Colorado Nursing License Renewal & Licensing Guide
Colorado Nursing License
- Compact: Yes
- Time Frame: 6-8 Weeks
- Fee: $43
- Renewal: Every 2 Years
- Nursys: Yes
Guide to Colorado Nursing License
Colorado is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, making it a popular destination for travel nurses and an easy process for relocating RNs in Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Fort Collins. Whether you need to renew a Colorado nursing license, apply for a Colorado RN license by endorsement, or convert to a Colorado multistate license, the Colorado State Board of Nursing manages everything through the DORA portal.
This guide covers Colorado nursing license renewal requirements, endorsement steps, continuing competency requirements, fees, fingerprinting, temporary permits, and reinstatement—so you can avoid delays and start working sooner.
Colorado Nursing License Fees & Info
Compact Licensing in Colorado
Colorado is a participating state in the NLC, allowing eligible nurses to hold a multistate license. To have a multistate CO license, s you must declare Colorado as your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) and meet compact requirements (education, exam, background check, no disciplinary history). If your PSOR is another compact state, you can practice in Colorado under that state’s multistate license — you do not need a separate Colorado license unless you move your PSOR to Colorado.
Fees
Licensure by Endorsement: $43
Licensure by Examination: $135
RN License Renewal: $108
RN License Reinstatement: $180
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Colorado Board of Nursing
Helpful Links
Address
Colorado Nursing License Renewal
Renewal Timeline
Colorado RN and LPN licenses are renewed every 2 years through the Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) online portal.
- Expiration Date:September 30 of the renewal year (odd or even, depending on your issuance year).
- Renewal opens ~ 6 weeks before expiration, and you must complete renewal before the deadline to maintain an active license.
Renewal Requirements
To renew and maintain an active Colorado RN license, you must:
- Hold an active, unencumbered license in good standing.
- Log into the DORA online portal and complete the renewal application and fee payment.
- Update personal and professional information (address, employment, and legal disclosures).
- Answer regulatory questions truthfully. Disciplinary or criminal history must be reported.
Colorado does not offer a grace period — if you miss the deadline, your license status will show as Expired, and you must apply for reinstatement before returning to practice..
Continuing Education Requirements
While traditional CE hours are not mandatory, the Colorado Board of Nursing requires RNs and LPNs to demonstrate continued competency through one of the following:
- Active nursing practice within the renewal period
- Completion of a Board-approved refresher or reentry program if returning to practice after a lapse.
How to Renew Colorado RN License
- Log into your DORA account on the Colorado Online Licensing Portal
- Select your RN or LPN license and click “Renew License.”
- Verify and update your contact and employment information.
- Answer all legal and regulatory questions accurately.
- Pay the renewal fee online (credit/debit card accepted).
- After submission, confirm your updated Active status in your DORA account and download a copy of your license record for your files.
Renewal Fee: $108
Colorado Nursing License by Endorsement
What is Endorsement?
If you already hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. state or territory and wish to practice in Colorado, you apply by endorsement. Because Colorado participates in the NLC, if you hold a mulitstate license in another state, you do not need to apply for licensure in Colorado unless you are declaring Colorado as your new PSOR.
Who Qualifies?
You may apply by endorsement if you:
- Hold a current, unencumbered RN or LPN license in another state.
- Meet education and exam requirements comparable to Colorado’s standards.
- Complete fingerprinting/background check and declare Colorado as your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) if you want multistate privileges
What You’ll Need (documents & verifications)
- Complete the online application for licensure by endorsement via the DORA portal and pay the required fee.
- Request verification of your current and all prior nursing licenses through Nursys.
- Provide official transcripts or verification of nursing education if requested by the Board.
- Complete fingerprinting for a State and Federal background check.
- Declare Colorado as your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) if you want multistate privileges.
Colorado RN License by Endorsement Process – Step by Step
1.) Create Your DORA Account and Submit Application
- Visit the Colorado Online Licensing Portal and create or log into your account.
- Select “RN/LPN by Endorsement.” Complete all required fields, upload documents, and pay the application fee.
2.) Submit License Verification
- Request verification of your original and current licenses through Nursys.com
- If your state doesn’t participate in Nursys, contact that state’s board directly to send verification to the Colorado Board of Nursing.
3.) Complete Fingerprint & Criminal Background Check
- Once your application is on file, you’ll receive fingerprinting instructions.
- Submit fingerprints to an approved vendor for both State (CBI) and FBI background checks.
4.) Final Review & Issuance
- The Colorado Board of Nursing will review your complete application. Once approved, your license will appear as Active in the online system — no paper license is issued.
Licensure by Examination (New Grads)
Who Qualifies
First-time RN or LVN applicants educated in the U.S. who have not been licensed in any other state.
Steps for CO Licensure by Examination
- Submit the “Licensure by Examination” application through the CSBN portal and pay the application fee.
- Provide official transcripts from an approved nursing education program that meets Colorado standards.
- Complete fingerprinting/background check (state & federal) as part of the application.
- Register for and pass the NCLEX‑RN (or NCLEX-PN for practical nurses).
- Once you pass the exam and all documentation is approved, the Colorado Board will issue your RN (or LPN) license.
Fees
Application Fee: $135
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
Colorado Nursing License for Travel Nurses
Travel Nursing in Colorado
Colorado is one of the most popular destinations for travel nurses, with steady demand across Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, and the mountain resort regions. Seasonal surges, especially during winter and summer, make Colorado a prime location for high-paying assignments.
Because Colorado is a compact state, travel nurses holding an active multistate license from another compact state can start working in Colorado immediately—no separate state license required—as long as their Primary State of Residence (PSOR) remains in their home compact state.
If you plan to relocate permanently to Colorado, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement.
Pro Tip for Travelers:
The #1 reason for delayed start dates in Colorado is waiting on fingerprint results or Nursys verification. Complete both as soon as you submit your endorsement application to avoid onboarding delays.
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Colorado Nursing License FAQs
How do I renew my RN license in Colorado?
To renew your Colorado nursing license, log in to the DORA Online Services portal, complete the renewal application, and pay the renewal fee. Colorado does not require CE hours for RN or LPN renewal. Instead, you must complete the Continuing Competency attestation. Once processed, verify your license shows as Active in the Colorado License Lookup before returning to work.
How often do I renew a Colorado nursing license?
Colorado RN and LPN licenses renew every two years.
- RNs: Renew by September 30 of the renewal year
- LPNs: Renew by August 31 of even-numbered years
If you miss the deadline, your license becomes Expired, and you must apply for reinstatement before practicing.
Do Colorado RNs or LPNs need continuing education (CE) for renewal?
No. Colorado does not require CE contact hours for RN or LPN renewal. Instead, you must complete a Continuing Competency attestation during renewal to confirm you’ve maintained safe and current nursing practice.
How long does it take to get a Colorado nursing license by endorsement?
Most Colorado endorsement applications are processed in 4–8 weeks, depending on fingerprint results and Nursys verification. Eligible applicants can request a temporary permit valid for up to four months, allowing them to work while full licensure is finalized.
Can I work in Colorado with a multistate license from another compact state?
es. Colorado is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold an active multistate license (MSL) and your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) is in another compact state, you can legally practice in Colorado without applying for a separate license.
What happens if my Colorado nursing license expires?
f your license expires, you must apply for reinstatement through the DORA portal and wait for official approval before resuming work.