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California clinic and nursing license requirements

What California asks of clinics and nurses, rule by rule: what each license or card is, who needs it, how long it lasts, and the official source to check it against. Your city or county may add its own.

Last reviewed October 21, 2026

This is a summary to help you plan, not legal advice. Check the linked source before you rely on it.

Cards your people carry

Registered nurse license

A California RN license is renewed every 2 years, with 30 hours of continuing education each time after the first.

  • Registered nurse license

    Who needs it
    Every RN.
    Issued by
    California Board of Registered Nursing
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 2 years.
Who it covers
Every registered nurse practicing in California.
Deadline
Before practicing.
Renewal
Every 2 years. The first license runs to the last day of the birth month after two birthdays, then every 2 years after. 30 contact hours of continuing education each cycle, except the first renewal.
Official sources

Licenses the business holds

Primary care clinic license

A licensed primary care clinic's license expires 12 months after it is issued.

  • Primary care clinic license

    Who holds it
    Each clinic.
    Kind
    Facility license
    Issued by
    California Department of Public Health, Licensing and Certification
    How long it lasts
    Valid for 1 year.
Who it covers
Community and free clinics licensed by the California Department of Public Health.
Deadline
Before operating.
Renewal
Every 12 months. The renewal application and fee are due at least 30 days before the license expires; the Department mails the renewal about 120 days ahead.
Official source

Keep these current for every clinic you run.

Currity keeps every date on this page for each person and location, and warns you about each one 90, 60 and 30 days out, then 14, 7 and 1, and on the day.

Start freeHave us load your listHow Currity works for clinics and practices

From $10 a month. 14 days free, no card.