How to Renew Your LPN License in Kentucky

Renewing your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in Kentucky is essential to maintain your professional standing and continue practicing legally.  

This guide outlines the renewal cycle, requirements, continuing education (CE) obligations, important timelines, application procedures, fees, and tips for a seamless renewal process. 

Understanding the renewal cycle 

In Kentucky, LPN licenses are renewed annually. The renewal period begins on September 15 and ends at midnight Eastern Time on October 31 each year.  

It's crucial to renew within this window to avoid license lapse.  

Renewal requirements 

• To renew your Kentucky LPN license, you must:
• Complete 14 contact hours of approved continuing education (CE): These hours must be earned between November 1 of the previous year and October 31 of the current renewal year.
• Submit a renewal application: This can be done online through the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) Nurse Portal.
• Pay the renewal $65 fee: Ensure timely payment to avoid late fees. 

Continuing education requirements 

The 14 contact hours of CE must be from approved providers, including: 

• Providers approved by the KBN
• Providers approved by other state boards of nursing
• Providers approved by national nursing credentialing associations 

Additionally, there are mandatory one-time CE requirements: 

• 3 contact hours in domestic violence: These are required within three years of initial licensure for those educated outside Kentucky or before May 1998.  
• 1.5 contact hours in pediatric abusive head trauma: These are required within three years of initial licensure for those educated outside Kentucky or before December 2011.  
• 2 contact hours in suicide prevention: These are required for all nurses.  
• 1.5 contact hours in implicit bias: These are required for all nurses.  

Timelines and important dates 

• September 15: Renewal period opens.
• October 31: Renewal period closes at midnight Eastern Time.
• November 1: Licenses not renewed by this date will lapse. 

It's advisable to complete your CE hours and submit your renewal application well before the October 31 deadline to avoid any lapses in licensure.  

Submitting the renewal application 

To renew your license: 

1. Access the KBN Nurse Portal: Log in or register.
2. Complete the renewal application: Update personal information and answer all required questions.
3. Submit proof of CE completion: Be prepared to provide documentation if audited.
4. Pay the renewal fee: Follow the online instructions to complete payment. 

Detailed instructions are available on the KBN website.  

Renewal fees 

The renewal fee for an LPN license in Kentucky is $65. Late renewals may incur additional fees, so timely submission is crucial.  

Late renewal and reinstatement 

If you miss the renewal deadline, your license will lapse. To reinstate it, you must: 

• Submit a reinstatement application — available on the KBN website.
• Provide proof of 14 contact hours of CE — completed within the past year.
• Pay the reinstatement fee — this includes the standard renewal fee plus any applicable late fees. 

Reinstatement procedures and fees are detailed on the KBN website.  

Verification of license status 

You can verify your license status through the KBN online verification system. This tool confirms your license's current status and expiration date. 

Keeping track of CE records 

Maintain records of your CE activities, including certificates of completion, for at least five years. This documentation is essential if you're selected for a CE audit by the KBN.  

Tips for a smooth renewal process 

• Start early: Begin accumulating CE hours and preparing your renewal application well before the renewal period opens.
• Stay organized: Keep detailed records of all CE activities and related documentation.
• Use the online portal: The KBN Nurse Portal offers a streamlined renewal process.
• Monitor communications: Regularly check your email and the KBN website for updates or notifications regarding your license. 

By adhering to these guidelines and staying proactive, you can ensure a seamless renewal of your Kentucky LPN license, allowing you to continue your nursing practice without interruption.