2026 California LVN License Renewal: Complete Guide + Requirements

Need to renew your California LVN license? Skip the stress and get all 30 required CE hours with our BVNPT-approved package for just $49. Provider #VNCEP15132 – trusted by thousands of California LVNs.

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California Licensed Vocational Nurses face specific renewal requirements every two years. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about California LVN license renewal in 2026, including deadlines, requirements, costs, and the smartest way to complete your continuing education.

⏰ California LVN Renewal Quick Facts

Renewal Frequency: Every 2 years
CE Hours Required: 30 contact hours
Renewal Deadline: Last day of your birth month
Renewal Fee: $305 (subject to change)
CE Provider Required: BVNPT-approved only

First-time renewers: If this is your first renewal within 2 years of initial licensure, you’re exempt from CE requirements (except implicit bias training if applicable).

Complete All 30 Hours Today – $49 →

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📋 California LVN Continuing Education Requirements

How Many CE Hours Do California LVNs Need?

California Licensed Vocational Nurses must complete exactly 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years. These hours must be:

• Completed within the 2 years prior to renewal
• From a BVNPT-approved provider (like us – VNCEP15132)
• Relevant to LVN scope of practice
• Properly documented with certificates

What Subjects Count for California LVN CE?

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians accepts CE in topics relevant to LVN practice:

Core LVN Topics:

• Medication administration and pharmacology
• Patient care and safety protocols
• Chronic disease management
• Mental health and psychiatric nursing
• Wound care and infection control
• Nutrition and dietary management

Our 30-Hour Package Includes:

✅ 10 Hours Pharmacology – Essential medications for LVN practice
✅ 6 Hours Heart Failure – Critical cardiac care knowledge
✅ 3 Hours Cannabis in Healthcare – Current therapeutic applications
✅ 10 Hours Obesity & Nutrition – Evidence-based dietary interventions
✅ 1 Hour Ketamine/Depression – Emerging psychiatric treatments

View Complete Course Details →

💰 California LVN Renewal Costs & Timeline

What Does California LVN Renewal Cost?

Official Renewal Fees:

• License Renewal: $305 (paid to BVNPT)
• Delinquency Penalty: Additional fee if late
• Continuing Education: Varies by provider

Our CE Package Pricing:

• 30-Hour Complete Package: $49
• No Subscription Required – Don’t pay for what you don’t need.
• Instant Certificate Download: Included
• Unlimited Course Access: Included
• No Hidden Fees: What you see is what you pay

Total Renewal Investment: $354 ($305 + $49) – much less than missing work or paying late fees!

When Do I Need to Renew My California LVN License?

Renewal Timeline:

• Expiration Date: Last day of your birth month (every 2 years)
• Renewal Notice: Mailed 6 weeks before expiration
• Processing Time: 6-8 weeks after submission
• Late Renewal: Delinquency fees apply after expiration

Pro Tip: Don’t wait for the renewal notice! You can renew up to 60 days early through the BreEZe portal.

Start CE Early – Complete Package $49 →

📚 Smart CE Strategy for Busy LVNs

See All Course Descriptions →

🔍 California LVN Renewal Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Complete Continuing Education (Do This First!)

Before You Renew:

1. Complete all 30 required CE hours
2. Download and save all certificates
3. Verify provider approval (our VNCEP15132)
4. Organize records for easy access

Why Complete CE First:

• Avoid last-minute stress
• Ensure all requirements are met
• Have certificates ready for renewal
• Allow time for any issues

Step 2: Renew Through BreEZe Portal

Online Renewal Process:

1. Visit breeze.ca.gov
2. Log in to your account
3. Select “Renew License”
4. Upload CE certificates
5. Pay $305 renewal fee
6. Submit application

Step 3: Maintain Records

Record Keeping Requirements:

• Keep CE certificates for 4 years minimum
• BVNPT conducts random audits
• Must provide proof if selected
• Store digital and physical copies

Get Audit-Ready Certificates – $49 →

⚠️ Common California LVN Renewal Mistakes

Mistake #1: Waiting Until the Last Minute

The Problem: Renewal processing takes 6-8 weeks. Starting late can leave you practicing on an expired license.

The Solution: Complete CE requirements 2-3 months before expiration. Renew as soon as you have all certificates.

Mistake #2: Using Non-Approved Providers

The Problem: CE from non-BVNPT approved providers won’t count toward renewal requirements.

The Solution: Always verify provider approval. Look for VNCEP numbers (ours is VNCEP15132).

Mistake #3: Inadequate Record Keeping

The Problem: Lost certificates can cause renewal delays or audit failures.

The Solution: Download certificates immediately and store in multiple locations.

Mistake #4: Choosing Irrelevant Courses

The Problem: CE must be relevant to LVN scope of practice. Generic courses may not qualify.

The Solution: Choose courses specifically designed for LVN practice requirements.

💼 Maximizing Your CE Investment

Professional Development Benefits

Clinical Knowledge Enhancement:

• Stay current with evidence-based practices
• Learn about emerging treatments
• Improve patient care outcomes
• Expand scope of practice knowledge

Career Advancement:

• Demonstrate commitment to excellence
• Build specialized knowledge areas
• Enhance resume credentials
• Prepare for advanced certifications

Patient Safety:

• Update medication knowledge
• Learn new safety protocols
• Understand chronic disease management
• Improve therapeutic communication

Employer Benefits

Many employers appreciate LVNs who proactively complete quality CE:

• Reduced liability through current knowledge
• Improved patient satisfaction scores
• Enhanced team competencies
• Demonstration of professional commitment

Invest in Your Career – $49 Package →

🏥 Special Situations & FAQs

What if I’m a first-time renewer?

First Renewal Exemption: If you’re renewing within 2 years of initial licensure, you’re exempt from the 30-hour CE requirement. However, you may still need 1 hour of implicit bias training depending on your license date.

What if I work in multiple states?

Multi-State Practice: Each state has its own renewal requirements. California CE may not count for other states. Complete state-specific requirements for each license you hold.

What if I’m on military deployment?

Military Exemptions: The BVNPT may waive renewal requirements for active military personnel. Contact the board directly for guidance on your specific situation.

What if I’m audited by BVNPT?

Audit Preparation:

• Keep all CE certificates for 4+ years
• Ensure certificates show provider VNCEP numbers
• Verify completion dates fall within renewal period
• Have organized records ready for submission

What if my renewal is late?

Late Renewal Process:

• Pay standard renewal fee plus delinquency penalty
• Must still complete all CE requirements
• Cannot practice on expired license
• Employer may require time off until renewal

🎯 Ready to Renew Your California LVN License?

Don’t let renewal stress interrupt your career. Complete all 30 required CE hours with our comprehensive, BVNPT-approved package designed specifically for California LVNs.

Package Highlights: 

✅ BVNPT Approved: Provider #VNCEP15132
✅ Complete Package: All 30 hours included
✅ LVN-Focused: Scope-relevant content only
✅ Instant Access: Start learning immediately
✅ Mobile Learning: Study anywhere, anytime
✅ Money-Back Guarantee: Complete satisfaction
✅ Audit Ready: Professional certificates included

Current Package Price: $49 (Save time and money vs. individual courses)

🎯 Complete Your 30-Hour Package Now →

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Questions about renewal? Contact our support team or visit our complete package details.

Need just implicit bias training? Check our 1-hour California implicit bias course for $20. More here: https://renewnowce.com/blog/2023/06/18/implicit-bias-required-for-california-nurse-licensees-within-the-first-2-years-of-holding-their-license/

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This guide was last updated in 2025. Requirements may change. Always verify current regulations with the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT).

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