- How To Apply
- After you Apply – What to Expect
- Disability Accommodations
- Fees
- Licensure by Exam (U.S.) Checklist
- Licensure by Repeat Exam (U.S.) Checklist
- Licensure by Exam International Checklist
- Licensure by Repeat Exam International Checklist
- Reinstatement Checklist
- Endorsement Checklist
- Upgrade to eNLC (Multistate) License Checklist
- Renewal Checklist
- How to File
How To Apply
To apply for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure, you must have graduated from an approved nursing education program for Licensed Practical Nurses. Licensure requires that you file an application for licensure with the Georgia Board of Nursing, and once licensure is obtained, renew your license every 2 years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees to be considered for licensure.
- See specific instructions for the application depending on license and application type.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by March 31st of odd numbered years. Late renewal period is April 1 – April 30 of the year it expires.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the GOALS online portal.
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, please submit all requested items at one time, as soon as possible, to prevent processing delays.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, including submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address on your account is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important to update your physical and mailing addresses on your account.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform nursing services until you hold an active license.
- You will receive communication regarding the status of your application through emails and text messages.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form>>
Please submit this form with your application to ensure that your accommodation request is reviewed and approved/denied before you are scheduled for testing.
Licensure by Exam (U.S.) Checklist
If you have graduated from a U.S. approved nursing education program and have never been licensed before, apply for Licensure by Examination.
- Applicants should register with Pearson Vue on the same day as submitting their application for licensure (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex). Use the same name on your application for licensure and your registration with Pearson Vue.
- Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Idemia, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
Your application checklist:
- Complete the application online on the GOALS portal (add link). Once logged in to your account, select APPLY for a LICENSE.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Paid Testing Service
- NCLEX Eligible
- Passing Results for NCLEX
- Official College Transcripts – must be sent to our office by the nursing school or by the vendor that the school uses. If you graduated from a Georgia program, no action is required on your part to obtain the transcript. The transcript will be sent to our office by your nursing program.
- Graduated from a Board Approved Nursing Program
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- Court Documents and Letter of Explanation for Arrests (if applicable)
- Social Security Number
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Qualified for Alien Status - Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $40.
Licensure by Repeat Exam (U.S.) Checklist
If you have graduated from a U.S. approved nursing education program, have never been licensed before, and have failed the NCLEX, apply for licensure by Repeat Exam.
Before submitting your application:
- Applicants should register with Pearson Vue on the same day as submitting their application for licensure (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex). Use the same name on your application for licensure and your registration with Pearson Vue.
- Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Idemia, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
- It is recommended that you register both with Pearson Vue and GAPS/Idemia on the same day you submit your licensure application for most efficient application processing.
Your application checklist:
- In the GOALS portal, log in to your account. Once logged in to your account, select Applications and look for your Exam Application. (The status of the application will be Withdrawn – Exam Eligible.) Click the ellipsis (three dots) and select Apply for Repeat Exam.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Paid Testing Service
- NCLEX Eligible
- Passing Results for NCLEX
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- Court Documents and Letter of Explanation for Arrests (if there have been any arrests, charges, or convictions since your last application)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Board Review
- Social Security Number
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Qualified for Alien Status - Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Qualifies for an eNLC (multistate license) - Applying For Licensure | NURSECOMPACT
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $40.
Licensure by Exam International Checklist
Applicants who graduated from nursing education programs outside the U.S. and are taking the NCLEX-PN in Georgia for the first time, as well as LPNs licensed in Puerto Rico, must apply for Licensure by Exam for International Graduates.
If you have graduated from a nursing education program located outside of the United States and have never been licensed before, apply for LPN licensure by International Examination.
Before submitting your application:
- Applicants should register with Pearson Vue on the same day as submitting their application for licensure (www.pearsonvue.com/nclex). Use the same name on your application for licensure and your registration with Pearson Vue.
- Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Idemia, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
Your application checklist:
- Complete the application online on the GOALS portal. Once logged in to your account, select APPLY for a LICENSE.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Paid Testing Service
- NCLEX Eligible
- Passing Results for NCLEX
- Graduated from an international pre-licensure accredited nursing program
- Credential Evaluation of Education from TruMerit (formerly CGFNS). (This evaluation may take months to obtain. Please do not apply if this has not been completed.)
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of Current Licensure (Must have a current license to be eligible for licensure in Georgia.)
- TOEFL (English proficiency exam is required if the program curriculum was not taught in English or the textbooks were not in English.)
- Practice/Education/Reentry Requirements
- You graduated more than 4 years ago; you must show proof of at least 500 hours of LPN practice in the last 4 years (submit a Verification of Employment Form); OR
- Complete a board-approved re-entry program.
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form (located on application)
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation for Arrests (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Qualified for Alien Status - Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $40.
Licensure by Repeat Exam International Checklist
If you have graduated from a nursing education program located outside of the United States, have never been licensed before, and have failed the NCLEX, apply for licensure by Repeat Exam for International Graduates.
Before submitting your application:
- Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Idemia, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
- It is recommended that you register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.
Your application checklist:
- In the GOALS portal, log in to your account. Once logged in to your account, select Applications and look for your Exam Application. (The status of the application will be Withdrawn – Exam Eligible.) Click the ellipsis (three dots) and select Apply for Repeat Exam.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Paid Testing Service
- NCLEX Eligible
- Passing Results for NCLEX
- TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
- Practice/Education/Reentry Requirements
- If you have never been licensed as an RN in Georgia, and you graduated more than 4 years ago, you must show proof of at least 500 hours of RN practice in the last 4 years; OR
- Complete a board-approved re-entry program.
- ALSO submit a Verification of Employment Form (included within the application)
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- Court Documents and Letter of Explanation for Arrests (if there have been any arrests, charges, or convictions since your last application)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Board Review
- Social Security Number
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Qualified for Alien Status - Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Qualifies for an eNLC (multistate license) - Applying For Licensure | NURSECOMPACT
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $40.
Reinstatement Checklist
If you have a lapsed licensed as an LPN in the state of Georgia, apply for licensure by LPN reinstatement.
If you have a lapsed licensed as an LPN in the state of Georgia, apply for licensure by LPN reinstatement.
Before submitting your application:
- Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Idemia, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
Your application checklist:
- Complete the application online on the GOALS portal. Once logged in to your account, select APPLY for a LICENSE.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Practice/Education/Reentry Requirements - One of the following is Needed:
- Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years of application date;
- Verification of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years of application date. (form will need to be submitted by your employer.; OR
- Complete a board-approved re-entry program. Download LPN Reentry Packet>>
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form (form on application)
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Continuing Competency
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $90.
Endorsement Checklist
If you have an active LPN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, apply for endorsement if you meet one of the conditions described below.
If you have an active LPN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, apply for endorsement if:
- You are moving to GA; OR
- You live in a non-compact state; OR
- You are not eligible for multistate licensure in your home state.
Before submitting your application:
- Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Idemia, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
Your Application Checklist:
- Complete the application online on the GOALS portal. Once logged in to your account, select APPLY for a LICENSE.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Active Unencumbered License
- Official College Transcripts from your nursing school which led to initial licensure (this needs to be submitted by your nursing school)
- Verification of Current Licensure - Nursys®
- Verification of Original Licensure - Nursys®
- TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
- Practice/Education/Reentry Requirements - One of the following is Needed:
- Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years of application date;
- Verification of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years of application date. (form will need to be submitted by your employer.; OR
- Complete a board-approved re-entry program. Download LPN Reentry Packet>>
- Background Consent Form
- Background Check
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Any other additional information requested by the Board
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75.
Upgrade to eNLC (Multistate) License Checklist
Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses who hold an active Georgia license and meet specific eNLC requirements are eligible to apply for multistate licensure.
Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses who hold an active Georgia license and meet specific eNLC requirements are eligible to apply for multistate licensure. Georgia must be your primary state of residence and you must meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements for a Multistate License.
Before submitting your application:
- Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Idemia, applied for licensure, and the registration has been processed, you will receive an email from GAPS with instructions for completing fingerprinting.
Your Application Checklist:
- Complete the application online on the GOALS portal. Once logged in to your account, select APPLY for a LICENSE.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Active Unencumbered License
- If you do not have a current Georgia mailing address, you must provide a copy of one of the following documents:
- Driver’s license with a home address;
- Voter registration card displaying a home address;
- Federal income tax return declaring the primary state of residence;
- Military Form No. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate); and/or
- W2 from US Government or any bureau, division or agency thereof indicating the state of residence.
- You must upload the documentation as part of the online application process
- Graduated from a Board Approved Nursing Program
- Credential Evaluation of Education (if applicable)
- TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
- Background Consent Form
- Background Check
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Any other additional information requested by the Board
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $50.
Renewal Checklist
Nursing licenses must be renewed every two years. For LPNs, the renewal period runs from January 1 through March 31. Be sure to keep track of your license expiration date.
- Complete the renewal application online on the GOALS portal. Once logged in to your account, select Renew a License.
- Carefully follow all instructions and upload the required documents as directed.
- If your LPN license expires, you are prohibited from practicing as an LPN until your license has been reinstated.
- Please note that a license will be placed in “Active-Renewal Pending” status when it has been determined that the application requires additional review by the Board.
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $65.
How to File
Contact
Address
3920 Arkwright Rd
Suite 195
Macon, Georgia 31210
Phone
Related Resources
- Online Resource NCSBN- National Council for States Board of Nursing
- Online Resource Georgia Composite Medical Board
- Online Resource Navigating the Nurse Licensure Compact: Licensure by Endorsement
- Online Resource Moving To Another State (eNLC)
Contact Georgia Board of Nursing
Address
3920 Arkwright Rd
Suite 195
Macon, Georgia 31210
Phone