If you’re an RN in Ohio, it’s important to be aware of the renewal requirements for your nursing license. If you don’t renew your nursing license on time, it may prevent you from practicing as a nurse in the state of Ohio. The Board of Nursing has provided helpful guidelines to help nurses keep their licenses up-to-date. Read on to learn more about how often RNs need to renew their licenses and what steps they should take if they do not receive their renewal notices.

Ohio Board Of Nursing Licensure Renewal

1. After the initial Ohio license is renewed, the RN must then renew their license every 2 years.

After the initial Ohio license is renewed, the RN must then renew their license every 2 years. Renewal requirements include:

• RENEWAL FEES – The renewal fee is $100.00 and includes a criminal background check. You can pay online or mail in a check or money order with your name, address, and social security number on it.
• REQUIREMENTS FOR NURSES WHO HAVE BEEN CREDENTIALED AS A NURSE IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION – If you were credentialed as a nurse in another jurisdiction (including Ohio), you must complete an RN-to-RN transfer process before your license will be renewed here in Ohio. To learn more about how many continuing education hours are required for this process, please visit our page about Continuing Education Requirements for Nurses from Other Jurisdictions

2. An individual who has been credentialed as a nurse in another jurisdiction and is a registered nurse may be eligible for licensure by endorsement if the individual does not hold a current active license issued by another state or territory of the United States.

An individual who has been credentialed as a nurse in another jurisdiction and is a registered nurse may be eligible for licensure by endorsement if the individual does not hold a current active license issued by another state or territory of the United States.

Individuals who have not been credentialed as a nurse in another jurisdiction, but are currently licensed to practice nursing in another state or territory of the United States, must apply for licensure through reciprocity.

3. The Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) has provided renewal instructions on its website.

• If you are an active nurse, your license will expire on the last day of the month in which it was issued.
• The OBN has published renewal instructions on its website. You can also find them in the handbook provided with your initial license, as well as in their FAQ section.

4. The Ohio Board of Nursing’s website provides an online renewal application.

The Board of Nursing website provides an online application that can be completed from any device, including a desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone. The application is available in English and Spanish and each section should be completed in one sitting. If you are unable to access the renewal application due to your internet connection or other technical issues, you may call the Board’s toll-free number at (800) 622-2104 to request a paper copy of the renewal packet.

5. If you do not receive a notice, contact the Ohio Board of Nursing in writing to inquire about your expiration date.

If you do not receive a notice, contact the Ohio Board of Nursing in writing to inquire about your expiration date.

To renew your license and avoid any late fees, you must submit a renewal form along with payment to:

Ohio Board of Nursing

P.O. Box 182085

Columbus, OH 43218-2085

6. Applicants for reinstatement must complete an NCLEX review course and successfully pass NCLEX.

Applicants for reinstatement must complete an NCLEX review course and successfully pass the NCLEX. In addition, you must have completed all nursing education requirements as of your date of application.

You may not apply for reinstatement until you meet the following criteria:

• You have been inactive in Ohio for a minimum of one year; or
• You were previously licensed in another state and are returning to practice in Ohio; or
• Your license was revoked by the Ohio Board of Nursing due to fraud, misrepresentation or failure to communicate with them as required by law; or
• Your license was revoked with cause by another state’s board of nursing because you engaged in activities which would have prevented licensure by the Ohio Board if it had occurred here (for example if you committed fraud).

7. Keep your nursing license up-to-date with these renewal guidelines

Ohio Board of Nursing licensure renewal requirements are primarily based on your license type. You must renew your license every two years, or you will be required to retake the NCLEX exam and apply for a new license.

The renewal process includes submitting an application fee, passing the NCLEX exam if applicable, and submitting documentation that meets all of Ohio’s nursing licensure requirements. You may also need to submit proof of completion of continuing education credits (CEs) if your current CE reporting period has expired.

New applicants who have completed their initial training in another state may apply for an Ohio RN licensure by endorsement by submitting an application fee along with a copy of their RN diploma and transcript from their initial training program. Additionally, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam within 150 days after applying for licensure by endorsement.

Closing

If you are an Ohio RN and need more information about renewing your license, please contact the Ohio Board of Nursing at (614) 466-4281 or by email at obn@ohio.gov.