A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Hawaii in 2025
How to Obtain a Hawaii Nursing License
1. Complete an Accredited Nursing Program
Enroll in an accredited nursing program leading to an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
2. Submit Your Application
Apply through the Hawaii Professional & Vocational Licensing Division's online portal. Include a clear copy of your government-issued photo ID and your signed Social Security card.
3. Provide Transcripts
Request your nursing school to send your transcripts directly to the Hawaii Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope.
4. Complete Fingerprinting
Schedule an appointment with Fieldprint using the code FPHIBrdNursing for a criminal background check. This must be done within 30 days of your application submission.
5. Pass the NCLEX
Take and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN). Candidates have three attempts; after three failures, a board-approved remediation course is required before reapplying.Research.com
Licensing Fees (Effective 2025)
- NCLEX Examination Fee: $200
- Application Fee: $60
- Endorsement Application Fee: $234 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026); $166 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)
- APRN Application Fee: $194 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026); $126 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027)
License Renewal Process
Renewal Timeline
Nursing licenses in Hawaii expire on June 30 of every odd-numbered year. For the 2025–2027 cycle, renewals are accepted from April 21, 2025, to June 30, 2025. DCCA
Renewal Fees
- RN/LPN Active Status: $196
- APRN Active Status: $36
- Inactive Status (All Licenses): $12
Continuing Competency Requirements
To renew, nurses must fulfill one of the following options:Nursing CE Central
- Complete 30 contact hours of continuing education.
- Obtain national certification or recertification in your practice area.
- Complete a board-approved refresher course.
- Earn at least two semester credits of post-licensure education related to nursing.
- Serve as a preceptor for at least 120 hours in an organized preceptorship program.
- Complete a principal nursing research project preapproved by the Board.
- Author a peer-reviewed article, book, or book chapter related to nursing or health.
- Deliver a nursing education presentation totaling at least five contact hours.
- Complete a board-recognized nurse residency program.
- Engage in other activities acknowledged by the Board.
APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete at least 30 contact hours, with eight specifically in pharmacology.
Fingerprinting Requirement
All nurses renewing their licenses must undergo fingerprinting for a criminal background check. Schedule an appointment with Fieldprint using the code FPHIBrdNursing. Trusted Health
Workforce Survey
During the renewal process, nurses are encouraged to complete the Hawaii State Center for Nursing's workforce survey, which helps in workforce planning and development. DCCA+2DCCA+2Hawaii.gov+2
Restoring a Forfeited License
- RN/LPN: Forfeited licenses may be restored within two years by meeting restoration requirements.
- APRN: Forfeited licenses may be restored within six months by meeting restoration requirements. DCCA
For more information and to access renewal applications, visit the Hawaii Board of Nursing.
Explore nursing job opportunities at GoodWork.
