What you need to do to get your Alabama RN license active again
To reinstate your Alabama registered nurse license, you'll contact the Alabama Board of Nursing, submit proof that you meet their reinstatement requirements, and pay a reinstatement fee. The process takes several weeks and depends on how long your license has been inactive and why it lapsed. Most nurses can reinstate without retaking the NCLEX exam, but the Board may require continuing education hours or other documentation depending on your specific situation.
The Alabama Board of Nursing handles all reinstatement requests. You cannot reinstate through an online portal — you must submit your paperwork by mail or in person to their office in Montgomery. Having your original license number and knowing when your license expired will speed up the process.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Alabama Board of Nursing directly to request a reinstatement process packet, which includes all forms and a list of current requirements.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on how long your license has been inactive and whether you are reinstating as an RN or APRN.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five years, the Board may require you to complete continuing education hours or pass a jurisprudence exam before approval.
- The Board typically processes reinstatement requests within four to eight weeks of receiving a complete process.
- You cannot practice nursing or use the RN title until the Board officially reinstates your license and issues you a new license certificate.
How long your license has been inactive matters
Alabama's reinstatement requirements depend on how many years have passed since your license expired. If your license lapsed within the last year or two, the process is usually straightforward — you submit your process, pay the fee, and the Board reviews your record. If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the Board treats reinstatement differently and may impose additional requirements.
For licenses inactive five years or more, the Alabama Board of Nursing may require you to complete continuing education units (CEUs) in nursing, pass a jurisprudence exam covering Alabama nursing law, or both. The Board will tell you exactly what applies to your situation once you contact them. Some nurses in this category have also been asked to provide evidence of recent nursing practice or education to demonstrate they have kept current with the profession.
Documents and information the Board will ask for
When you request a reinstatement process from the Alabama Board of Nursing, you'll receive a packet that lists everything needed. Standard items include your original RN license number, your Social Security number, your current mailing address, and a completed reinstatement form signed and dated. You will also need to provide information about any disciplinary actions, criminal convictions, or other licensing issues that occurred while your license was inactive.
If you have been working as a nurse in another state or in a non-nursing role, bring documentation of that work history. If you have completed continuing education since your license lapsed, gather those certificates or transcripts now — they may reduce or eliminate additional requirements the Board might otherwise impose. The Board may also ask for proof of a current physical examination or health screening, depending on the reason your license originally lapsed.
The reinstatement fee and payment
Alabama charges a reinstatement fee that covers the Board's cost of processing your process and issuing a new license. The exact amount depends on whether you are reinstating an RN license or an APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) license, and how long your license has been inactive. Contact the Alabama Board of Nursing directly for the current fee, as it may change year to year.
The Board accepts payment by check or money order made payable to the Alabama Board of Nursing. Include the payment with your reinstatement process when you mail it in. Do not send cash. If you are unsure of the exact fee or have questions about payment methods, call the Board before mailing your process — this prevents delays if your payment is incorrect.
Where to send your process and how long it takes
Mail your completed reinstatement process and supporting documents to the Alabama Board of Nursing at their Montgomery office. The Board's mailing address is included in the reinstatement process packet they send you. Include a copy of your original license if you still have it, along with the fee and all required documents in one envelope.
Processing typically takes four to eight weeks from the date the Board receives your complete process. If your process is missing documents or information, the Board will contact you and ask you to submit what is missing — this extends the timeline. Once the Board approves your reinstatement, they will mail you a new license certificate. You are not officially reinstated until you receive that certificate in the mail.
What happens if the Board denies your reinstatement request
The Alabama Board of Nursing may deny a reinstatement request if you have unresolved disciplinary issues, criminal convictions related to nursing practice, or if you cannot demonstrate that you meet the Board's requirements for safe practice. If your request is denied, the Board will send you a written explanation of the reasons and information about your right to appeal or request reconsideration.
If denial is based on incomplete continuing education or a failed jurisprudence exam, you can usually address those issues and reapply. If denial is based on disciplinary history or criminal matters, the process is more complex and may require legal guidance. The Board's denial letter will explain what steps you can take next and whether you have the option to request a hearing before the Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to reinstate my Alabama RN license?
No. Most nurses do not have to retake the NCLEX to reinstate an inactive license. The Board reviews your original NCLEX results and your practice history. Only if the Board has concerns about your competency or if your license was revoked (rather than straightforward allowed to lapse) might they require an exam. Contact the Board about your specific situation if you are unsure.
Can I practice nursing while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice nursing or use the RN title until the Board officially reinstates your license and you receive your new license certificate. Working as a nurse with an inactive license is illegal in Alabama and can result in serious penalties. Wait for your reinstatement to be approved before accepting any nursing position.
What if I don't know when my license expired or I can't find my license number?
Contact the Alabama Board of Nursing with your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. They can look up your license history and tell you the expiration date and your license number. This information is necessary to complete your reinstatement process, so getting it from the Board directly is the fastest approach.
Can I reinstate my license if I was disciplined by the Board before it lapsed?
Yes, but reinstatement may take longer and require additional documentation. You will need to disclose the disciplinary action on your reinstatement process. The Board will review the circumstances and may require you to show that the issues leading to discipline have been resolved. Be honest and complete in your process — the Board has your records and will discover any omissions.
How do I contact the Alabama Board of Nursing to start the reinstatement process?
Call the Alabama Board of Nursing during business hours or visit their office in Montgomery. They will answer questions about your specific situation and mail you a reinstatement process packet. Having your license number or Social Security number ready when you call will help them locate your file quickly.