Georgia nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Georgia license by endorsement: the application fee ($75 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Georgia |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Georgia Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $75 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $75 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Rules require registration to cause submission of a criminal background check; collection method not stated in rules. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $65 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 30 contact hours. RN: 30 CE hours from a Board-approved provider, or national certification, nursing academic program, or 500 practice hours verified by employer. LPN: 20 CE hours from a Board-approved provider or an accredited RN academic program (Rule 410-13-.02). |
How to get your Georgia 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 Georgia without applying again. If you move your residence to Georgia, you apply for a Georgia 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.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $75 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 Georgia
- Endorsement requires 500 licensed practice hours in prior 4 years, recent graduation, or a Board-approved reentry program.
- Applicants must provide verifiable documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
- Late renewal period is one month after expiration; practicing on an expired license is prohibited.
What RNs earn in Georgia
The BLS median for registered nurses in Georgia is $41.61 per hour, about $86,560 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Georgia.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | $46.33 | $96,370 |
| Warner Robins, GA | $42.44 | $88,270 |
| Albany, GA | $41.61 | $86,560 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | $40.72 | $84,690 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | $40.45 | $84,130 |
| Savannah, GA | $40.25 | $83,720 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Georgia · Georgia state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Georgia Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/410-3 (endorsement application)
- rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/410-13 (renewal, continuing education)
- rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/410-5 (state notes)
- sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-registered-nurse (fees)
- sos.ga.gov/how-to-guide/how-guide-licensed-practical-nurse-lpn (fees)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Georgia 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 Georgia nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Georgia Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $75 for an RN and $75 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Georgia a nurse licensure compact state?
Georgia is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
How much continuing education do Georgia nurses need?
RN renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education. RN: 30 CE hours from a Board-approved provider, or national certification, nursing academic program, or 500 practice hours verified by employer. LPN: 20 CE hours from a Board-approved provider or an accredited RN academic program (Rule 410-13-.02). Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Georgia license?
The Georgia 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 Georgia 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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