Georgia Registered Nurse Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
3-4 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$75
Renewal: $65
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs holding current multistate licenses from other NLC states with Georgia as their primary state of residence may practice immediately in Georgia without applying for a separate license; however, establishing Georgia residency triggers a 60-day requirement to convert to a Georgia multistate license or lose compact privilege.
For travelers, this means you can begin a Georgia 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 Georgia residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Georgia license through endorsement.
Endorsement Process
Georgia 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 $75 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application by mail
- Request license verification from current state (via Nursys or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $75 |
| Renewal | $65 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $130–$180 |
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.
Temporary License
Georgia does not issue temporary nursing licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Processing Time
Georgia registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 3-4 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 3 weeks (with pre-verified license, clean background, and complete application on first submission).
Common sources of delay:
- Verification from home state board via Nursys can extend timeline 2-3 weeks beyond Georgia's 3-4 week processing window
- Criminal history disclosure triggers mandatory board review, adding 4-8 weeks to standard processing
- Mail-based application submission creates lag; missing documents require re-submission by mail rather than instant electronic correction
Georgia 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.
Continuing Education
Georgia requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Georgia may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring January 31 of even years — $65 via Georgia Secretary of State portal
- Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
- Late penalty: License becomes lapsed, and must pay late fee and reinstate
- Traveler tip: Track your Georgia license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Georgia Board of Nursing
Board Website·Application Portal
Phone: (844) 753-7825
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Georgia Board of Nursing's official website.
