Idaho takes a unique approach to nursing license renewal — rather than requiring a set number of CE hours, nurses must complete at least two approved learning activities per renewal cycle. Idaho has been a Nurse Licensure Compact member since 2001. Here's your complete guide.
Idaho RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Idaho Board of Nursing requires nurses to complete at least 2 approved learning activities within each 2-year renewal period. The most common combination is 15 contact hours of continuing education plus 100 hours of nursing practice or current specialty certification.
Idaho has been a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state since 2001, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What Is Required for Renewal?
For RNs (choose at least 2 of the following):
- 15 CE contact hours from an approved or accredited provider, relevant to your practice area
- 100 hours of nursing practice or simulation practice within the renewal period
- Current nursing specialty certification
- 1 semester credit hour of post-licensure academic education
- Board-recognized refresher course
- Workshop, seminar, or conference — participation in or presentation of
- Renewal fee: $90
For LPNs:
- Same 2-learning-activity requirement as RNs
- Renewal fee: $90
For APRNs:
- Same 2-learning-activity requirement as RNs
- Renewal fee: $90
Important Renewal Dates
Idaho has different renewal dates depending on your license type:
- RN and APRN licenses: August 31 of odd-numbered years (next deadline: August 31, 2027)
- LPN licenses: August 31 of even-numbered years (next deadline: August 31, 2026)
- Late renewal: Available with a $35 late fee; practicing on an expired license is prohibited
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Idaho Nursing License
- Log in to the Idaho DOPL online portal. Visit the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses portal to access your renewal application.
- Select your nursing license type and begin the renewal application.
- Attest to completing at least 2 approved learning activities during the renewal period (e.g., 15 CE hours and 100 practice hours).
- Answer all disclosure questions regarding professional conduct and criminal history.
- Pay the $90 renewal fee by credit or debit card.
- Maintain documentation of your learning activities for at least 5 years in case of audit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Completing only one learning activity. Idaho requires at least two — for example, 15 CE hours alone is not enough. Pair it with practice hours, certification, or academic coursework.
- Using non-approved CE providers. CE must come from an approved or accredited provider and be relevant to your practice area. Verify provider accreditation before enrolling.
- Not keeping records long enough. Idaho requires 5 years of documentation retention, which is longer than most states. Don't discard records after renewal.
- Confusing RN and LPN renewal years. RN/APRN licenses expire in odd-numbered years while LPN licenses expire in even-numbered years. Track your specific deadline.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Choose your two activities early. Decide at the start of the biennium which two learning activities you'll pursue and plan accordingly.
- Leverage your practice hours. If you're actively working as a nurse, 100 practice hours is easy to achieve. Pair it with 15 CE hours for the simplest combination.
- Use NLC benefits. Idaho has been a compact state since 2001. Your multistate license lets you practice in other NLC states without extra licenses.
- Track everything in one place. RenewRN can track your CE hours, practice hours, and send renewal reminders so you never miss a deadline.
Track Your Idaho License with RenewRN
With two learning activities to manage and 5 years of documentation to retain, Idaho's renewal process benefits from organized tracking. RenewRN sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires so you never lapse.