Understanding Your 2021 California Nursing License Renewal

• For busy California nurses juggling incredible strains on the overall healthcare system, little time is left for sifting through new rules and requirements for their 2021 license renewal.
• A lapse in licensure means you are no longer legally allowed to work in the state of California as a nurse.
• Nursing CE Central has a full breakdown of top questions, deadlines, requirements, and consequences of missing your renewal deadline for the 2021 California nursing license renewal period.

As nurses across the country battle against staffing shortages, burnout, and an all-time high of demands and strains on the overall healthcare system, little time is left for sifting through new rules and requirements for license renewal!

For California nurses whose licenses expire during a chaotic 2021, a lapse in licensure not only means a potentially big headache dealing with the California Board of Registered Nursing, but also the inability to continue working.

That’s why our Nursing CE Central team has a full breakdown of top questions, deadlines, requirements, and consequences of missing your renewal deadline for the 2021 California nursing license renewal period.

 1. What are the 2021 CE requirements for renewal?

Nurses will need to renew their license online through the BreEZe Online Services licensing portal, after completing 30 contact hours of continuing education from a California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) approved provider (such as Nursing CE Central) before their 2021 expiration date.

2. Is the California BRN waiving any renewal requirements this year due to COVID?

According to the California BRN, no. Regular requirements for 2021 renewals are currently in place, such as continuing education completion and state fees.

3. What do I need to have ready when starting my renewal online with the California BRN?

Most nurses will only need proof of fulfilled continuing education requirements, along with a valid method of payment, to complete their renewal through the BreEZe Online Services licensing portal.

4. Can I renew my license now, and complete my CEUs later?

Nurses may begin their renewal application through the BreEZe Online Services licensing portal, however, continuing education requirements must be met for the renewal to be fully processed. The California BRN explains that, “payment may be processed, but your renewal will be considered incomplete.”

5. How can I check that my renewal application is complete?

After submitting all renewal requirements, including payment, log-off or exit your BreEZe browser window. Then, visit www.breeze.ca.gov and select the ‘Verify a License’ button. Click ‘Search by License Number,’ and enter your information. A new expiration date will be listed for licenses that have successfully renewed.

6. Can I still work/practice if my renewal is listed as pending?

According to the California BRN, any nurse who has paid their renewal fee and submitted all renewal requirements on time (such as completed, continuing education), may continue working through a pending renewal if their employer allows.

7. What happens if I don’t renew my license before its current expiration date?

According to the California Board of Registered Nursing, a nurse who pays their renewal fee, but does not complete the required 30 hours of continuing education, will have their license placed on an INACTIVE status. Nurses with an INACTIVE license can not practice in California.

If a nurse misses both the continuing education AND payment requirements for renewal, their license will be placed on a DELINQUENT status. DELINQUENT licensees may not practice in California, and are subject to an additional delinquent renewal fee.

8. How long must I keep documentation proving I completed my 2021 CEU requirements for renewal?

The California BRN requires that all licensees keep proof of continuing education completion for each renewal period, for a minimum of four years. This documentation is needed in case a nurse is selected for an audit by the California BRN within that time frame.

For more information on California renewal requirements, or to start your California required CEUs, click here.

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