Your licence is what officials scan at check-in and what the verify page reports to anyone who asks. Letting it lapse creates problems at the worst possible time, usually fight week. Here is how the renewal cycle works.
How long a licence lasts
A KBN Fighter Ranking License is valid for one year from the issue date, minus one day. Issued on 1 February 2026, it is valid until 31 January 2027. The valid-until date is printed on the licence and shown on the verify page.
When renewal opens and reminders
Where online renewal is enabled, a renewal opens about 60 days before your licence expires, and reminders are sent at around 60, 30 and 7 days before expiry. You will see the renewal in your fighter portal.
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| About 60 days before expiry | Renewal opens in the portal; first reminder |
| About 30 days before | Second reminder |
| About 7 days before | Final reminder |
| Valid-until date passes | Licence shows Expired until renewed |
How to renew
- Log in to the fighter portal.
- Open the renewal page and check your details are still correct: name, country, discipline, category, weight class and contact details.
- Upload anything requested, such as an updated medical clearance or portrait.
- Complete any document fee shown. During the founding period no application fee is charged; any fee relates only to administration or documents, never to points.
- KBN World HQ renews the licence. Only HQ can issue or renew licences.
What renewal does and does not change
Renewal keeps your licence status active. It does not add points, change your verified record or protect your ranking position. Your points still come only from verified bouts in the last 24 months, and results continue to age whether or not you renew.
What happens if the licence expires
- The verify page shows the licence as Expired.
- Officials scanning your QR code at check-in see the expired status.
- To appear in published tables you must hold a valid licence, so an expired licence can remove you from the tables until you renew.
- Your verified record and bouts are not deleted.
Changing division at renewal
If you have moved weight class or category, tell KBN when renewing. The licence states the discipline, category and weight class it is valid for. Your ranking in each division is calculated from the bouts fought in that division; points do not move with you.
Moving up or down a weight class →
Suspended licences
Renewal is not a way round a suspension. A suspended licence stays suspended until KBN World HQ reinstates it, with the reason and decision recorded in the audit log.
Before you renew: a quick check
- Is your medical clearance still valid? Upload a new one if it expires soon.
- Is your portrait recent? Portrait changes need administrator approval, so allow time.
- Are your contact details current, so reminders reach you?
- Have you submitted all your recent bouts? Renewal is a good moment to catch up.
For promoters and officials
A licence that expires between agreeing a bout and fight night is a common problem. Check the valid-until date when the bout is agreed, not just on the night.
How to verify a licence before a bout →
Scenario: renewal and a suspension
A fighter's licence is due to expire during a suspension. Renewing does not lift the suspension: the verify page will continue to show Suspended until KBN World HQ reinstates the licence. Once reinstated, the licence can be renewed normally, and the fighter returns to the tables if the other eligibility conditions are met.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Renewal restores lost points | Points come only from verified bouts |
| An expired licence deletes my record | Your verified record is kept |
| My branch can renew for me | Only KBN World HQ renews licences |
Frequently asked questions
QDoes my ranking reset when I renew?
No. Renewal changes only the licence validity. Your points are recalculated continuously from verified bouts, as always.
QCan my national branch renew my licence?
No. Branches can help and verify documents, but only KBN World HQ issues and renews licences.
QDo I get a new licence number when I renew?
Your KBN Fighter ID stays the same for your whole career. Check your portal for the licence number and dates after renewal.
QI forgot to renew and have a fight next week. What should I do?
Start the renewal in the portal immediately and contact your national branch. The event decides whether you can compete; the verify page will show the current status.
Figures in this article are computed from the KBN register at the time of reading. View, like and share counters on this demo site are sample values.