Licensing Services

Registered Nurses 

Definitions

• Original License by Examination:  You are applying to take an examination in order to qualify for licensure in Colorado.
• Original License by Endorsement:  You hold an active license in another state and wish to apply for licensure in Colorado.
• Renew:  You currently hold a Colorado license and are in a renewal period.
• Reinstate:  Your Colorado license has expired and you wish to reinstate the license.
• Reactivate: You currently hold an inactive Colorado license and you wish to change your status to active.
• Retired Status: You are applying to maintain your Colorado license as retired status.

Licensing Requirements

• Click here for the licensing requirements for Colorado Registered Nurses.
• Click here for more information regarding the Nurse Licensure Compact for Colorado.
• Click here for help determining scope of practice. 

Forms

License Expiration Grace Period for New Applicants. Registered Nurse license expiration dates are September 30 of either odd-numbered years or even-numbered years, and are dependent upon the issuance date. All new applicants who are issued a license within 120 days of the upcoming renewal expiration date will be issued a license with the subsequent expiration date. For example, licenses issued between June 1, 2012 and September 30, 2012 will reflect a license expiration date of September 30, 2014. Licenses issued prior to June 1, 2012 will reflect an expiration date of September 30, 2012 and must renew in the upcoming renewal period.

License Renewal Information. All Registered Nurse licenses expire on September 30 of even- or odd-numbered years and must be renewed to continue practicing.

Test Accommodations

The Division of Professions and Occupations provides test accommodations to applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), including changes made by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). To submit a request for accommodations, please complete the Test Accommodations Request Form provided in the link below and return it and the documentation requested in Part II of the Form with your application materials.

• Test Accommodations Request Form

E-mail Us

If you did not find the information you need, send an e-mail to the Division of Professions and Occupations.

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