Alabama Nursing License Renewal & Licensing Guide
Alabama Nursing License
- Compact: Yes
- Time Frame: 2-4 Weeks
- Fee: $125
- Renewal: Every 2 Years
- Nursys: Yes
Alabama Nursing License Guide
Alabama is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so it’s a great place for travel nurses. Whether you need to renew an Alabama nursing license, apply for an Alabama RN or LPN license by endorsement or exam, or convert a single-state license to a multistate license (MSL), the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) handles it all. This guide covers Alabama nursing license requirements, CE hours, fingerprinting, temporary permits, and reinstatement if your license lapses—so you don’t get delayed and stay compliant.
Alabama Nursing License Fees & Board of Nursing Info
Alabama Board of Nursing
Helpful Links
Mailing Address
Alabama Board of Nursing
PO Box 303900
Montgomery, AL 36130-3900
Fees
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.
Alabama Nursing License Renewal
Renewal Timeline
- Renewal period opens September 1 and closes 4:30 p.m. December 31 of the renewal year.
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
- RNs with single-state licenses renew in even-numbered years; LPNs in odd-numbered years.
- For multistate licenses (MSL) the renewal year is an odd-numbered year.
To renew and maintain an active Alabama RN license (single-state or multistate), you must:
- Hold an active, unencumbered Alabama nursing license.
- Complete required contact hours of continuing education within the last 24 months.
- Submit your renewal application and fee online before the deadline.
- Answer regulatory/discipline questions truthfully (yes answers may delay renewal).
Continuing Education Requirements
Alabama requires 24 contact hours of continuing nursing education every renewal period.
What to Do if Your License Expires
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.
How to Renew Alabama RN License
- Log into Alabama Board of Nursing Portal.
- In your My Profile dashboard, select your RN license and click “Renew License.”
- Verify and update personal information, answer regulatory questions (e.g., CE completion, training, disciplinary history) truthfully, and attest that you’ve met renewal requirements.
- Ensure your 24 contact hours of continuing education are uploaded or listed in your CE record.
- Pay the renewal fee online through the portal and submit your renewal application.
- After submission, confirm your license status in My Records on the ABN portal and download or print proof of renewal for your files.
Single State Renewal Fee: $100
Multistate Renewal Fee: $200
Single State Reinstatement Fee: $250
Multistate Reinstatement Fee: $350
Alabama Nursing License by Endorsement
What is Endorsement?
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.
Who Qualifies?
You may apply for an Alabama license by endorsement if you:
- Hold an active, unencumbered license in another U.S. state or territory.
- Graduated from a nursing education program that substantially meets the same educational criteria as Alabama’s nursing programs.
- Meet citizenship/legal presence requirements
- Have completed 24 contact hours of continuing education within the past 24 months.
What You’ll Need (documents & verifications)
- Online application via ABN portal.
- Payment of endorsement application fee: SSL $125, MSL $225 + $3.50 transaction fee.
- Official transcript from nursing school (sealed or via approved electronic service) confirming your graduation.
- Verification of original state licensure (via Nursys or direct from original board).
- Proof of U.S. citizenship/legal presence and Social Security number.
- Documentation of 24 contact hours CE within past 24 months.
- Fingerprinting – you must have an application on file before submitting fingerprints.
Alabama RN License by Endorsement Process – Step by Step
1.) Complete and Submit the AL Licensure for RNs by Endorsement Online Application
- Visit the ABON Portal and Select the license you wish to apply for.
- Complete and submit the application & pay the required Fee.
2.) Submit Verification of RN License for original state
- If the state of licensure participates in Nursys, order verification electronically.
- If your original state does not participate in Nursys, request verification directly from that state’s board of nursing to be sent to the ABON.
3.) Complete Fingerprint & Criminal Background Check
Fingerprinting is required for all endorsement applicants. You must first have an application on file before submitting fingerprints.
- After submitting your application, you’ll receive instructions from the ABN with a fingerprint authorization form and an IdentoGO link.
- Schedule an appointment for Live Scan fingerprinting.
- Out-of-state applicants may use a hard fingerprint card if Live Scan is not available in their area (Do not send fingerprint cards directly to the ABN; follow the vendor’s mailing and submission instructions exactly)
- The background check includes both FBI and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reviews.
4.) Submit Required Documents
- Provide official nursing school transcripts sent directly from your program
- Upload proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence, including your Social Security card.
5.) Monitor Application Status & License Issuance
- Log into your ABN portal to track application progress.
- Licenses are processed in the order received; there is no guaranteed timeframe.
- Once approved, your Alabama RN license will appear under “My Licenses.”
Licensure by Examination (New Grads)
Who Qualifies
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.
Steps for AL Licensure by Examination
- Graduate from an ABN-approved or substantially equivalent nursing program.
- Submit your application for licensure by examination online via the ABN portal.
- Upon approval, register for and pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.
- Complete the mandatory 1-hour Human Trafficking and 2-hour Implicit Bias training.
- Provide any required supporting documents (transcripts, legal presence, etc.).
- Once all requirements are met, the Alabama Board will issue your license.
Fees
Single State License Application Fee: $125
Multistate License Application Fee: $225
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
Alabama Temporary License Information
Temporary License
The Alabama temporary permit is non-renewable and valid for up to 180 days.
Who is Eligible?
You may qualify for a temporary nursing license in Alabama if:
- You hold an active, unencumbered RN or LPN license in another U.S. state or territory.
- You have submitted a complete endorsement application through the Alabama Board of Nursing (ABN) portal, including required fees and documents.
- You have completed the fingerprint and background check process.
- You have no disciplinary actions, criminal convictions, or “Yes” answers to regulatory questions on your application.
Important: The Alabama temporary permit is non-renewable and valid for up to 180 days.
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Alabama Nursing License FAQs
How often do I renew an Alabama nursing license?
Alabama nursing licenses must be renewed every two years.
- RNs renew in even-numbered years, while LPNs renew in odd-numbered years.
- The renewal window opens September 1 and closes at 4:30 p.m. on December 31 of the renewal year.
- Failing to renew by the deadline causes your license to lapse automatically on January 1, and you must apply for reinstatement before returning to practice.
What are the Alabama nursing license renewal requirements?
To maintain an active license, you must:
- Complete 24 contact hours of approved continuing education (CE) during each renewal cycle.
- Submit your renewal application and payment online via the ABN portal before the December 31 deadline.
- Keep all CE documentation for at least four years in case of audit.
How much does it cost to renew my Alabama nursing license?
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.
Can I get a temporary permit in Alabama?
Yes. The Alabama Board of Nursing issues a one-time, 180-day temporary permit for eligible applicants.
What happens if my license lapses or expires?
If your license is not renewed by the December 31 deadline, it will automatically lapse on January 1.
- You must apply for reinstatement through the ABN portal and pay the reinstatement fee.
- You may not legally practice nursing in Alabama until your license has been reinstated and posted as active on the ABN verification system.