California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 2811

(a) Each person holding a regular renewable license under this chapter, whether in an active or inactive status, shall apply for a renewal of his or her license and pay the biennial renewal fee required by this chapter each two years on or before the last day of the month following the month in which his or her birthday occurs, beginning with the second birthday following the date on which the license was issued, whereupon the board shall renew the license.

(b) Each such license not renewed in accordance with this section shall expire but may within a period of eight years thereafter be reinstated upon payment of the fee required by this chapter and upon submission of such proof of the applicant's qualifications as may be required by the board, except that during such eight-year period no examination shall be required as a condition for the reinstatement of any such expired license which has lapsed solely by reason of nonpayment of the renewal fee. After the expiration of such eight-year period the board may require as a condition of reinstatement that the applicant pass such examination as it deems necessary to determine his present fitness to resume the practice of professional nursing.

(c) A license in an inactive status may be restored to an active status if the licensee meets the continuing education standards of Section 2811.5.