Ky.gov

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Registered Nurse

Reinstatement

​​​​Apply for reinstatement if you have previously held a Kentucky LPN or RN license that has lapsed.
If you failed to renew your license during the renewal period (annually between September 15 and October 31), ​you must meet all of the reinstatement requirements.
There is no grace period for renewal of a Kentucky nursing license.
The process is the same for LPNs and RNs.


Licensure Requirements

Complete the Application and Submit Fee

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Complete the state and federal criminal background check through IdentoGO®


Meet the Continuing Competency Requirements


​Pass the Jurisprudence Exam with a score of 80% or higher if your Kentucky RN or LPN license has been lapsed for one year or more

  • Complete the Jurisprudence Examination after completing the ​application.
  • The Jurisprudence Examination cannot be accessed prior to having a current application on file with the KBN.

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Reporting Criminal Convictions

  • If you have any criminal convictions, they will need to be reported on your application. The exception to this is traffic misdemeanors, other than DUIs. For information about what qualifies as a criminal conviction please review the Mandatory Reporting of Criminal Convictions.

Reporting Action in another Jurisdiction

  • An applicant shall provide a certified copy of any disciplinary action taken on any professional or business license in another jurisdiction and a letter of explanation with each application (initial, renewal, reinstatement).

How will I know when my license has been reinstated?

  • Kentucky does not issue license cards. You will receive an email notification when the permanent license has been issued. You may validate the permanent license number through the License Verif​​ication Portal.

How long does it take for a license to be reinstated?

  • Licenses may be issued within 14 business days after all documents have been received and reviewed. However, if you respond "Yes" to the disciplinary or conviction questions it can take up to three months to process your application.

Review your application or licensure status