Inactive vs expired — what is the difference?

Inactive is a status you choose to keep a license from lapsing while not practising. Expired means you let an active license lapse without renewing. Reactivating an inactive license is usually simpler than reinstating an expired one, but both are board-defined.

Does an inactive multistate license give compact privilege?

No. Compact privilege requires an active multistate license in your primary state of residence. An inactive license carries no privilege until you reactivate it.

CompactStates

Inactive nursing license

Many boards let you put a license on “inactive” status instead of letting it lapse. It keeps the license from expiring but does not let you practise. Here is how it works and how to reactivate.

What does an inactive nursing license mean?

An inactive nursing license is one you have deliberately placed on hold with your board of nursing — often to keep it from expiring while you are not practising, usually with reduced or no continuing-education and lower fees. You cannot practise on an inactive license; to work again you reactivate it, which may require back CE and a fee. An inactive multistate license does not carry compact privilege — the license must be active to work anywhere.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

Who this applies to

Nurses taking a career break, relocating abroad, retiring but keeping options open, or otherwise not practising who want to preserve a license without meeting full active-renewal requirements.

Reactivating an inactive license

Check the license’s current status on Nursys.
Ask your board what reactivation requires — commonly back CE and a fee, sometimes practice hours.
Complete the requirements and submit the reactivation request.
Confirm the license reads active (and, if applicable, multistate) before you practise.

What varies by state

Whether inactive status is even offered, its CE relief, reactivation requirements, and fees are all board-set and change. Confirm with your board — we do not publish these figures.

Frequently asked questions

No. Inactive status preserves the license but suspends the authority to practise. You must reactivate it to active status through your board before working.