennessee Board of Nursing site. Start at the Tennessee Board of Nursing page.
3. Open the LARS online renewal portal. Click through to the Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS) used for RN license renewal Tennessee.
4. Log in or create an account. Use your existing credentials or follow the prompts to set up access tied to your RN license number.
5. Complete the renewal application. Answer all questions truthfully, disclose any disciplinary issues if required, and attest to your CE completion.
6. Pay renewal fees online. Submit payment by credit/debit card or other accepted method in LARS.
7. Save your confirmation. Download or print your payment confirmation and any email receipt the system provides.
8. Verify active status. After processing, confirm your updated status in the public license lookup (see link below).

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

🔗 Helpful Links (Tennessee)

• Tennessee Board of Nursing — Overview
• LARS Online Renewal Portal
• Tennessee RN Continuing Education Requirements
• Tennessee RN License Verification Lookup

🌎 RN License Renewal in Other States

If you hold multistate or additional single-state RN licenses, you can review our other state-specific guides similar to this RN license renewal Tennessee article:

• RN License Renewal Georgia
• RN License Renewal Kentucky
• RN License Renewal New York
• RN License Renewal Illinois

❗ If Your Tennessee RN License Expires

• You may not practice as an RN in Tennessee if your license is expired or lapsed.
• Working without a current license can lead to disciplinary action from the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
• Reinstatement typically requires:
  • A reinstatement application through LARS,
  • Payment of renewal and reinstatement fees, and
  • Proof of completed CE consistent with Board requirements.
• Always wait until your license shows Active in the state lookup before returning to practice.

❓ Tennessee RN License Renewal FAQ

How often do I need to complete RN license renewal Tennessee?

Tennessee RN licenses renew every two years. Your expiration date is usually the last day of your birth month in an even or odd year based on your original licensure.

How many CE hours do Tennessee RNs need for renewal?

RNs generally need the equivalent of 5 contact hours per year of the renewal cycle (often 10 hours over two years). Always check the latest CE rules on the Tennessee Board of Nursing website, as requirements may change.

Can I complete all of my Tennessee CE hours online?

Yes, most RNs can complete CE online as long as the courses come from Board-approved or nationally accredited CE providers. Verify provider credentials before relying on a course for license renewal.

How do I renew my RN license in Tennessee online?

Go to the Tennessee Board of Nursing site, access the LARS online renewal portal, log in, complete your renewal form, attest to your CE, and pay the renewal fee electronically.

What should I do if my Tennessee RN license has already expired?

Stop practicing immediately and follow the Board’s reinstatement process through LARS. You’ll likely need to submit a reinstatement application, pay additional fees, and provide CE documentation before your license can return to Active status.

How can employers verify my Tennessee RN license status?

Employers and nurses can use the state’s online license verification lookup to confirm current status and expiration dates.