Colorado is one of the most nurse-friendly states for renewal — no continuing education hours are required for RN or LPN license renewal. Instead, Colorado uses a competency attestation model where nurses self-certify they have maintained professional competence. Here's your complete guide.
Colorado RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Colorado State Board of Nursing does not require specific continuing education hours for RN or LPN license renewal. Instead, nurses must attest that they have maintained competency through practice, education, or other professional development activities.
Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so nurses with a multistate license can practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What Is the Competency Attestation Model?
Instead of mandating a set number of CE hours, Colorado trusts nurses to maintain their own professional competence. During renewal, you attest that you have:
- Maintained competency in your area of nursing practice
- Practiced safely and in accordance with nursing laws and rules
- Engaged in professional development relevant to your practice (though no specific hours or activities are mandated)
While no CE hours are required, many Colorado nurses still take CE courses voluntarily for professional growth and to stay current with best practices.
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Colorado Nursing License
- Know your deadline. Colorado RN and APRN licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years. LPN licenses expire on August 31 of even-numbered years.
- Log in to the DORA MyLicense Portal. Visit the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) online portal to start your renewal.
- Verify your information. Update your mailing address, email, and employment information.
- Complete the competency attestation. Affirm that you have maintained professional competency during the renewal period.
- Answer disclosure questions. Respond to questions about professional conduct and criminal history.
- Pay the renewal fee. The current fee is $108 for RNs, LPNs, and APRNs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming renewal is automatic. Even though no CE is required, you must actively complete the renewal process online before September 30.
- Missing the 60-day grace period. Colorado offers a 60-day late renewal period after expiration with a $15 late fee. After 60 days, you must apply for reinstatement, which is more costly.
- Forgetting about APRN requirements. While RN/LPN renewal requires no CE, APRNs with prescriptive authority must maintain national certification and may have additional requirements through their certifying body.
- Not updating your address. Colorado requires a current address on file. Failure to update can delay renewal communications.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Renew early in the window. Don't wait until September to renew. The online portal typically opens several months before the deadline.
- Consider voluntary CE. Even without a requirement, taking CE courses keeps your skills sharp and can benefit your career. Many employers value ongoing education regardless of state mandates.
- Take advantage of NLC benefits. As a compact state, your Colorado multistate license lets you practice in other NLC states without extra licenses — ideal for travel nursing.
- Track your license status with RenewRN. Even without CE tracking needs, RenewRN monitors your expiration date and sends reminders so you never miss a renewal deadline.
Track Your Colorado License with RenewRN
Colorado's simple renewal process means the biggest risk is simply forgetting your deadline. RenewRN sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires so you never lapse.