Colorado Nurse License Overview
Getting your Colorado nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
Stay Compliant Without the Stress
Track your credentials and monitor your license
Get free CEs + track your remaining contact hours with CerTracker
Everything you need to renew your license, in one place.
How long does it take to get a Colorado Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Colorado does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | ~$100–110 | ~$100–110 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | ~$100–110 | ~$100–110 |
| Background Check | ~$30–$60 | ~$30–$60 |
Key Sections:
Colorado License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Colorado RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Colorado Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Colorado Board of Nursing (DORA) | Colorado Board of Nursing (DORA) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC State) | Yes (eNLC State) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys or state board verification | Via Nursys or state board verification |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) Online Portal | Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | Varies (applications are reviewed after all required documents, background checks, and verifications are completed) | Varies (applications are reviewed after all required documents, background checks, and verifications are completed) |
CO Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Colorado Board of Nursing online portal
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
Identity Requirement
- Provide a valid U.S. Social Security Number
- If you do not have an SSN, you must submit an SSN Affidavit
- 3.
License Verification
- Request verification via Nursys from: your original state of licensure and all other states or countries where you have held a license
- If a state does not participate in Nursys, request verification directly from that board
- 4.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Fingerprinting is required
- State and federal background check must be completed
- 5.
Education & Licensure Information
- Provide details of your nursing education
- Provide information on all healthcare licenses held
- Submit license verification details
- 6.
Additional Documentation
- Upload name change documentation (if applicable)
- Declare your primary state of residence
- Complete criminal history screening and provide supporting documents
- Complete Healthcare Professions Profile
- 7.
Examination Information
- Provide details of your initial licensure exam
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Colorado does NOT routinely issue temporary nursing licenses for endorsement.
- 2.
Key Note
- Temporary licenses were previously issued during emergency periods (e.g., COVID-19)
- Currently, applicants should expect to wait for full license approval before practicing
Colorado Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Colorado
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | None required | Maintain continued competency | No CE required for renewal — must attest to maintaining continued competency |
| LPN | None required | Maintain continued competency | No CE required for renewal — must attest to maintaining continued competency |
| APRN | Varies by certification | Maintain national certification | Must meet certifying body requirements |
Key Notes for Colorado
- Colorado is a no-CE state — no continuing education hours are required for RN or LPN license renewal
- Licensees must still maintain the ability to practice safely and competently
- Competency may include: ongoing nursing practice, continuing education (optional), or professional development activities
- Additional requirements may apply for advanced practice roles (APRN) and disciplinary or Board-specific cases
- Applications expire 1 year after submission — incomplete applications will require a new application and fee
- All required documents (including fingerprints and background checks) should be submitted before or during application
Get your unlimited free CEs with CerTracker
Managing your
Colorado nursing license doesn't have to be stressful.
Track everything in one place with CerTracker and get automated reminders
Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Colorado Nursing License
How much does a Colorado nursing license cost?
Renewal Fee (RN/LPN): $108. Additional fees may apply for late renewal or reinstatement.
How long does it take to get a Colorado nursing license?
Processing time varies and depends on when all required documents are received and verified. Delays may occur if background checks or license verifications are incomplete.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Colorado?
Colorado does not require continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal. Nurses must attest to maintaining continued competency to practice safely.