What is the difference between renewal and reinstatement?

Renewal keeps a current (or recently expired, within a grace window) license active. Reinstatement restores a license that has been expired or inactive longer than the board allows for simple renewal, and usually involves more steps. Each board defines the cutoff.

Does an expired license end my compact privilege?

Yes. Compact privilege depends on holding an active multistate license in your primary state of residence. If that license expires, the privilege to practise in other compact states lapses with it until you reinstate an active multistate license.

CompactStates

Expired nursing license

An expired license is not the same as a revoked one, but you cannot practise on it. Here is what expiration means, whether you can renew or must reinstate, and what it does to compact privilege.

What happens if my nursing license expires?

If your nursing license expires, you are not authorised to practise until you renew or reinstate it — practising on an expired license can itself be a violation. Many boards let you renew within a grace window, after which you generally need reinstatement, which is a longer process. If you hold a multistate license, letting it expire also ends your compact privilege in every other compact state. Your board of nursing sets the exact rules.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

Who this applies to

Any RN or LPN/LVN whose license has lapsed or is about to, including nurses returning to practice after time away and compact nurses who missed a renewal.

What to do

Check your exact status and expiration on Nursys.
Contact your board of nursing to confirm whether you can still renew or must reinstate.
Complete any continuing education the board requires for renewal/reinstatement.
Do not practise until the license is active again — an expired license carries no authority.
If it was a multistate license, confirm the renewed license is still multistate before relying on compact privilege.

What varies by state

Grace periods, late fees, CE required to renew late, and the line between renewal and reinstatement are all board-set and change. We do not list them — confirm with your board.

Frequently asked questions

No. An expired license does not authorise practice, and practising on it can be a separate violation. You must renew or reinstate it first, through your board of nursing.