Learn everything you need to know about the Georgia Board of Nursing, including how to apply for an RN or LPN license, use the GOALS online licensing portal, pay application fees, register for the NCLEX, obtain licensure by endorsement, renew your nursing license, and qualify for a multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This 2026 guide also covers fingerprinting requirements,

processing times, continuing education (CE) requirements, and the latest nursing workforce data.

The Georgia Board of Nursing oversees the licensure and regulation of more than 149,360 active Registered Nurses (RNs), making Georgia home to the 10th-largest nursing workforce in the United States. The Board processes applications for licensure by examination, licensure by endorsement, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) authorization through the Georgia Online Application Licensing System (GOALS). Nursing licenses are renewed every two years, and

applicants must meet one of the state’s approved continuing competency requirements. As a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), Georgia allows eligible nurses to obtain a multistate license that authorizes practice in all participating compact states.

Key Takeaways

– 149,360 active RN licenses: Georgia is home to more than 149,360 active Registered Nurses, ranking 10th nationwide for RN workforce size.

– Affordable licensing fees: The Board charges $40 for licensure by examination, $75 for licensure by endorsement, and $65 for biennial license renewal. Additional costs include the NCLEX examination and fingerprint-based criminal background check.

– Fast application processing: Once all required documents have been received, the Georgia Board of Nursing generally reviews applications within 15 business days. Most endorsement applications are completed within three to four weeks.

– Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Georgia has been a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact since January 19, 2018. Eligible RNs and LPNs may obtain a multistate license that allows them to practice in all participating compact jurisdictions.

– Continuing education requirements: Georgia requires nurses to meet one of five approved continuing competency options for license renewal. Completing 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years is one of the most commonly used methods.

Simple licensing process: Georgia offers one of the more streamlined nursing licensure processes in the Southeast. Applicants can avoid common delays by submitting a complete application, including proof of lawful presence, required fingerprinting, and all supporting documentation through the GOALS portal.

What the Georgia Board of Nursing Does

The Georgia Board of Nursing, operating under the Georgia Secretary of State, regulates nursing practice throughout the state. The Board is responsible for licensing Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), approving nursing education programs, processing license applications, managing renewals, and addressing complaints or disciplinary matters involving nurses.

In simple terms, the Georgia Board of Nursing serves as both the licensing authority and regulatory body for nursing professionals in Georgia. Every application for initial licensure, endorsement, renewal, continuing competency review, and disciplinary investigation is handled through the Board.

The Board does not provide individual legal advice regarding scope-of-practice decisions; however, it provides official guidance and resources, including scope-of-practice tools to help nurses understand their professional responsibilities.

Georgia has been a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) since 2018, allowing eligible nurses to obtain a multistate license and practice across participating compact states. The state also uses a flexible continuing competency model, giving nurses multiple options to meet renewal requirements instead of requiring a single mandatory pathway.

Georgia Nursing Workforce by the Numbers

Georgia has approximately 149,360 active RN licenses, representing about 2.52% of all active RN licenses in the United States. This places Georgia among the largest nursing workforces nationally and highlights its importance as a major healthcare workforce hub in the Southeast.

The state’s nursing workforce is larger than many neighboring states, supported by major healthcare systems, growing population centers, and strong demand for qualified nursing professionals.

Georgia Board of Nursing Fees and Processing Times

The Georgia Board of Nursing maintains one of the more affordable nursing licensure fee structures in the United States. Applicants seeking initial RN or LPN licensure by examination pay a $40 application fee to the Board, with additional third-party costs for the NCLEX examination and fingerprint-based background check. Licensure by endorsement costs $75, while biennial license renewal is $65.

Service| Fee| Details

RN/LPN Application by Examination| $40| Additional NCLEX and fingerprint fees apply

Licensure by Endorsement| $75| For nurses licensed in another U.S. state or jurisdiction

License Renewal| $65| Required every two years

Late Renewal| $75| Applies during the late renewal period

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Conversion| $50| Converts a single-state license to a multistate license

License Reinstatement| $90| Required for expired or lapsed licenses

APRN Authorization| $90| Required for NP, CNS, CNM, and CRNA practice authority

License Verification Request| $35| Includes verification services and exam results

Optional Wall Certificate| $50| Available for RN or APRN licenses

Georgia Nursing License Processing Timeline

The Georgia Board of Nursing states that complete applications are typically reviewed within 15 business days after all required documents have been received. However, actual processing times may vary depending on application type and whether supporting documents are submitted promptly.

For endorsement applicants, the process commonly takes approximately three to four

weeks. Delays are often caused by incomplete documentation, pending license verification through Nursys, transcript processing, or outstanding fingerprint background check results.

Estimated Cost for a New Georgia RN License

A typical applicant should expect to pay approximately:

1. $40 — Georgia Board of Nursing application fee
2. $200 — NCLEX-RN examination fee (paid to Pearson VUE)
3. Approximately $50–$100 — Fingerprint-based background check

The total estimated cost for obtaining a new Georgia RN license is generally around $290–$340, depending on fingerprinting fees and other individual circumstances.

License by Examination: The First-Time Georgia Nursing License Path

Licensure by examination is the standard pathway for first-time nursing applicants in Georgia. It applies to graduates of approved Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs who have never held a nursing license in another U.S. state or jurisdiction.

The process involves completing your nursing education, submitting an application through the Georgia Online Application Licensing System (GOALS), passing the NCLEX, and meeting all Board requirements before a license is issued.

Steps to Apply for Georgia Nursing Licensure by Examination

1. Graduate from an approved nursing program. Applicants must complete an RN or LPN program approved by the Georgia Board

of Nursing. For U.S. nursing programs, accreditation from organizations such as ACEN or CCNE is commonly recognized.

2. Submit an application through GOALS.

Applications are completed online through the Georgia licensing portal. Select “Apply for a License” and choose the licensure-by-examination option. Paper applications are no longer used.

3. Pay the application fee

The Georgia Board of Nursing charges a $40 application fee for licensure by examination.

4. Complete fingerprint-based background screening. Applicants must register for fingerprinting through the approved background check system. Completing this step promptly helps prevent delays in application processing.

5. Submit official transcripts.. Your nursing

school must send official transcripts directly to the Georgia Board of Nursing to confirm program completion and eligibility.

6. Register and pass the NCLEX. Applicants must register for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN through Pearson VUE and pay the required examination fee. After the Board confirms eligibility, an Authorization to Test (ATT) is issued.

Once the NCLEX is successfully completed, the Board reviews the final requirements and posts the nursing license through the GOALS portal. Applicants with complete files may see their license issued shortly after passing the examination.

Important Tip for New Graduates

The nursing license application and NCLEX registration are two separate processes. Completing one does not automatically complete the other. Applicants should submit their Georgia Board application, complete fingerprinting, and register for the NCLEX early to avoid unnecessary delays in receiving their Authorization to Test.

Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)

Internationally educated nurses must complete additional requirements before obtaining a Georgia nursing license. These may include:

• Credential evaluation through an approved credentialing organization
• Verification of foreign nursing education and licensure
• Proof of English language proficiency when required
• Successful completion of the NCLEX examination

Foreign-trained nurses are still required to pass the NCLEX and must meet all Georgia Board of Nursing requirements before licensure can be granted.

License by Endorsement: Transferring an Existing Nursing License to Georgia

Licensure by endorsement is the pathway for nurses who already hold an active nursing license in another U.S. state or jurisdiction and want to practice in Georgia. This option applies to nurses relocating to Georgia as well as those transferring from a non-compact state.

Unlike first-time applicants, endorsement applicants do not retake the NCLEX. Instead, the Georgia Board of Nursing verifies your existing license, reviews your application, and issues a Georgia nursing license once all requirements are completed.

Steps to Apply for Georgia Nursing

Licensure by Endorsement

1. Verify your current nursing license.

Submit license verification through Nursys, the national verification system used by participating nursing boards.

2. Apply through the GOALS portal

Complete the online application by selecting Registered Nurse (RN) by Endorsement or the applicable LPN pathway.

3. Pay the endorsement fee.

The Georgia Board of Nursing charges a $75 application fee for licensure by endorsement.

4. Submit required identification documents.

Applicants must provide required documentation, including:

Affidavit of Citizenship or lawful presence documentation A secure and verifiable government-issued identification document

5. Complete fingerprint-based background screening. Register for fingerprinting through the approved background check system and complete the process within the required timeframe to avoid delays.

6. Provide additional documentation if requested. The Board may request official transcripts, employment verification, or additional forms depending on your application history.

Practice Requirement for Nurses Returning After a Break

Nurses who have not actively practiced within the required period may need to demonstrate recent nursing experience or complete an approved re-entry program. Georgia may require evidence of recent practice hours or additional competency requirements before issuing a license. This requirement commonly affects nurses returning after extended career breaks, inactive periods, or time away from clinical practice.

Common Reasons for Endorsement Delays

Most endorsement delays are caused by incomplete applications rather than Board processing times. Common issues include:

• Missing citizenship or lawful presence documentation
• Incorrect or delayed fingerprint registration
• Pending license verification through Nursys
• Missing transcripts or supporting documents

Submitting a complete application through GOALS and completing fingerprint requirements promptly can significantly reduce processing delays.

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in Georgia

Georgia has been a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) since January 19, 2018. The compact allows eligible Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) whose primary state of residence is Georgia to obtain a multistate nursing license. This license authorizes practice in all participating NLC jurisdictions without the need to apply for separate licenses in each state.

To qualify for a Georgia multistate license, applicants must:

– Declare Georgia as their primary state of residence.

– Hold an active and unrestricted nursing license.

– Meet all Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) established by the Nurse Licensure Compact.

– Successfully complete state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks.

Converting a Single-State License to a Multistate License

Nurses who already hold an active Georgia single-state license may apply to convert it into a multistate license through the Georgia Online Application Licensing System (GOALS). The conversion fee is $50, and applicants must satisfy all compact eligibility requirements, including proof of primary residence, citizenship or lawful presence documentation, and fingerprint-based background screening.

If your primary state of residence is not Georgia, you are not eligible for a Georgia multistate license. Instead, you must obtain a multistate license from your home state if it participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.

Example

If you are moving to Georgia from a non-compact state, such as California, you must first apply for Georgia licensure by endorsement. Once your Georgia license is issued and Georgia becomes your primary state of residence, you may qualify for a Georgia multistate license. This allows you to practice in all participating NLC states without obtaining additional nursing licenses, making future interstate employment significantly easier.

Georgia Nursing License Renewal, Continuing Education, and Late Fees

Georgia nursing licenses must be renewed every two years through the Georgia Online Application Licensing System (GOALS). Registered Nurses (RNs) and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) renew their licenses by January 31 of each even-numbered year, while Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) follow a separate renewal

schedule. The standard renewal fee is $65.

To renew a Georgia nursing license, nurses must meet one of the Board’s approved continuing competency requirements during each renewal cycle.

Georgia Continuing Competency Options

Applicants may satisfy renewal requirements by completing one of the following:

– 30 contact hours of continuing education (CE) from approved providers.

– National certification or recertification through a Board-recognized credentialing organization.

– Completion of an approved nursing or healthcare-related academic program.

– Documentation of at least 500 hours of licensed nursing practice during the renewal period.

– Completion of a Board-approved re-entry or continuing education program.

Late Renewal and Reinstatement

Nurses who do not renew by the required deadline may still renew during the late renewal period by paying the applicable late fee. If the renewal period expires, the license becomes inactive or lapses, and the nurse must apply for license reinstatement, which currently requires a $90 reinstatement fee and approval by the Georgia Board of Nursing before returning to practice.

Continuing Education Tracking

Georgia uses CE Broker to monitor continuing competency compliance. Approved education providers typically report completed continuing education hours directly to the system, allowing nurses to track their renewal requirements online. Even so, licensees should maintain personal records of completed courses and verify that all requirements have been recorded before submitting a renewal application.

Avoid Missing Your Renewal Deadline

To prevent late fees or a lapse in licensure, keep track of your renewal cycle and submit your renewal application well before the expiration date. Setting reminders several weeks in advance provides sufficient time to complete any outstanding continuing competency requirements and resolve potential issues before the renewal deadline.

Need Help With Your Georgia Nursing License?

Our nursing licensing specialists assist with every stage of the Georgia licensing process, including GOALS applications, license renewals, multistate license conversions, endorsement applications, Nursys license verification, and supporting documentation. Whether you’re applying for your first Georgia license or transferring from another state, we help simplify the process and minimize delays.