Post-Licensure & Renewal
The purpose of the Board's licensing program is to protect the health, safety and welfare of California consumers who receive health care from LVNs and PTs. The Board ensures that its licensees possess the skills and abilities necessary to practice safely, and that they maintain knowledge of current trends and techniques in the practice of nursing.
Active License -- VN and PT licenses are considered "active" when the license is current (not expired or delinquent) and the 30 hours of continuing education requirements have been met.
Inactive License -- A license is placed on inactive status when the renewal fee is paid and continuing education requirements have not been met. The licensee cannot practice with an inactive license. To activate an "inactive" license, the licensee must submit proof of thirty hours of continuing education during the preceding two years.
Renewal -- LVNs and PTs are required to renew their license every two years. Satisfactory completion of continuing education is required for an "active" license in addition to a social security number. Licensees must also certify under penalty of perjury, whether they have been convicted of a crime since they last renewed.
Renewal notices are mailed 6 weeks prior to the license expiration date. The renewal fee must be received on or before the expiration date in order for the licensee to continue to legally work.
Delinquent Licenses -- A delinquency fee is assessed if the renewal fee is not paid within 30 days after the expiration date. A licensee may renew a delinquent license any time within 4 years of the expiration date by submitting payment of all accrued and unpaid renewal fees in addition to any fees due upon renewal of a delinquent license along with proof of continuing education, a social security number, and conviction statement.
Expired Licenses -- A license which is not renewed for 4 years expires. An expired license cannot be renewed, re-issued or reinstated. The licensee is required to submit a new application and retake the licensure examination to receive a new license.
Continuing Education -- After the first renewal, LVNs and PTs are required to certify under penalty of perjury, completion of 30 hours of CE within the two years immediately preceding the date of renewal. Courses must be related to the licensee's scope of practice. The licensee must retain the provider certificate for a period of 4 years and produce it if audited by the Board.
A random audit of the current active licensed population is conducted. When audited, licensees are required to submit copies of the provider certificates. Those who have misrepresented CE compliance are referred to the Enforcement Unit for disciplinary action.
Have you moved?
Address change requirements
Reminder!! If you have changed your address since becoming licensed by the Board, Business and Professions Code Section 136(a) requires that you notify the Board, in writing, within 30 days of the change. Failure to do so will result in unnecessary delays in receipt of your renewal forms, renewed license, and other important correspondence from the Board.
Please send your change of address in writing and include your name, license number, old address and new address. ADDRESS CHANGES CANNOT BE ACCEPTED BY E-MAIL - the Board must receive a document which bears the applicant/licensee signature in order to change an official address of record. Download a copy of the Board's address change request form for printing.
