Alabama nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Alabama license by endorsement: the application fee ($125 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Alabama |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Alabama Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $125 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $125 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Fingerprint criminal background check required for endorsement applicants; submit only after application is on file. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 180 days. First endorsement application only; requires active license elsewhere and no affirmative regulatory-question answers; nonrenewable. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $100 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 24 contact hours. 24 contact hours per license period; endorsement applicants document 24 hours earned in prior 24 months. APRNs need 6 pharmacology hours. |
How to get your Alabama license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alabama without applying again. If you move your residence to Alabama, you apply for a Alabama license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary permit valid up to 180 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $125 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Alabama
- Endorsement applicants must submit 24 CE contact hours even if their original state requires none.
- Multistate endorsement fee is $225 (single-state $125), plus $3.50 online transaction fee; multistate renewal is $200 vs $100 single-state.
- Applications and fees stay active one year; all fees are non-refundable.
What RNs earn in Alabama
The BLS median for registered nurses in Alabama is $34.16 per hour, about $71,040 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Alabama.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery, AL | $38.58 | $80,250 |
| Auburn-Opelika, AL | $37.37 | $77,720 |
| Daphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL | $37.10 | $77,160 |
| Birmingham, AL | $36.55 | $76,020 |
| Gadsden, AL | $35.59 | $74,020 |
| Mobile, AL | $33.51 | $69,700 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Alabama · Alabama state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Alabama Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- abn.alabama.gov/ (board website)
- abn.alabama.gov/licensing/apply/licensure-by-endorsement/ (endorsement application)
- abn.alabama.gov/licensing/apply/licensure-by-endorsement/endorsement-basic- (fees, background check, Nursys verification, continuing education)
- abn.alabama.gov/licensing/apply/faqs/ (fees, temporary license, processing time, state notes)
- abn.alabama.gov/licensing/fingerprinting/ (background check)
- abn.alabama.gov/licensing/renewal/ (renewal, renewal fee, continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Alabama Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Alabama nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Alabama Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $125 for an RN and $125 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Alabama a nurse licensure compact state?
Alabama is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in Alabama while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 180 days. First endorsement application only; requires active license elsewhere and no affirmative regulatory-question answers; nonrenewable. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Alabama nurses need?
RN renewal requires 24 contact hours of continuing education. 24 contact hours per license period; endorsement applicants document 24 hours earned in prior 24 months. APRNs need 6 pharmacology hours. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Alabama license?
The Alabama Board of Nursing does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with Alabama licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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