Difficult time renewing my PA license!

[raindrop]

Well shoot, my PA license expired in November 2015. I figured it will be quick to renew online like most licenses are in other states. yesterday, I got on the BON website and registered with a username/pw, entered my (expired) license info, answered a loooong survey and then I tried to renew. But nope, it kept saying I have no active licenses to renew. I'm aware of this, my license expired in November, and now I would like to renew. Nope. I then clicked on the tab for a new license application, nope, I got a message saying that I have a license in nursing. What gives? Is the system reviewing the survey that I filled out? I tried again today, 24 hours after filling out the survey, and it was the same thing. What gives? I did email the BON but I'm hoping it's resolved by the time the BON replies.

[8-ball, BSN]

sorry i can't help but you are doing exactly what I would do aside from maybe calling them. Best of luck

[raindrop]

I called this morning, if it's inactive from non renewal and it's less than 5 years, I need to fill out a separate form and send proof of my CEUs. The BON can only send the form by snail mail.

If if anyone has a inactive PA license of 5 years or greater, you'll need to take remedial courses and sit for the NCLEX again. I've never heard of this before! Note to self, keep the PA license active at all times!

[NedRN]

Most states are between 5 and 8 years lapse before a new application from scratch is required. Many states can be renewed almost instantly if lapsed less than this threshold period, usually with a small penalty over on time renewal. So it generally is not worth the expense of keeping all your licenses active. A couple of states are possible exceptions. Florida's threshold is only 4 years, but I believe they make it a hassle if it lapses like PA - I think you have to be fingerprinted again (which may become standard at some point in most states). NJ is the real gotcha state. To renew your license there, you have to pay for all the lapsed years plus a penalty. That alone has kept me from working assignments on the Jersey coast. I believe NJ has a strong possibility of going compact this year which will solve that particular problem for many travelers, but alas not for me as I don't live in a compact state.