Transfer Your Nursing License to Georgia: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Does my nursing license transfer to Georgia?
Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state: a multistate license from another compact state works in Georgia immediately, with no new application while you live in that other state; moving your residence to Georgia means applying by endorsement. Nurses from non-compact states (California, New York, and the other non-members) apply to the Georgia Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement — the NCLEX is not retaken.
Moving to Georgia from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
NLC member — multistate license honored
Whether you need to do anything at all depends on the license in your pocket. If you hold a multistate license and your primary residence stays in another compact state — a travel contract, a border commute, telehealth — Georgia requires nothing from you. If you are actually moving to Georgia, you are changing your primary state of residence, and that means an endorsement application to the Georgia Board of Nursing to re-home your multistate license.
eNLC member — a multistate license from another compact state is honored without a Georgia application; endorsement is for nurses moving to Georgia, coming from non-compact states, or ineligible for multistate licensure.
Georgia requirements at a glance
| Exam | NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys |
|---|---|
| Fees | $75 (non-refundable endorsement application fee; fingerprint fee paid separately to GAPS/Idemia) |
| Processing time | board states applications are processed in order received; complete applications may be reviewed at a scheduled board meeting — no numeric range published |
Comparing Georgia with other states? Check RN endorsement requirements by state in the Endorsement Requirement Finder.
Step by step
- Confirm Georgia's current requirements on the Georgia Board of Nursing website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Georgia Board of Nursing (application linked on this page).
- 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 listed above, and allow for the processing time shown there.
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Georgia:
All 24 origin states
Nearby states
Nursing license transfer into the states bordering Georgia:
Georgia for other professions
- Cosmetology / Barber in Georgia
- Real Estate in Georgia
- Contractor in Georgia
- Teaching in Georgia
- CPA / Accounting in Georgia
- Electrician in Georgia
- Plumber in Georgia
- Engineering in Georgia
- Pharmacy in Georgia
- Physical Therapy in Georgia
- Psychology in Georgia
- Counseling in Georgia
- Social Work in Georgia
- Occupational Therapy in Georgia
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in Georgia?
No. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys. No state requires a second NCLEX.
Is Georgia in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes — Georgia is an NLC member as of 2026-10-29. A multistate license from another member state is valid in Georgia without any application, as long as your primary residence stays in a member state.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-10-29.
- Georgia SOS — How-to Guide, Registered Nurse (Endorsement Checklist and fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Nurse Licensure Compact — official site ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-10-29
How we verify · All sources · Corrections log · spot an error? hello@licensereciprocity.com