Alabama Nursing License
How to get your Alabama nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Alabama Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Alabama, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Alabama licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $125 single-state / $225 multistate |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $100 single-state / $200 multistate (2 years) |
| Continuing education | 24 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Fees are paid to the Board (a $3.50 transaction fee applies); the multistate figures cover an Enhanced NLC license. The $200 NCLEX exam fee (Pearson VUE) and fingerprinting are separate. First renewal adds 4 board-provided hours on the Nurse Practice Act and board rules. eNLC member since January 1, 2020.
Official resources
- Alabama Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
Alabama nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Alabama?
- Yes. Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Alabama without a separate application.
- How much does a Alabama nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Alabama is $125 single-state / $225 multistate, and renewal is $100 single-state / $200 multistate (2 years).
- How many continuing-education hours does Alabama require?
- Alabama requires 24 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Alabama nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.