Nursing License from California to Georgia: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Georgia Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from California to Georgia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Georgia Board of Nursing, verify your California license, and meet Georgia's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
This direction has a silver lining. California is outside the compact, so you have been carrying a single-state license — but Georgia is a member. Endorse into Georgia, establish it as your primary residence, meet the uniform licensure requirements, and the license you receive is multistate: one application turns into practice privileges across the whole compact.
What changes, California → Georgia
| California (current) | Georgia (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | Licensure by endorsement | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $350 (US-educated endorsement application ($750 if internationally educated); + $49 fingerprint hard card if out of state (Live Scan vendor fees vary); optional $100 temporary license) | $75 (non-refundable endorsement application fee; fingerprint fee paid separately to GAPS/Idemia) |
| Processing time | 10–13 weeks (initial evaluation mandated within 90 days; board processing page (June 2026) was reviewing US endorsement applications received about 10-12 weeks earlier; temporary license available) | board states applications are processed in order received; complete applications may be reviewed at a scheduled board meeting — no numeric range published |
| Licensing authority | California Board of Registered Nursing | Georgia Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Georgia sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Georgia's current requirements on the Georgia Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Georgia Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check through GAPS/Idemia.
- Hold an active, unencumbered RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction.
- Have official transcripts sent directly to the board by your nursing school.
- Complete Nursys verification of both current and original licensure.
- Show 500 hours of RN practice in the last 4 years, graduation within 4 years, or complete a board-approved re-entry program.
- Pay the fees ($75 (non-refundable endorsement application fee; fingerprint fee paid separately to GAPS/Idemia)) and allow board states applications are processed in order received; complete applications may be reviewed at a scheduled board meeting — no numeric range published.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Georgia accept a California nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from California to Georgia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Georgia Board of Nursing, verify your California license, and meet Georgia's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from California to Georgia?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$75 (non-refundable endorsement application fee; fingerprint fee paid separately to GAPS/Idemia) (non-refundable endorsement application fee; fingerprint fee paid separately to GAPS/Idemia).
How long will it take?
board states applications are processed in order received; complete applications may be reviewed at a scheduled board meeting — no numeric range published — board states applications are processed in order received; complete applications may be reviewed at a scheduled board meeting — no numeric range published.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Georgia SOS — How-to Guide, Registered Nurse (Endorsement Checklist and fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nurse Licensure Compact — official site ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California BRN — Licensure by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California BRN — Endorsement Application Fees & Instructions (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- California BRN — Processing Times ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]