Restore My License

Colorado Nurse Practitioner Reinstatement and reactivation

Explore late renewal, reinstatement and return-to-practice steps.

Last researched October 7, 2026

Showing findings with official source evidence. Check the conditions for each requirement and confirm your circumstances with the board.

Use the boxes to track your preparation. Checking an item does not verify compliance.

Which return-to-practice route applies

Colorado APN reinstatement option exists for an expired license/registration (separate from renewal)

Colorado’s Advanced Practice Registration (APN) applications include “Reinstatement of an Expired license” and a “Reinstatement Checklist,” and also include an APN “Renewal” application as a separate item.

Applies when: For a Colorado APRN/Nurse Practitioner whose APN is expired (this does not confirm thresholds for inactive vs lapsed vs surrendered vs disciplinary statuses).
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
2. 2. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  **Advanced Practice Registration (APN) Applications**: - Advanced Practice Registration - New Application (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstate Expired Registration (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist **Prescriptive Authority (RXN) Applications**: - Prescriptive Authority - New Application (Apply Online) - Proposed Mentorship Form - Provisional to Full RXN Application (post 750 hour Colorado Mentorship) -
APN NP reinstatement option exists for an expired license/registration (separate from renewal)

Colorado’s APN materials include an application to reinstate an expired license/registration and list a “Reinstatement Checklist,” separate from APN renewal.

Applies when: For a Colorado Advanced Practice Registration (APN) for an APRN/Nurse Practitioner whose APN is expired (not including any time/status thresholds like inactive vs lapsed vs surrendered vs disciplined, which are not confirmed in the available excerpts).
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
APN reinstatement path exists

Colorado lists Advanced Practice Registration reinstatement of an expired license/registration and a reinstatement checklist.

Applies when: For Colorado Nurse Practitioner / APN expired registration.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
Renewal is separate from reinstatement

Colorado lists Advanced Practice Registration renewal as a separate application item.

Applies when: For Colorado APN registrations.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
APN reinstatement route

Colorado has an Advanced Practice Registration reinstatement path for an expired registration, with a reinstatement checklist.

Applies when: For Colorado APN / Nurse Practitioner reinstatement.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
Reinstatement vs renewal

Colorado lists both APN reinstatement of an expired license/registration and APN renewal as separate application items.

Applies when: For Colorado APN / Nurse Practitioner license restoration.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
APN reinstatement route

Colorado has a separate Advanced Practice Registration application for reinstatement of an expired registration, plus a reinstatement checklist.

Applies when: For Colorado Nurse Practitioner / Advanced Practice Registration.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.

Can I practice while waiting?

No practice until the license has been issued

You may not practice in Colorado until your license has been issued.

Applies when: Applies to practice while waiting for issuance after applying/reinstating/renewing; this does not describe any separate temporary authorization.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  You may not practice until your license has been issued.
No practice until license is issued (including while a restoration application is pending)

Colorado states you may not practice until your license has been issued.

Applies when: Applies to practice in Colorado while waiting for issuance after applying/reinstating/renewing; it does not describe any temporary practice authorization.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  You may not practice until your license has been issued.
No practice before issuance

You may not practice until your license has been issued.

Applies when: For a Colorado applicant seeking reinstatement.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  You may not practice until your license has been issued.
No practice before issuance

You may not practice until your license has been issued.

Applies when: For an applicant seeking Colorado nursing/APN reinstatement.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  You may not practice until your license has been issued.

CE and return-to-practice education

No additional APRN continuing education requirements beyond maintaining professional certification

There are no additional continuing education requirements other than what is required to maintain professional certification.

Applies when: For APRN continuing education requirements for renewal (does not confirm specific reinstatement refresher-course requirements by status).
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  ** A. There are no additional continuing education requirements other than what is required to maintain professional certification.
2. 2. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  There are no additional continuing education requirements other than what is required to maintain professional certification.
If not worked on an active nursing license in last two years, continued competency is required (refresher course allowed)

If you have not worked on an active nursing license in the last two years, you are required to demonstrate continued competency, and continued competency can be demonstrated by successful completion of a refresher course.

Applies when: For an APRN/Nurse Practitioner applicant/return-to-practice cohort who has not worked on an active nursing license in the last two years (applies to continued competency requirement; does not confirm hour counts or exams).
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  A. If you have not worked on an active nursing license in the last two years you are required to demonstrate continued competency.
2. 2. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  Continued competency can be demonstrated by successful completion of a refresher course.
3. 3. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  If you have not worked on an active nursing license in the last two years you are required to demonstrate continued competency.
4. 4. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  Board-recognized refresher courses can be found on the website under the nursing education link located under the Resources heading on the Nursing Homepage.
Clinical portion restriction for refresher course without an active Colorado license

If you do not have an active license to practice in Colorado, you cannot do the clinical portion of the refresher course until you obtain a Refresher Course-only license from the Board.

Applies when: For completing the clinical portion of a refresher course when you do not hold an active Colorado license.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  *Note: If you do not have an active license to practice in Colorado, you cannot do the clinical portion of the refresher course until you obtain a Refresher Course-only license from the Board.
No additional CE requirements for APRNs beyond maintaining professional certification

Colorado states there are no additional continuing education requirements for APRNs other than what is required to maintain professional certification.

Applies when: For APRN continuing education/renewal requirements; does not confirm any specific return-to-practice/refresher education requirements tied to reinstatement status.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  ** A. There are no additional continuing education requirements other than what is required to maintain professional certification.

Application and documents

APN reinstatement uses the “Reinstate Expired Registration” application and includes a reinstatement checklist

Colorado’s APN materials include an “Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstate Expired Registration (Apply Online)” item and a “Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist.”

Applies when: For a Colorado APRN/Nurse Practitioner applying for APN reinstatement of an expired registration (does not list every supporting document beyond the checklist reference).
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  **Advanced Practice Registration (APN) Applications**: - Advanced Practice Registration - New Application (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstate Expired Registration (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist **Prescriptive Authority (RXN) Applications**: - Prescriptive Authority - New Application (Apply Online) - Proposed Mentorship Form - Provisional to Full RXN Application (post 750 hour Colorado Mentorship) -
2. 2. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
Applicants download and mail APN application forms to the Division, with the appropriate fee if applicable

APN applications are available by downloading the document, completing the form, and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.

Applies when: For APN applications/forms generally as described on the applications page (does not confirm which reinstatement components are online vs mailed).
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
Reinstatement checklist is included in the APN reinstatement materials

Colorado’s APN applications list includes a “Reinstatement Checklist” with the “Reinstate Expired Registration” application item.

Applies when: For APN NP reinstatement materials (does not confirm the complete document list such as fingerprints, employer verification, or other specific items for NP reinstatement in the available excerpts).
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  **Advanced Practice Registration (APN) Applications**: - Advanced Practice Registration - New Application (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstate Expired Registration (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist **Prescriptive Authority (RXN) Applications**: - Prescriptive Authority - New Application (Apply Online) - Proposed Mentorship Form - Provisional to Full RXN Application (post 750 hour Colorado Mentorship) -
Instructions for mailing downloaded forms with appropriate fee if applicable are present generally for APN applications

Colorado’s APN applications page states applications/forms are available by downloading the document, completing the form, and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.

Applies when: For APN applications/forms generally; the excerpt does not enumerate each document type for NP reinstatement.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
Use the APN reinstatement materials

Colorado's APN applications page lists Reinstate Expired Registration and a Reinstatement Checklist.

Applies when: For Colorado APN reinstatement.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  **Advanced Practice Registration (APN) Applications**: - Advanced Practice Registration - New Application (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstate Expired Registration (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist **Prescriptive Authority (RXN) Applications**: - Prescriptive Authority - New Application (Apply Online) - Proposed Mentorship Form - Provisional to Full RXN Application (post 750 hour Colorado Mentorship) -
Forms may be mailed with the fee, if applicable

The forms may be downloaded, completed, and mailed to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.

Applies when: For Colorado APN reinstatement forms.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
Application method

APN reinstatement forms may be downloaded, completed, and mailed to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.

Applies when: For Colorado APN reinstatement forms.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.
Application method

The reinstatement application may be downloaded, completed, and mailed to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.

Applies when: For Colorado APN reinstatement forms.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  - Advanced Practice Registration - Initial License by Original or Telehealth Method - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement of an Expired license - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist - Advanced Practice Registration - Renewal The following applications and forms are available by downloading the document from the links below, completing the form and mailing it to the Division with the appropriate fee, if applicable.

Fees

Fees are available on the specific application/forms (amounts not confirmed here)

All fees and mailing instructions are available on the respective applications and forms.

Applies when: For Colorado APN reinstatement/renewal fees and mailing instructions (does not provide fee amounts in the available excerpt).
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  All fees and mailing instructions are available on the respective applications and forms: - Advanced Practice Registration - Additional Population Application

Board and official links

APN reinstatement/reinstatement-checklist forms are listed on Colorado Nursing’s APN applications documents page

Colorado’s Nursing “Advanced Practice Applications and Forms Documents” page lists the APN reinstatement (reinstate expired registration) application and a reinstatement checklist.

Applies when: For locating the APN reinstatement materials for a Colorado APRN/Nurse Practitioner.
Source evidence
1. 1. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  **Advanced Practice Registration (APN) Applications**: - Advanced Practice Registration - New Application (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstate Expired Registration (Apply Online) - Advanced Practice Registration - Reinstatement Checklist **Prescriptive Authority (RXN) Applications**: - Prescriptive Authority - New Application (Apply Online) - Proposed Mentorship Form - Provisional to Full RXN Application (post 750 hour Colorado Mentorship) -
DORA Online Services has a “Reinstate an Expired License” option (online services navigation)

Colorado’s DORA Online Services includes an option to “Reinstate an Expired License,” and you can use the online services area for license status/application tracking.

Applies when: For using online services to initiate/find reinstatement and track applications; does not confirm specific restoration forms beyond the option label.
Source evidence
1. 1. apps2.colorado.gov ↗
  Select this to Reinstate an Expired License.
2. 2. apps2.colorado.gov ↗
  ## Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations Online Services To access all Online Services including Online New Applications, Online License Renewal*, Online Reinstatement or Online Address Change, please log in on the left hand side module.
3. 3. dpo.colorado.gov ↗
  Select the "My License/Application information" tab to view the status of any new, reinstatement, reactivation or renewal application.