Georgia Nursing License
How to get your Georgia nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Georgia Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Georgia, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Georgia licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $40 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $65 / 2 years |
| Continuing education | 30 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
The $40 is the Board application fee (exam); the NCLEX exam fee (Pearson VUE) and background check are separate. Licenses renew biennially ($65; expiring January 31 of odd years, $75 late). Continuing competency: 30 CE hours is one of five options (also national certification, an accredited academic program, employer-verified competency plus 500 practice hours, or another board-approved activity). eNLC member since January 19, 2018.
Official resources
- Georgia 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)
Georgia nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Georgia?
- Yes. Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Georgia without a separate application.
- How much does a Georgia nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Georgia is $40, and renewal is $65 / 2 years.
- How many continuing-education hours does Georgia require?
- Georgia requires 30 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Georgia nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.