Delaware Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

Professional woman smiling while outdoors
Written by Marie Hasty, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare
Delaware Nursing License Renewal: 3 Steps

If it’s time for your State of Delaware nursing license renewal, you’ve come to the right place. CNAs, LPNs, RN, and APRNs in Delaware need to maintain their credentials to continue practicing. Below, we’ll describe how to renew a Delaware nursing license and share key information to help you get started.

Delaware — the First State — is known for its beautiful beaches and unique place in U.S. history. It’s also home to more than 1 million people, approximately 21% of whom are aged 65 and over. There’s so much to explore as a nurse in Delaware.

Delaware Nursing Facts

The information below can help you renew your license, apply from out of state, learn about continuing education requirements, and answer other common questions. For general regulatory information, check out our article on the Delaware Nurse Practice Act.

Is Delaware part of the nursing licensure compact (NLC)?

Yes, Delaware is a part of the NLC.

How much do nurses in Delaware earn?

How can I contact the Delaware Board of Nursing (BON)?

Delaware Board of Nursing Phone Number: 302-744-4500

Website: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/

Delaware Board of Nursing Address:
Division of Professional Regulation
Cannon Building
Suite 203
Board of Nursing
861 Silver Lake Boulevard
Dover, DE 19904

Email: customerservice.dpr@delaware.gov

Delaware Nurse License Renewal Requirements

Out-of-state nurses can work in Delaware after obtaining their license by endorsement (if changing their primary residence) or with a compact license. If you’re a nurse already working in DE, the steps below will walk you through the Delaware nursing license renewal process.

Step 1: Determine Your Renewal Deadline

See the renewal dates below:

  • CNA: Renewals are every two years based on the date the certification was issued.
  • LPN: February 28 of even-numbered years.
  • RN: February 28, May 31, or September 30 of odd-numbered years, depending on the issue date.
  • APRN: APRNs with RN licenses in Delaware will have the same expiration date for both credentials, but if you do not hold a Delaware RN license, your APRN license expires on September 30 of odd years. Renew your RN license before your APRN license.

Step 2: Satisfy Continuing Education Requirements

First, you’ll need to have or create a Nursys eNotify account and submit information that helps the state track nursing workforce data. If you apply for renewal without completing this step, your license will be put on hold, so do this before your renewal application.

Delaware RNs must complete 30 hours of continuing education during their previous licensure period, while LPNs must complete 24 hours. In addition, LPNs must spend at least three of those hours focused on education related to substance abuse.

The Delaware Board of Nursing conducts audits of continuing education hours using the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Service (DelPros). You’ll be required to upload documentation for your hours if you’re selected for a randomized audit.

RNs and LPNs must also complete a specific amount of practice hours. You have three options:

  • 1,000 hours within the past 5 years
  • 400 hours within the past 2 years
  • Nursing refresher course within the past 2 years

APRNs must maintain their national board certification and attest to having completed one of the following requirements to be eligible for Delaware nursing license renewal:

  • 1,500 practice hours with the past 5 years in the specialty
  • 600 practice hours within the past 2 years in the specialty
  • Graduation from a specialty program within the past 2 years

To verify your practice hours, your employer must complete a Verification of Nursing Practice/Employment form and submit it directly to the Delaware Board of Nursing.

In the event you can’t meet any of these requirements, you can appeal to the board to submit an alternate supervised practice plan. This option will be accepted only if you have written evidence of completion from the institution’s nursing administration.

CNAs must complete 24 hours of continuing education to remain on the Delaware CNA registry. Six of those hours must be used on dementia training while another two hours must focus on preventing patient abuse and neglect. You must also report that you’ve worked for at least 64 hours under the supervision of a nurse or physician.

In addition to the continuing education courses displayed on the Delaware Board of Nursing website, you can browse courses from IntelyEdu, which holds accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).

Step 3: Renew Your Delaware Nursing License Online

You can complete your application through DelPros online. Simply enter your license number, username, and password to get started. CNAs can submit their application to Delaware’s Division of Health Care Quality through their online Relias accounts. When you submit, you’ll also need to pay a renewal fee to the state.

To be sure your application goes through, check on your account to ensure all requirements are met.

Delaware Cities Need Nurses Now

Once renewal is complete, you’ll remain eligible to work as a nursing professional. Find roles by title:

Consider looking for roles in the largest cities in Delaware by population:

Delaware Nursing Roles by Facility

These prominent Delaware healthcare employers have job openings for nursing professionals:

Complete Your Delaware Nursing License Renewal and Find a New Opportunity

Once your license is squared away, get started finding nursing jobs in Delaware that are right for you on IntelyCare.