The state of New York requires all certified nursing aides to maintain a current license. Your license remains current as long as you can prove you were paid for at least seven hours of work as a CNA within the last two years. If your license has lapsed, you must complete a registry form through the New York State Department of Health. Do not complete a recertification form; those are reserved for CNAs whose certifications have not lapsed.

Download the New York State Department of Health's "Nursing Home Nurse Aide Certification Handbook." The handbook contains the registry application that CNAs with lapsed certifications must use.

Print and complete the application form. Include your name, work status and information about your criminal record, if applicable. In Section 1, under the heading "Certification Route," check the box for "Route 6: Trained and Lapsed." Write your original CNA license number in the space provided.

Ask your employer to complete Section 4, if you currently are employed.

Write a check or obtain a money order for $50. Make it payable to "NY Commissioner of Health, NYNA."

Mail the application and the check or money order to Prometric -- the third-party agency that handles CNA licensure for the state of New York. Address your envelope to: Prometric ATTN: NY Nurse Aide Program 1260 Energy Ln. St. Paul, MN 55108