Georgia is a full Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so it’s a great place to be a travel nurse in Atlanta, Savannah, Augusta, Macon, and Columbus. Whether you need to renew a Georgia nursing license, apply for a Georgia RN license by endorsement, or convert a single-state license to a multistate license (MSL), the Georgia Board of Nursing (GBON) handles it all through the GOALS portal. This guide covers Georgia nursing license requirements, renewal steps, endorsement rules, fingerprinting, fees, CE competency options, and how to reinstate a lapsed license—so you can avoid delays and get on your next assignment on time.
Moving to Georgia from another compact state? Under the NLC’s amended rule, you must apply for a new multistate license in Georgia within 60 days of relocating.
How do I get a compact nursing license in Georgia? Declare Georgia as your Primary State of Residence when applying or renewing, meet NLC eligibility requirements, and pay the $50.00 conversion fee if upgrading from a single-state license.
Licensure by Endorsement: $75
Licensure by Examination: $40
License Renewal : $65
Late Renewal: $75
License Reinstatement: $90
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Georgia Board of Nursing
3920 Arkwright Rd
Suite 195
Macon, Georgia 31210
Once issued, Georgia nursing licenses renew on January 31 of the year it expires.
To renew and maintain an active Georgia RN license, you must:
If you miss the renewal deadline, Michigan offers a 60-day grace period during which you may still renew without completing the full relicensure process
RNs are required to meet one of the continuing competency options within the two-year renewal period:
Renewal Fee: $65
Late Fee: $75
If you already hold an active RN license in another U.S. state or jurisdiction, you can apply for licensure by endorsement in Georgia without retaking the NCLEX. Endorsement is required if you:
First-time RN or LVN applicants educated in the U.S. who have not been licensed in any other state.
Application Fee: $40
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
Georgia is a top destination for travel nurses, with steady demand in Atlanta, Augusta, Macon, and other popular locations. As part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Georgia makes it easy for nurses to take assignments—those with an active multistate license from another compact state can work here without applying for a separate Georgia license, as long as their Primary State of Residence (PSOR) stays outside of Georgia.
If you’re planning to make Georgia home, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement through the Georgia Board of Nursing within 60 days of changing residency.
Pro Tip for Travelers:
Georgia does not routinely issue temporary permits, even for endorsement applicants, so it’s smart to begin your fingerprinting and license verification steps early. Getting a head start helps you avoid onboarding delays and ensures you’re ready to start your next travel assignment right on time.
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You must renew your Georgia RN license or LPN license every 2 years. The deadline for RNs/APRNs is January 31st, and LPNs is March 31st.
RNs must meet one of five options, such as 30 contact hours of CE or 500 practice hours. LPNs must complete one of two options, such as 20 contact hours of CE or academic program completion.
Renew online through the GOALS portal by your deadline, meet competency requirements (tracked via CE Broker), and pay the $65 fee.
Yes. Georgia is a full NLC member and issues a multistate license to eligible residents who declare Georgia as their Primary State of Residence (PSOR).
Declare Georgia as your Primary State of Residence when applying, meet NLC eligibility requirements, and pay the $50 conversion fee if upgrading from single state to multistate.
Georgia does not typically issue temporary permits for general endorsement or exam applicants. Plan for standard processing and start your application early.
Apply in the GOALS portal, complete fingerprinting through GAPS/Idemia, request Nursys verification, and provide proof of recent nursing practice or education. Georgia does not issue temporary permits for endorsement applicants, so start early.
