Montana is one of the simplest states for nursing license renewal — no continuing education hours are required. The Montana Board of Nursing repealed all CE requirements in November 2023, making renewal straightforward for RNs, LPNs, and APRNs. Here's your complete guide to renewing your Montana nursing license.
Montana RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The Montana Board of Nursing no longer requires continuing education hours for license renewal. Effective November 18, 2023, the Board repealed the 24-hour CE requirement that was previously in place for all license types.
Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state since 2015, so nurses with a multistate license can practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What Is Required for Renewal?
For RNs and LPNs:
- No CE hours required — Montana repealed all CE requirements effective November 2023
- Renewal fee: $100 for both RN and LPN
- Online renewal through the Board's licensing portal
For APRNs:
- No CE hours required for APRN renewal
- Renewal fee: $50 for APRN (plus separate RN renewal)
- Prescriptive authority renewal: $75 additional if applicable
Important Renewal Dates
- Deadline: December 31 every two years
- Renewal cycle: Licenses expire on December 31 of either even-numbered or odd-numbered years depending on when your license was originally issued
- Renewal notices: The Board mails renewal notices 45 days before expiration
- Late fee: $100 for renewals postmarked after December 31
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your Montana Nursing License
- Know your expiration year. Montana nursing licenses expire on December 31 every two years. Check whether your license expires in an even or odd year based on your original issuance date.
- Log in to the Board's online licensing portal. Visit the Montana Board of Nursing website at boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nursing to access your renewal.
- Verify your information. Update your mailing address, email, and employment information as needed.
- Answer disclosure questions. Respond to any questions about professional conduct and criminal history.
- Pay the renewal fee. $100 for RN or LPN, $50 for APRN. Payment can be made online by credit or debit card.
- Submit before December 31. Late renewals will be assessed a $100 late fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming renewal is automatic. Even though no CE is required, you must actively complete the online renewal process and pay the fee before December 31.
- Missing your renewal year. Montana licenses expire on a staggered schedule — some in even years, some in odd years. Confirm which year applies to your license.
- Ignoring the renewal notice. The Board mails notices 45 days before expiration. If you don't receive one, check your address on file and renew proactively.
- Practicing on an expired license. There is no formal grace period in Montana. If your license expires, you cannot practice until it is renewed. Late renewal incurs a $100 penalty.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Renew early. Don't wait until December to renew. Start the process as soon as you receive your renewal notice to avoid last-minute issues.
- Take advantage of NLC benefits. As a compact state, your Montana multistate license lets you practice in other NLC states without extra licenses — ideal for travel nursing or telehealth.
- Consider voluntary CE. While no longer required, the Montana Board of Nursing still provides free CE courses for professional development. Many employers value ongoing education regardless of state mandates.
- Track your license with RenewRN. Even without CE tracking needs, RenewRN monitors your expiration date and sends reminders so you never miss a renewal deadline.
Track Your Montana License with RenewRN
Montana's simple renewal process means the biggest risk is forgetting your December 31 deadline. RenewRN sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires so you never lapse.