How to Get a Nurse (RN/LPN) License in District of Columbia (2026)
Quick answer
The board licenses and regulates registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the District.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
District of Columbia Board of Nursing, DC Department of Health
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The Board of Nursing, a division within the DC Department of Health, Health Systems & Preparedness Administration (HSPA), is responsible for the licensure and regulation
Official sourceOfficial agency page
Prepare your application
Apply with the agency
Confirm your next step with the agency
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
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What else should I know?
Agency guidance
The board licenses and regulates registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the District.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Registered Nurses (RNs)Official source
Agency guidance
During the one-time birth-month transition, licensees whose term was shorter than two years may meet 50% of CE requirements, while still completing two hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and the 10% public-health priority requirement.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
All Boards have approved acceptance of 50% of the Continuing Education (CE) requirements for licensees who have received less than two (2) years on their license term during this transition period. This applies only to this one-time transition into the birth‑month renewal cycle. License holders are still responsible for the two (2) LGBTQ Cultural Competency and the 10% Public Health Priorities.Official source
Agency guidance
$145 for a Registered Nurse License Renewal $50 for a Criminal Background Check
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
$145 for a Registered Nurse License Renewal $50 for a Criminal Background CheckOfficial source
When do I renew, and is CE required?
Continuing education topics
Twenty-four (24) hours of CE, which must include 2 HOURS of LGBTQ and 2.5 hours must be in the public health priority topics All renewals require proof of continuing education (CE) except for first-time renewals.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Twenty-four (24) hours of CE, which must include 2 HOURS of LGBTQ and 2.5 hours must be in the public health priority topics All renewals require proof of continuing education (CE) except for first-time renewals.Official source
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
What does it cost?
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
Which official sources support this guide?
Official sources and verification (7)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
District of Columbia Board of Nursing, DC Department of Health
District of Columbia Board of Nursing, DC Department of Health
The Board of Nursing, a division within the DC Department of Health, Health Systems & Preparedness Administration (HSPA), is responsible for the licensure and regulationOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://dchealth.dc.gov/bon
Board of NursingOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://dchealth.dc.gov/bon
Board of NursingOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Twenty-four (24) hours of CE, which must include 2 HOURS of LGBTQ and 2.5 hours must be in the public health priority topics All renewals require proof of continuing education (CE) except for first-time renewals.
The 2026 RN renewal notice specifies 24 CE hours, including two hours of LGBTQ content and 2.5 hours on public-health priority topics; first-time renewals are excepted from CE documentation.
Twenty-four (24) hours of CE, which must include 2 HOURS of LGBTQ and 2.5 hours must be in the public health priority topics All renewals require proof of continuing education (CE) except for first-time renewals.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
The board licenses and regulates registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the District.
The board licenses and regulates registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in the District.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) Registered Nurses (RNs)Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
During the one-time birth-month transition, licensees whose term was shorter than two years may meet 50% of CE requirements, while still completing two hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and the 10% public-health priority requirement.
During the one-time birth-month transition, licensees whose term was shorter than two years may meet 50% of CE requirements, while still completing two hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and the 10% public-health priority requirement.
All Boards have approved acceptance of 50% of the Continuing Education (CE) requirements for licensees who have received less than two (2) years on their license term during this transition period. This applies only to this one-time transition into the birth‑month renewal cycle. License holders are still responsible for the two (2) LGBTQ Cultural Competency and the 10% Public Health Priorities.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
$145 for a Registered Nurse License Renewal $50 for a Criminal Background Check
The 2026 RN renewal notice lists a $145 renewal fee and $50 criminal-background-check fee.
$145 for a Registered Nurse License Renewal $50 for a Criminal Background CheckOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, required hours, exam, renewal — see the official agency.
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Registered nurse and LPN renewal and continuing education in neighboring states
Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.
Related licenses in District of Columbia
Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (2)
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