Independent Georgia nursing endorsement guide checked against official Georgia Secretary of State, Georgia Board of Nursing, GOALS, GAPS/Idemia and Nursys information.
Apply for a Georgia nursing license by endorsement with the right portal, checks and verification
Endorsement is the route for an RN or LPN who already holds an active license in another U.S. jurisdiction and needs Georgia authority. The important steps are filing online in GOALS, completing GAPS/Idemia fingerprinting, sending current and original licensure verification, and waiting until Georgia issues an active license before practice.
Use Georgia nursing license by endorsement if you hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. jurisdiction and you are moving to Georgia, live in a non-compact state, or are not eligible for multistate licensure in your home state. If you previously held a Georgia RN or LPN license, Georgia directs you to reinstatement instead.
Registered Nurse endorsement
Use RN endorsement if you hold an active RN license in another U.S. jurisdiction and meet Georgia’s endorsement conditions.
RN Endorsement GuidePractical Nurse endorsement
Use LPN endorsement for a practical nurse license. Do not use the RN checklist for an LPN credential.
LPN Endorsement GuideSend license verification
Georgia lists verification of current licensure and verification of original licensure, with Nursys used where available.
Open NursysRegister with GAPS/Idemia
Georgia tells nursing applicants to register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day they submit the licensure application.
Open GAPS/IdemiaGeorgia endorsement facts that change your next step
Do not provide nursing services in Georgia until you hold an active license or valid multistate authority. Georgia’s nursing guides state that applicants may not legally provide nursing services until they hold an active license.
Endorsement is for active out-of-state licensure
Use endorsement when you already hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. jurisdiction and fit Georgia’s endorsement conditions.
Georgia requires online filing
The Board directs applicants to create a GOALS account and upload documents online. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
Compact status can change your need to apply
Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Your primary state of residence and multistate eligibility matter before filing.
If you are comparing endorsement in nearby or compact states, related guides such as Florida nursing license by endorsement, Texas Board of Nursing, and Tennessee Board of Nursing can help you compare compact-state rules.
Choose the right Georgia endorsement action
This local tool does not query a live state database. It points you to the safest official route based on your situation.
How to apply for Georgia RN or LPN endorsement
Georgia uses the GOALS online portal for nursing applications. Use the RN or LPN checklist before starting so you do not miss third-party items.
Confirm endorsement is the correct route
Apply by endorsement if you hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. jurisdiction and you are moving to Georgia, live in a non-compact state, or are not eligible for multistate licensure in your home state.
Review the RN checklistUse reinstatement if you previously held Georgia licensure
Georgia states that a person who previously held a Georgia RN or LPN license should use reinstatement rather than endorsement.
Review the LPN checklistCreate or open your GOALS account
Once logged in, select Apply for a License and choose the correct nursing application. Upload requested documents through the online portal.
Open GOALSRegister with GAPS/Idemia for fingerprints
Georgia tells applicants to register with GAPS/Idemia on the same day as submitting the application. After registration and processing, GAPS sends fingerprinting instructions.
Open GAPS/IdemiaOrder licensure verification
Georgia lists verification of current licensure and verification of original licensure. Use Nursys when the licensing jurisdiction participates.
Order Nursys verificationTrack status and answer deficiencies together
If Georgia sends a deficiency letter, submit all requested items at one time as soon as possible. Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if deficiencies are not satisfied within the stated period.
Check application statusFor users who landed here from a general Board search, the broader Georgia Board of Nursing guide explains license lookup, renewal, Board contact routes and continuing education.
What Georgia usually needs before an endorsement file can move
The live GOALS application and Georgia Board instructions control your exact file. Use this as a planning checklist.
| Item | What Georgia is checking | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Correct application | RN endorsement, LPN endorsement, APRN, reinstatement or compact upgrade. | Choose the correct checklist before opening a GOALS application. |
| Active unencumbered license | A current license in another U.S. jurisdiction. | Resolve expired, inactive or restricted status before applying. |
| Official transcript | Nursing school record leading to initial licensure. | Have the school or transcript vendor send the official transcript as instructed. |
| Current-license verification | The jurisdiction where you currently hold licensure. | Order Nursys or direct board verification where needed. |
| Original-license verification | The jurisdiction where you were first licensed. | Send another verification if your first licensing state is different from your current state. |
| Practice, education or reentry proof | Recent graduation, 500 hours of licensed practice in the last four years, or completion of a Board-approved reentry program. | Use the correct employment verification or reentry documentation if recent graduation does not apply. |
| Background check | Fingerprint-based background requirements through GAPS/Idemia. | Register promptly and follow the fingerprinting email instructions. |
Georgia endorsement and the Nurse Licensure Compact
Georgia participates in the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact. Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who hold an active Georgia license and meet eNLC requirements may apply for multistate licensure when Georgia is their primary state of residence.
If Georgia is your primary state of residence
You may need a Georgia license or Georgia multistate license, depending on your current license and compact eligibility.
If your home state is another compact state
A valid multistate license from your primary state of residence may allow practice in Georgia without a separate Georgia single-state endorsement application.
Do not file endorsement just because you want a duplicate compact license. Primary state of residence controls where your multistate license should be held.
How to handle a delayed Georgia endorsement application
Georgia says applications are processed in order received, and complete files are typically reviewed within fifteen business days from receipt of all required documents. Past criminal history, discipline or Board review can lengthen timelines.
Check GOALS first
Open the same GOALS account used to file. Read every status note and deficiency message before contacting the Board.
Open GOALSConfirm third-party delivery
Ask the school, licensing board, Nursys, employer or background vendor for the exact send or completion date.
Submit deficiency items together
Georgia advises applicants to submit all requested deficiency items at one time to prevent delays.
Keep contact information current
Email is a primary communication method used by the Board, so keep email, physical and mailing addresses updated in your account.
Contact Georgia Board of NursingGeorgia Board of Nursing office location, map and contact route
For licensing questions, application status problems, Board meetings or official nursing communications, use the Georgia Board of Nursing contact information shown by the Georgia Secretary of State.
Listed by the Georgia Secretary of State for the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Used on official Georgia nursing forms for Board submission items.
Macon, Georgia 31210.
Before visiting or mailing
- Check GOALS first for application status and deficiency notices.
- Do not send duplicate documents unless the Board asks for them.
- Use tracking if mailing time-sensitive records.
- For license status, use the official GOALS license search rather than an old card or screenshot.
Official sources used for this Georgia endorsement guide
Georgia nursing license by endorsement FAQ
Who should use Georgia nursing license by endorsement?
Use endorsement if you hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. jurisdiction and you are moving to Georgia, live in a non-compact state, or are not eligible for multistate licensure in your home state.
Where do I apply for Georgia RN or LPN endorsement?
Apply online through the Georgia GOALS portal. Georgia nursing guides state that paper applications are no longer accepted.
Can I practice in Georgia while my endorsement application is pending?
No. Georgia states that applicants may not legally provide nursing services until they hold an active license. A valid compact multistate license may be a separate authority depending on your primary state of residence.
Does Georgia require fingerprints for endorsement?
Yes. Georgia tells nursing endorsement applicants to register with GAPS/Idemia for the background check and then follow the fingerprinting instructions sent after registration and processing.
What license verifications does Georgia require?
Georgia lists verification of current licensure and verification of original licensure. Nursys may be used when the licensing jurisdiction participates.
What practice proof does Georgia require for endorsement?
Georgia lists one of the following: proof of graduation from an approved nursing education program within four years of application, verification of employment documenting 500 hours of licensed practice within four years of application, or completion of a Board-approved reentry program.
What if I previously held a Georgia nursing license?
If you previously held a Georgia RN or LPN license, Georgia directs you to reinstatement rather than endorsement.
Is Georgia a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
Yes. Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. To hold Georgia multistate licensure, Georgia generally must be your primary state of residence and you must meet compact requirements.
For nurses moving to Georgia
Start early, use GOALS, complete GAPS/Idemia fingerprinting, order Nursys verification, and wait for active Georgia authority before working.
For employers
Do not rely on an application receipt. Verify the active Georgia license or valid multistate authority in the official record before scheduling nursing work.