Helpful Tips for Navigating the Online Renewal of Your California Nursing License
Renewing Your CA RN License Online is essential to maintaining your ability to practice legally as a registered nurse in California. This guide will walk you through the key steps to completing your renewal process smoothly and staying compliant with the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) requirements.
Step 1: Register for a BreEZe Account
If you don’t have a BreEZe account yet, begin by registering on the BreEZe website. This account is necessary for managing your renewal application online.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Once logged in, select “RN Initial Exam Application” from the dropdown menu on the BreEZe homepage. During this process, you can attach important documents, including:
- Request for Accommodation of Disabilities form
- Explanation letter for previous discipline on any healthcare license
- Letters of recommendation or support
- Out-of-state discipline documents
- Transcripts sent directly from your nursing school
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
You can pay the application fee using a valid credit card, such as Visa, American Express, Discover, or MasterCard.
Step 4: Submit Fingerprints
You must submit your fingerprints either via the Live Scan Process or using the Applicant Fingerprint Card (FD-258). You can request the fingerprint card from the BRN through the Fingerprint Request Form.
Step 5: Submit Additional Documents
Any further documents can also be submitted through your BreEZe account.
Step 6: Read the Instructions Carefully
Read the instructions carefully; you can’t modify your application after submission.
Find detailed instructions here.
Understanding Your 2024 California RN License Renewal
It’s essential to understand the requirements for renewing your California nursing license, as practicing with an expired license is illegal. Here are the key points to consider:
- CE Requirements: RNs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education courses from a BRN-approved provider, such as Renew Now CE, before their license expiration date as mentioned in Your Ultimate Guide to Renewing Your CA RN License Online.
- Continuing Education (CE) Options: Renew Now CE provides a comprehensive California Renewal Package that includes CE courses specifically designed for RNs.
- Implicit Bias Course: Licensees must complete one hour of direct participation in an implicit bias course within the first two years of obtaining their license. This hour counts toward the required 30 hours. Renew Now CE provides an engaging and informative Implicit Bias Course to help you meet this important requirement while enhancing your understanding of equity in healthcare.
- Renewal Timing: You can initiate the renewal application online, but all continuing education requirements must be fulfilled for the renewal to be processed fully.
- Checking Application Status: After submitting your application and payment, you can check your renewal status through the BreEZe website. Find the ‘License Search’ button and enter your details to confirm your new expiration date as noted in the guide.
- Working with Pending Renewals: If your renewal is pending and all requirements are submitted on time, you may continue working at your employer’s discretion.
- Consequences of Non-Renewal: If you fail to complete the required CE or payment before your license expires, it will be marked as INACTIVE. Missing both requirements will place your license in DELINQUENT status, preventing you from practicing until renewed.
- Document Retention: Keep proof of your CE completion for at least four years to comply with potential audits.
- Reactivating Your License: If you miss the renewal deadline, you will need to provide proof of 30 completed CE hours within the past two years to reactivate your license. Note that the renewal fee for a delinquent license is higher than the standard fee.
Still Have Questions?
For more information, contact the California Board of Registered Nursing at (916) 322-3350 or visit their office at: Board of Registered Nursing
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834-1924
Enroll in Renew Now CE’s California 30 hour ANCC and CA Board of Nursing Approved Package and ensure you meet all requirements listed in this guide to renewing your CA RN license online!