Nursing License from Georgia to Maryland: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Maryland Board of Nursing ↗
Yes — both Georgia and Maryland are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Georgia is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Maryland now; if you are moving your residence to Maryland, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Maryland your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
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Verdict
Compact multistate — already covered
This is the move the compact was built for. Both Georgia and Maryland are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in Maryland while living in Georgia — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to Maryland means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into Maryland and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Georgia → Maryland
| Georgia (current) | Maryland (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $75 (non-refundable endorsement application fee; fingerprint fee paid separately to GAPS/Idemia) | $230 (endorsement application; optional 90-day temporary license $70 ($300 if both); CJIS fingerprinting fee paid separately to the fingerprinting vendor) |
| Processing time | board states applications are processed in order received; complete applications may be reviewed at a scheduled board meeting — no numeric range published | board does not publish a timeline; 90-day temporary license available while the application is pending |
| Licensing authority | Georgia Board of Nursing | Maryland Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Maryland sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm your current license is an active multistate license in good standing (check it in the verification system).
- If you are moving your primary residence to Maryland: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Maryland Board of Nursing when you move.
- Declare Maryland as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Maryland's fingerprint/background check requirement if requested.
- Keep practicing — your multistate privilege remains valid during the transition (do not let the old license lapse before the new one issues).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Maryland accept a Georgia nursing license?
Yes — both Georgia and Maryland are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Georgia is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Maryland now; if you are moving your residence to Maryland, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Maryland your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Georgia to Maryland?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
If you are only working across the border, nothing. If you are relocating your residence to Maryland: $230 (endorsement application; optional 90-day temporary license $70 ($300 if both); CJIS fingerprinting fee paid separately to the fingerprinting vendor) (endorsement application; optional 90-day temporary license $70 ($300 if both); CJIS fingerprinting fee paid separately to the fingerprinting vendor).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (board does not publish a timeline; 90-day temporary license available while the application is pending).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Maryland Board of Nursing — Licensure by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nurse Licensure Compact — official commission site ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Georgia SOS — How-to Guide, Registered Nurse (Endorsement Checklist and fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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