Georgia Nursing
License Requirements &
Renewal Guide
Georgia Nurse License Overview
Getting your Georgia nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Georgia Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Georgia does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application | $40–$60 | $40–$60 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $65.00 | $65.00 |
| Background Check | ~$30–$50 | ~$30–$50 |
Key Sections:
Georgia License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Georgia RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Georgia Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Georgia Board of Nursing | Georgia Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (Nurse Licensure Compact State) | Yes (Nurse Licensure Compact State) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Georgia Online Licensing Portal | Georgia Online Licensing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 4–6 weeks | 4–6 weeks |
GA Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Georgia Online Licensing Portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Proof of graduation
- Transcripts (if required)
- Additional documents for foreign graduates
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprinting required
- Must submit proof during application
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Georgia does NOT typically issue temporary permits for endorsement applicants.
- 2.
Validity & Use
- You must wait for full licensure approval before practicing
- No interim authorization to work
Georgia Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Georgia
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours | CE may be waived for first renewal (depending on timing of licensure) | 30 contact hours — no fixed mandatory topics (all elective CE accepted). Must be reported via CE Broker; alternative competency options allowed (e.g., practice hours, certification). |
| LPN | 20 contact hours | CE may be waived for first renewal (depending on timing of licensure) | 20 contact hours — no mandatory topics required. CE Broker reporting required; renewal cycle every 2 years. |
| APRN | 30 contact hours | 1 hr Implicit Bias + 1 hr Sexual Harassment Prevention every cycle | 30 contact hours — 1 hr Implicit Bias + 1 hr Sexual Harassment Prevention. National certification required. +1 hr opioid prescribing CE (if prescribing) + 8 hrs DEA substance-use training (one-time, federal requirement). |
Key Notes for Georgia
- Georgia is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing eligible nurses to practice in multiple compact states with one license
- Licenses must be renewed every 2 years, and renewal is managed through an online portal
- Continuing Education (CE) is flexible — nurses can meet requirements through CE hours, practice hours, or national certification
- All CE must be tracked and reported via CE Broker, which is mandatory in Georgia
- There are no fixed mandatory CE topics for RNs and LPNs, but APRNs may have additional requirements (e.g., pharmacology or prescribing-related training)
- Georgia typically does not issue temporary permits for endorsement — full approval is required before practicing
- Nurses must maintain proper documentation in case of audit or compliance review
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How much does a Georgia nursing license cost?
The application fee for a Georgia RN license is typically around $40–$60, with additional costs for background checks and exam registration.
How long does it take to get a Georgia nursing license?
Processing time varies, but completed applications are reviewed during scheduled board cycles, so the timeline is usually 4–6 weeks depending on submission timing.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Georgia?
Registered Nurses must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years, or meet one of several competency-based renewal options approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.