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 and have never been licensed before. Licensure requires that you file with the Georgia Board of Nursing and 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 in order to be considered for licensure.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by March 31st of odd numbered years.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Licensure by Exam (U.S.) Checklist
Licensure by Exam International Checklist
Endorsement (Single State) Checklist
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.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 you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
- Staff will communicate with you regarding the status of your application.
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>>
Fees
Applications |
|
Exam | $40.00 |
Endorsement | $75.00 |
Reinstatement | $90.00 |
APRN Authorization | $75.00 |
APRN Authorization Reinstatement | $90.00 |
NCL Conversion | $50.00 |
Nursing Education Program | $1000.00 |
License Renewal | $65.00 |
Late Renewal | $75.00 |
Other |
|
Verification Request (Inc. Exam Results) | $35.00 |
Transcript Request | $15.00 |
Roster | See Roster Request Form |
Out-of-State Repeat Examination Request | $35.00 |
Wall Certificates (RN, APRN) | $50.00 |
Pocket Card | $25.00 |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
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.
If you have graduated from a U.S. approved nursing education program and have never been licensed before, apply for licensure by 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/Fieldprint on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, 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/Fieldprint on the same day you submit your licensure application for most efficient application processing.
Your application checklist:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- This application can be submitted by mail or online.
- Official College Transcripts
- Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program
- Pay Testing Service
- 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 $40.
Licensure by Exam International Checklist
Graduates of nursing education programs outside the U.S. who are first-time writers of the NCLEX-PN in Georgia; or applicants who are LPNs in Puerto Rico, apply by 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:
- Background Check: Applicants should register with GAPS/Fieldprint on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, 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/Fieldprint on the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.
Your application checklist:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- This application can be submitted by mail only.
- Passing Results for NCLEX must be sent to BON (if taken in another NCLEX-Jurisdiction)
- Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program, or foreign pre-licensure program accredited by the country; and verified by an independent credentials review agency.
- Credential Evaluation of Education https://www.cgfns.org/
- Official College Transcripts
- Verification of Current Licensure (Must have a current license to be eligible for licensure in Georgia.)
- TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
- Practice Requirements/Reentry
- 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 the Verification of Employment Form contained within the application (Not required for new graduates)
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- 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 $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/Fieldprint on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, 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/Fieldprint on the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.
Your application checklist:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- This application can be submitted by mail only.
- Active Unencumbered License
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- Verification of Current Licensure
- TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
- One of the following
- Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application;
- Verification of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application. (form within application packet); OR
- Complete a board-approved re-entry program. Download LPN Reentry Packet>>
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $90.
Endorsement (Single State) 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/Fieldprint on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, 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/Fieldprint on the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.
Your Application Checklist:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- This application can be submitted by mail only.
- Active Unencumbered License
- Official College Transcripts from your nursing school which led to initial licensure
- Verification of Current Licensure
- Verification of Original Licensure
- TOEFL (English proficiency exam- if required)
- One of the following
- Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application;
- Verification of employment documenting (500) hours of licensed practice within the four (4) years immediately preceding the date of application. (form within application packet); OR
- Complete a board-approved re-entry program. Download RN Reentry Packet>>
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- 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 (Compact) 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/Fieldprint on the same day as submitting their application for licensure. Please see linked instructions.
- After you have registered with GAPS/Fieldprint, 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/Fieldprint on the same day you submit your licensure application or most efficient application processing.
Your Application Checklist:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Download application>>
- This application can be submitted by mail or online.
- Active Unencumbered License
- If you do not have a current Georgia mailing address, you must provide a legible, 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 may upload the documentation as part of the online application process or submit it by email to [email protected].
- Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program
- Credential Evaluation of Education
- 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
Once issued, licenses renew on March 31 of the year it expires. Please refer to your expiration date on your license for specific renewal dates.
Once issued, licenses renew on January 31 of the year it expires. Please refer to your expiration date on your license for specific renewal dates.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the left-hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license. Check within 3 days to make sure your renewal is complete by verification of licensure.
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $65.
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, please create an account and upload all documents through the online portal.
To file by mail:
Once your checklist is completed, please mail all documents in a 9x12 envelope (do not fold into a smaller envelope) to:
Georgia Board of Nursing
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Contact
Address
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
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
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217