How to Renew Your Ohio RN License in 2026 — Step by Step
March 15, 2026 · 6 min read
Letting your Ohio RN license expire — even briefly — can put your career, your employer, and your patients at risk. Here is everything you need to know to renew on time.
Ohio RN License Renewal Basics
Ohio registered nurse licenses expire on October 31st of odd-numbered years (2025, 2027, 2029, etc.), giving nurses a two-year renewal cycle. The Ohio Board of Nursing typically opens the renewal window about 90 days before the expiration date. Your license status can be verified at any time through the Ohio eLicense portal or right here at OhioLicenseCheck.com.
Continuing Education Requirements
Before you can renew, you must complete the required continuing education hours:
- 24 contact hours of continuing education per two-year renewal period
- At least 1 hour must cover Ohio law and rules related to nursing practice
- CE courses must be from an Ohio Board of Nursing-approved provider
- You do not submit CE documentation with your renewal but must keep records for at least four years in case of an audit
New graduates renewing for the first time are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal cycle.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
Log in to eLicense Ohio
Go to elicense.ohio.gov and log in with your credentials, or create a new account if this is your first online renewal.
Navigate to your license
Click My Licenses and select your RN license. A Renew button appears when the renewal window is open.
Complete the renewal application
Answer all required questions about criminal history, disciplinary actions in other states, and CE completion.
Pay the renewal fee
The current RN renewal fee is $65, payable by credit or debit card online.
Save your receipt
Your renewed license is available immediately in your eLicense account. Save or print a copy.
What If Your License Has Already Expired?
If your license expired, you cannot legally practice nursing in Ohio until it is reinstated. The reinstatement process is more involved than a standard renewal and fees are higher. Licenses expired less than 2 years require a reinstatement application and $100 fee. Licenses expired 2 to 5 years may require additional competency assessment. Licenses expired more than 5 years may require retaking the NCLEX.
Key Renewal Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Renewal window opens | August 1, 2027 |
| Renewal deadline | October 31, 2027 |
| Late renewal with penalty | November 1 – December 31, 2027 |
| License expires | October 31, 2027 at midnight |
Ohio Nurse Licensure Compact
Ohio is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Ohio RNs who designate Ohio as their primary state of residence may qualify for a multistate license, allowing practice in other compact member states without additional licenses. Check your license details on eLicense Ohio to confirm your compact status.
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