How to Get a Nurse (RN/LPN) License in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota Board of Nursing

Minnesota Board of Nursing

Minnesota Board of Nursing

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/licensure/license-renewal/renewal-faq.jsp

Minnesota Board of Nursing

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

At the time of initial licensure or reregistration, your licensure period is determined by the date of licensure as it relates to the month and year of your birth. The licensure period can vary from 6 to 29 months depending upon your date of birth and the start date of your registration period.

The first license or reregistration period varies from 6 to 29 months based on birth month/year and the registration start date.

At the time of initial licensure or reregistration, your licensure period is determined by the date of licensure as it relates to the month and year of your birth. The licensure period can vary from 6 to 29 months depending upon your date of birth and the start date of your registration period.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

For shorter or longer registration periods, LPN CE is one contact hour per two months and RN CE is one contact hour per month.

For shorter or longer registration periods, LPN CE is one contact hour per two months and RN CE is one contact hour per month.

If you are a LPN, you must complete 12 contact hours of continuing education during a 24 month period of registration. This is a ratio of one contact hour for each two months of registration. If your period of registration is less than or more than 24 months, you apply the same ratio. If you are a RN, you must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during a 24 month period of registration. This is a ratio of one contact hour for each month of registration. If your period of registration is less than or more than 24 months, the same ratio applies.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Keep CE documents for two years after using them for renewal.

Keep CE documents for two years after using them for renewal.

You need to keep the documents for two years after using the continuing education for renewal.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN/LPN endorsement applications cost $105 and registration renewal costs $85. The criminal-background-check fee is $35.

RN/LPN endorsement applications cost $105 and registration renewal costs $85. The criminal-background-check fee is $35.

RN and LPN application for licensure by endorsement | $105.00 APRN, RN and LPN registration renewal | $85.00 Criminal background check | $35.00

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/licensure/license-renewal/renew-license.jsp

Renew your license

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

2 years

2

After this initial period of licensure, your license will be in effect for two years.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

For a typical 24-month period, RNs need 24 contact hours and LPNs need 12. Requirements may be fulfilled through a current nursing specialty certificate, qualifying CE activities or qualifying professional activities.

For a typical 24-month period, RNs need 24 contact hours and LPNs need 12. Requirements may be fulfilled through a current nursing specialty certificate, qualifying CE activities or qualifying professional activities.

During a typical continuing education participation period (24 months) an RN must participate in 24 contact hours of continuing education and an LPN must participate in 12 contact hours. Continuing education requirements may be fulfilled in one of three ways: obtain a current nursing specialty certificate participate in continuing education activities offered by providers of continuing education participate in certain professional activities

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$105

105

RN and LPN application for licensure by examination | $105.00

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

After the initial term, licenses last two years. Renew by midnight on expiration; paper applications must be received by then. Otherwise, apply for reregistration.

After this initial period of licensure, your license will be in effect for two years. If you are renewing by paper, your application must be received by the Board by your registration expiration date. If your license is not renewed by midnight, either online or by paper, you must apply for reregistration. Applies to: Minnesota RN and LPN licenses; the first period varies from 6 to 29 months and the individual registration expiration date controls.

After this initial period of licensure, your license will be in effect for two years. If you are renewing by paper, your application must be received by the Board by your registration expiration date. If your license is not renewed by midnight, either online or by paper, you must apply for reregistration.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026