How to Guide: Registered Nurse
- 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
- Licensure by Exam Application for Graduates of Non-Traditional Nursing Education Programs
- Reinstatement Checklist
- Endorsement Checklist
- Upgrade to eNLC (Compact) License Checklist
- Renewal Checklist
- How to File
How To Apply
To apply for Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, you must have graduated from an approved registered nursing education program. 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 application depending on license and application type.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by January 31 of the year it expires. Please refer to the expiration date on your license for specific renewal dates. Late renewal period is Feb 1 - Feb 28 of the year it expires.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
- Licensure by Exam (U.S.) Checklist
- Licensure by Repeat Exam (U.S.) Checklist
- Licensure by Exam International Checklist
- Licensure by Repeat Exam International Checklist
- Licensure by Exam Application for Graduates of Non-Traditional Nursing Education Programs
- Reinstatement Checklist
- Endorsement Checklist
- Upgrade to eNLC (Compact) License Checklist
- Renewal Checklist
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- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.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 update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally provide 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 Exam.
If you have graduated from a U.S. approved nursing education program and have never been licensed before, apply for licensure by 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:
- Complete the renewal 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
- 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.
- Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- Court Documents and Letter of Explanation for Arrests (if applicable)
- 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)
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
If you have graduated from a nursing education program located outside of the United States and have never been licensed before, 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 licensure by 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:
- Complete the renewal 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
- 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 from TruMerit (formerly CGFNS)
- Official College Transcripts - from
- Verification of Current Licensure (Must have a current license to be eligible for licensure in Georgia.)
- 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
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation for Arrests (if applicable)
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- 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)
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.
Licensure by Exam Application for Graduates of Non-Traditional Nursing Education Programs
If you graduated from a non-traditional nursing education program as defined in O.C.G.A. 43-26-7 and have never been licensed before, apply for licensure by Exam for Graduates of a Non-traditional Program.
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:
- Complete the renewal 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
- Official College Transcripts – must be sent to our office by the nursing school or by the vendor that the school uses.
- Graduate from a Board Approved Nursing Program
- If you entered the non-traditional nursing education program as a licensed practical nurse, you must be able to document two years of practice (documented on the verification of employment form) within the five years preceding the date of application. This practice must have been completed in an acute care inpatient facility or long - term acute care facility.
- If you entered the non-traditional education program as a military medical corpsman, you must be able to document two years of experience (documented on the verification of employment form).
- If you entered the non-traditional education program as a paramedic, you must be able to document at least two years of experience as a paramedic prior to entering the non-traditional education program (documented on the verification of employment form).
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation for Arrests (if applicable)
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $40.
Reinstatement Checklist
If you have a lapsed licensed as an RN in the state of Georgia, apply for licensure by RN reinstatement.
If you have a lapsed licensed as an RN in the state of Georgia, apply for licensure by RN 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 renewal application online on the GOALS portal. Once logged in to your account, select APPLY for a LICENSE.
- Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- One of the following is Needed
- Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years of application date; OR
- 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. See Third Party page on application.); OR
- Complete a board-approved re-entry program. Download RN Reentry Packet >>
- Completion of one of the five competency requirements as set forth in O.C.G.A. §43-26-9 within two years preceding the date of application for reinstatement. Nursing Continuing Education | Georgia Secretary of State
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents or Arrest Citations need to be submitted
- Letter of Explanation for Arrests
- Arrests, Disciplinary Action, and/or Sanctions (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline Program – submit your contract or agreement
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $90.
Endorsement Checklist
If you have an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction, apply for Endorsement if you meet one of the conditions described below.
If you have an active RN 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 renewal 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)
- One of the following is needed:
- Proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four (4) years of application date; OR
- 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. See Third Party page on application.); OR
- Complete a board-approved re-entry program. Download RN Reentry Packet >>
- Background Check
- Background Consent Form this form is not the updated version
- 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/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 renewal 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 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 must upload the documentation as part of the online application process.
- Graduate 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
Once issued, licenses renew on January 31st 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.
- 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.
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