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Alabama Board of Nursing
Processing time
2–8 weeks
Temporary licenses typically issued with one week
Fees
License: $100
Renewal: $100
Temporary license: $50
Compact state
Yes
Application links
Online Endorsement Application
Biennially, every two years prior to December 31st
RN single state
Expire on December 31st of EVEN-numbered years
RN multi-licensed state
Expire on December 31st of ODD-numbered years
LPN
Expire on December 31st of ODD-numbered years
Yes
Valid for a period of 180 days or until permanent licensure is issued or denied
Non-renewable
A temporary permit may not be issued when an affirmative disclosure is made on the Endorsement Application
24 hours of continuing education required within a two-year licensure period:
In the first renewal period, four hours of the continuing education must be from a board-provided education on statutory and administrative frameworks for nursing regulation
Overall number of hours required may be pro-rated based on when in the renewal cycle an applicant obtains licensure
All endorsement applicants are required to submit proof of 24 contact hours of continuing education within the last two years PRIOR to licensure
FAQs
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information in our Nursing Licensing Guide, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Regulations, requirements, and processes can change frequently. Healthcare travelers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult directly with the respective state board's official website to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.
Processing Time
2-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$100
Renewal: $100 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
24 hours
Every 2 years
Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. RNs holding a current multistate license from another NLC state can declare Alabama as primary residence (or maintain home state residency) and practice immediately under compact privilege without applying for an Alabama license—eliminating processing delays entirely. Non-NLC state nurses or those needing an Alabama single-state license must pursue endorsement, which requires 24 CE hours upfront and 2-8 weeks processing.
For travelers, this means you can begin an Alabama assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Alabama residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for an Alabama license through endorsement.
Alabama uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $100 application fee.
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Alabama requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Alabama Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Alabama Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $100 |
| Renewal | $100 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $155–$205 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Alabama issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 180 days, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
Issuance timeline:
Denial risks:
Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires after 180 days and cannot be renewed or extended; if full endorsement not issued within this window due to Board delays or incomplete requirements, nurse must cease work until permanent license issued. Temporary license is immediately revoked if full endorsement is denied by the Board. Working in Alabama under temporary license while pending endorsement must cease at day 180 regardless of endorsement status; no grace period or automatic conversion.
Alabama registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 2-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 10-14 days for temporary license issuance if notarized current license and proof of citizenship submitted immediately; 21-28 days for full endorsement if all 24 CE certificates and complete documentation submitted on first submission.
Common sources of delay:
Alabama does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Alabama requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
Alabama Board of Nursing
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (334) 293-5200
Email: [email protected]
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Alabama Board of Nursing's official website.
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