Getting licensed in Alabama is usually straightforward, but strict renewal deadlines and background check timing are where most applications get delayed. If you already hold a multistate license, you can typically start working right away since Alabama is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If not, the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) handles licensing by endorsement, exam, and renewal through its online portal.
This guide breaks down renewal timelines, CE requirements, fingerprinting, and temporary permits so you can avoid delays and keep your license active. Alabama is home to major health systems like UAB Medicine in Birmingham, Huntsville Hospital, and USA Health in Mobile. Explore our travel nurse jobs in Alabama to review current opportunities.
As a dedicated service for clinicians taking future assignments with Advantis Medical, our licensing experts provide 1-on-1 support to reduce stress and shorten processing times.
We’ll help you quickly get your AL license & connect you to top contracts in the state.
Our licensing specialists are your partners in navigating the complexities of state licensing so you can move forward with confidence. From understanding state requirements to submitting documentation, our team works closely with you to keep the process simple, organized, and efficient.
Alabama Board of Nursing
PO Box 303900
Montgomery, AL 36130-3900
Multistate Licensure by Endorsement: $225
Single State Licensure by Endorsement: $125
Multistate License Renewal: $200
Single State License Renewal: $100
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
To renew and maintain an active Alabama RN license (single-state or multistate), you must:
Alabama requires 24 contact hours of continuing nursing education every renewal period.
If you miss the December 31 renewal deadline, your Alabama nursing license automatically expires at 4:30 p.m. and you cannot legally practice until it is reinstated. To return to active status, you must apply for Reinstatement through the ABN portal and pay the reinstatement fee.
Single State Renewal Fee: $100
Multistate Renewal Fee: $200
Single State Reinstatement Fee: $250
Multistate Reinstatement Fee: $350
If you already hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. state or territory and wish to become licensed in Alabama, you apply by endorsement. Because Alabama participates in the NLC, qualifying applicants may obtain a multistate license and practice in other compact states if Alabama is their primary state of residence.
You may apply for an Alabama license by endorsement if you:
Fingerprinting is required for all endorsement applicants. You must first have an application on file before submitting fingerprints.
If you are a new graduate of a U.S. nursing education program (for RN or LPN) who has not been licensed in another state, you apply by examination.
Single State License Application Fee: $125
Multistate License Application Fee: $225
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
The Alabama temporary permit is non-renewable and valid for up to 180 days.
You may qualify for a temporary nursing license in Alabama if:
Important: The Alabama temporary permit is non-renewable and valid for up to 180 days.
The Alabama temporary permit is non-renewable and valid for up to 18Travel nurses working in Alabama need either an active single-state license or a multistate license (MSL) from another compact state. Since Alabama is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, nurses with an MSL can usually start faster—especially in high-demand areas like Birmingham, where large health systems rely on travel staff. If you move to Alabama and make it your primary state of residence, you’ll need to apply for an Alabama multistate license within 60 days.
The step that slows most endorsement applicants down is the background check. Completing your Nursys verification and Fieldprint CBC right after submitting your application helps avoid delays that can push back your start date. You can check your license status anytime using the ABN License Lookup tool. Ready to put your license to work? Explore our travel nurse jobs in Alabama to find your next assignment.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in Alabama to find your next great assignment.
Alabama nursing licenses must be renewed every two years.
Single-State License (SSL): $100 + $3.50 processing = $103.50 total
Multistate License (MSL): $200 + $3.50 processing = $203.50 total
All fees are paid online through the Alabama Board of Nursing renewal portal and are non-refundable once submitted.
If your license is not renewed by the December 31 deadline, it automatically lapses on January 1. You must apply for reinstatement through the ABN portal, provide any required continuing education documentation, and pay the reinstatement fee before returning to practice. You may not legally practice nursing in Alabama until your license is reinstated and shows as active in the ABN verification system.
You can verify your Alabama nursing license through the Alabama Board of Nursing license lookup tool on the ABN website or through Nursys, the national license verification system used by most state boards.
Most employers will check your status through Nursys, so it’s a good idea to confirm your license is active there before starting an assignment.
To renew your Alabama nursing license, you must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education during each renewal cycle. For your first renewal, the Alabama Board of Nursing also requires a one-time 4-hour board-approved course. You must renew online before 4:30 PM on December 31 of your renewal year to keep your license active.
Yes. Alabama is a full Nurse Licensure Compact state and issues multistate licenses to eligible nurses who declare Alabama as their Primary State of Residence. If you already hold a multistate license from another compact state, you can typically work in Alabama without applying for a separate license unless you move to Alabama permanently.
Advantis Medical helps you leverage your license with 4,000+ high-paying travel nurse jobs & fast starts —trusted by thousands and backed by 700+ 5-star reviews.
