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Alabama Nursing License Renewal & Licensing Guide

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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 walks through Alabama nursing license requirements, renewal deadlines, CE rules, fingerprinting procedures, temporary permits, and reinstatement so you can avoid delays and keep your license active. Alabama also draws nurses to major healthcare systems such as UAB Medicine in Birmingham, Huntsville Hospital Health System, and USA Health in Mobile.

Alabama Nursing License Fees & Board of Nursing Info

California Board of Nursing Information 1

Alabama Board of Nursing

Helpful Links

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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. Single-state Registered Nurses renew in even-numbered years. Licensed Practical Nurses and multistate Registered Nurses renew in odd-numbered 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

  1. Log into Alabama Board of Nursing Portal. 
  2. In your My Profile dashboard, select your RN license and click “Renew License.”
  3. Verify and update personal information, answer regulatory questions (e.g., CE completion, training, disciplinary history) truthfully, and attest that you’ve met renewal requirements.
  4. Ensure your 24 contact hours of continuing education are uploaded or listed in your CE record.
  5. Pay the renewal fee online through the portal and submit your renewal application.
  6. 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: $125 (SSL), $225 (MSL) + $3.50 transaction fee. Multistate licenses are issued only to applicants whose primary state of residence is Alabama and who meet all NLC eligibility requirements.
  • 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

  1. Visit the ABON Portal and Select the license you wish to apply for. 
  2. Complete and submit the application & pay the required Fee. 

2.) Submit Verification of RN License for original state 

  1.  If the state of licensure participates in Nursys, order verification electronically.
  2. 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.

  1. After submitting your application, you’ll receive instructions from the ABN with a fingerprint authorization form and an IdentoGO link.
  2. Schedule an appointment for Live Scan fingerprinting.
    1. 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)
  3. The background check includes both FBI and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reviews.

4.) Submit Required Documents

  1. Provide official nursing school transcripts sent directly from your program
  2. 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 Nursing License by

Alabama Temporary License Information

Alabama Temporary Nursing License

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

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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.
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.
How do I check my Alabama nursing license status?

You can verify your Alabama nursing license through the Alabama Board of Nursing license lookup system on the ABN website or through the Nursys national license verification database used by most state boards of nursing.

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