Georgia Nursing License Guide (2026)

Georgia was one of the original Nurse Licensure Compact states, joining in 2006. Combined with fast processing times (15 business days) and relatively low fees, Georgia is an attractive state for nursing licensure. Here’s what you need to know.

Georgia Board of Nursing

Detail	Information
Agency	Georgia Board of Nursing
Parent Agency	Georgia Secretary of State
Website	sos.ga.gov/georgia-board-nursing
Phone	(844) 753-7825
Email	gbon@sos.ga.gov

Georgia’s Board of Nursing operates under the Secretary of State’s office.

Georgia and the Nurse Licensure Compact

Georgia joined the NLC in January 2006, making it one of the earliest compact states. This gives Georgia nurses significant mobility advantages.

Multistate License Benefits

Benefit	Details
Practice in 40+ states	No additional licenses needed
Single license fee	One renewal covers multistate
Telehealth flexibility	Treat patients across compact states
Travel nursing ease	Accept assignments immediately

Multistate License Eligibility

To obtain a Georgia multistate license:

• Georgia must be your primary state of residence
• Meet all Georgia licensure requirements
• Pass FBI and GBI background checks
• Have no encumbrances on any nursing license

Georgia RN License

New Graduate (Examination)

Requirements:

• Graduate from Georgia Board-approved nursing program
• Complete fingerprint background check through GAPS/Idemia
• Submit online application

Application Process:

Step	Action	Cost
1	Create account at sos.ga.gov	Free
2	Submit RN examination application	$40
3	Complete fingerprinting (GAPS/Idemia)	$42
4	School submits transcript verification	—
5	Receive ATT (~15 business days)	—
6	Register with Pearson VUE	$200
7	Pass NCLEX-RN	—
8	License issued	—

Timeline:

• Application review: ~15 business days
• Total time to license: 2-4 weeks

Georgia’s 15 business day processing is notably faster than many states.

RN Endorsement

Requirements:

• Active, unencumbered RN license in another state
• Complete endorsement application
• Pass fingerprint background check
• Nursys verification
• 500 hours of nursing practice in past 4 years

The 500-hour practice requirement is important. If you haven’t worked as a nurse recently, you may need to complete a refresher course.

Endorsement Process:

Step	Action	Cost
1	Submit endorsement application	$75
2	Complete fingerprinting (GAPS/Idemia)	$42
3	Verify license through Nursys	~$30
4	Document 500 practice hours	—
5	Board reviews application	—
6	License issued	—

Timeline: 2-4 weeks

RN Fees Summary

Fee Type	Amount
Initial examination application	$40
Endorsement application	$75
Biennial renewal	$65
Fingerprinting (GAPS/Idemia)	$42
NCLEX-RN exam	$200
Total for new graduates	$282

Georgia’s $282 total is among the lowest for new graduate licensure.

RN Renewal Requirements

Requirement	Details
Cycle	Biennial (every 2 years)
CE option	30 contact hours OR 500 practice hours
Fee	$65
Expiration	January 31
Late penalty	Late fee applies

Georgia offers flexibility: complete 30 CE hours OR document 500 hours of nursing practice. Most working nurses easily meet the practice hours requirement.

Georgia LPN License

New Graduate (Examination)

Georgia’s LPN licensing process mirrors RN with appropriate application type.

Key differences:

• LPN-specific application
• NCLEX-PN exam ($200)
• Same background check requirements

Timeline: 2-4 weeks to ATT

LPN Renewal

Requirement	Details
Cycle	Biennial
CE option	30 hours OR 500 practice hours
Fee	$45
Expiration	January 31 (odd years)

Background Check Process

Fingerprinting Through GAPS/Idemia

Georgia uses the Georgia Applicant Processing Services (GAPS) system through Idemia:

Process:

1. Register at gemalto.com/govt/gaps
2. Schedule fingerprint appointment
3. Complete fingerprinting (~$42)
4. Results typically within 72 hours
5. Sent directly to Board of Nursing

What’s checked:

• Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) records
• FBI national database

Criminal History Considerations

Georgia Board reviews criminal history on a case-by-case basis. Factors considered:

• Nature of offense
• Time since offense
• Evidence of rehabilitation
• Relationship to nursing practice

Certain felonies may result in denial. If you have concerns, contact the Board before applying.

Continuing Education Details

CE or Practice Hours

Georgia offers two pathways for renewal:

Option	Requirement
Option A	30 contact hours of approved CE
Option B	500 hours of nursing practice

Most working nurses choose Option B since full-time employment exceeds 500 hours annually.

Approved CE Providers

If choosing the CE pathway:

• Georgia Board-approved providers
• ANCC-accredited providers
• Academic nursing courses
• National certification activities

Documentation

Keep records for at least 5 years. Georgia conducts random audits and you’ll need to verify compliance if selected.

Georgia Nursing Markets

Market	Major Employers	Notes
Atlanta Metro	Emory Healthcare, Piedmont, Grady, Northside	Largest market, academic centers
Augusta	Augusta University Health, Doctors Hospital	Medical college hub
Savannah	Memorial Health, St. Joseph’s/Candler	Coastal Georgia hub
Macon	Atrium Health Navicent	Central Georgia
Columbus	Piedmont Columbus Regional	Western Georgia

Atlanta dominates Georgia’s healthcare market, with Emory and Grady offering academic medical center opportunities.

Georgia vs Neighboring States

Factor	Georgia	Florida	Alabama	Tennessee	South Carolina
NLC Member	Yes (2006)	Yes (2019)	Yes (2002)	Yes (2003)	Yes (2006)
CE Hours	30 or 500 practice	24 hrs + HIV	24 hrs	0	None
RN Application	$40	$110	$100	$115	$100
Processing	~15 days	2-4 weeks	4-6 weeks	2-4 weeks	2-4 weeks

Georgia offers the lowest initial application fee and fastest processing among its neighbors.

Application Tips

Speed Up Your Application

1. Complete fingerprints first — GAPS appointments available quickly
2. Apply online — Much faster than paper
3. Use Nursys for verification — Fastest endorsement method
4. Ensure 500 practice hours — For endorsement applicants
5. Monitor application status — Through sos.ga.gov portal

Common Delays

• Incomplete fingerprint results
• Missing practice hour documentation (endorsement)
• Transcript verification delays
• Background check issues requiring additional review
• Missing signatures

Fast-Track Tips for Travel Nurses

Georgia’s combination of:

• Original compact membership (2006)
• Fast 15-day processing
• Low fees

Makes it an excellent state for establishing compact licensure. Travel nurses who don’t currently hold a multistate license should consider whether relocating to Georgia makes sense for compact license access.

Next Steps

Ready to get your Georgia nursing license?

1. Check specific requirements — Georgia RN | Georgia LPN
2. Create GAPS account — For fingerprinting
3. Create Board account — sos.ga.gov
4. Complete fingerprinting — Schedule early
5. Submit application — Online portal
6. Track status — Monitor your account

Georgia’s early NLC adoption, fast processing, and affordable fees make it one of the more nurse-friendly states for licensure. Whether you’re a new graduate or seeking multistate mobility, Georgia offers a streamlined path.