What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your RN License in Georgia
To reinstate a Georgia RN license, you must submit a reinstatement request to the Georgia Board of Nursing, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education requirements that accrued during the time your license was inactive. The board will review your record for any disciplinary history or practice violations. If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you may be required to retake the NCLEX-RN exam or complete a refresher course, depending on the board's assessment of your situation.
The reinstatement process typically takes four to six weeks from the date the board receives a complete process. You cannot practice nursing in Georgia under an inactive or expired license, so understanding the exact requirements for your situation before you submit anything will save you time and prevent delays.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia requires you to submit a reinstatement request form, pay the current reinstatement fee, and provide proof of any continuing education hours you owe from the inactive period.
- If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the Georgia Board of Nursing may require you to retake the NCLEX-RN or complete a board-approved refresher course before reinstatement is granted.
- You must disclose any criminal convictions, civil judgments, or disciplinary actions that occurred while your license was inactive.
- The board processes reinstatement requests in the order they are received; incomplete applications are returned and restart the timeline.
Continuing Education Hours and the Five-Year Rule
Georgia requires active RN licensees to complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. If your license has been inactive, you do not accrue these hours during the inactive period. However, when you reinstate, the board will assess how long your license was inactive and what education requirements explore to your reinstatement.
If your license was inactive for fewer than five years, you may be required to complete the continuing education hours that would have been due during that time, or the board may waive this requirement. If your license was inactive for five years or longer, the board typically requires either a passing score on the current NCLEX-RN exam or completion of a board-approved refresher course (usually 20 to 40 hours of classroom instruction). Contact the Georgia Board of Nursing directly to confirm what applies to your specific timeline, because the board has discretion in these cases.
Documents and Information You Must Provide
The Georgia Board of Nursing requires you to submit the following with your reinstatement request:
- A completed reinstatement process form (available on the board's website)
- The reinstatement fee (current amount varies; check the board's fee schedule)
- Proof of any continuing education hours completed, including course titles, hours, and dates
- A statement disclosing any criminal convictions, civil judgments, or disciplinary actions since your license became inactive
- If applicable, proof of completion of a refresher course or NCLEX-RN passing score
Do not submit incomplete applications. The board will return any process missing required documents, and you will have to resubmit the entire package. This restarts the processing timeline. Before you mail or submit your process, verify with the board that you have everything listed on the current reinstatement checklist.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
The Georgia Board of Nursing accepts reinstatement requests by mail or through its online licensing portal. Mailed applications should be sent to the Georgia Board of Nursing at the address listed on the board's website. Online submission is faster and allows you to track the status of your process.
If you submit by mail, include a copy of the fee payment (check or money order made payable to the Georgia Board of Nursing). If you submit online, you will pay the fee through the portal using a credit or debit card. Keep a copy of your process and proof of payment for your records. The board will send you a confirmation once your process is received and again when your license is reinstated.
Criminal History, Discipline, and Background Disclosure
You must disclose any criminal conviction, civil judgment, or disciplinary action that occurred while your license was inactive or at any other time. This includes arrests, guilty pleas, convictions, civil lawsuits, and professional discipline from any state or licensing board. Failure to disclose this information can result in denial of reinstatement or future disciplinary action against your license.
The board will conduct a background check as part of the reinstatement review. If you have a criminal history or prior discipline, the board may request additional documentation, such as court records, sentencing documents, or explanatory letters from you. This can extend the processing timeline. If the board has concerns about your fitness to practice, it may deny reinstatement or impose conditions on your license, such as supervised practice or additional education.
What Happens After You Submit Your process
Once the board receives your complete process, it will review your record, verify your continuing education, and conduct a background check. This process typically takes four to six weeks. You will receive written notice of the board's decision by mail or through the online portal.
If your reinstatement is approved, you will receive your reinstated license and can begin practicing when ready. If the board requests additional information or documentation, you will have a specified important date to respond. If your reinstatement is denied, the board will provide the reason in writing and explain your right to request a hearing or appeal.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common reason for delays is submitting an incomplete process. Missing continuing education documentation, an unsigned form, or an unclear disclosure statement will cause the board to return your process. Another frequent mistake is underestimating the time needed to complete a refresher course if one is required. If the board determines you need a refresher course, you must complete it before reinstatement can be granted, so starting this early prevents unnecessary delays.
Failing to disclose criminal history or prior discipline is a serious error that can result in denial of reinstatement. The board will discover this information through its background check, and dishonesty in your process is grounds for permanent denial. If you are uncertain whether something must be disclosed, contact the board and ask before you submit your process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my license expired more than five years ago?
The Georgia Board of Nursing may require you to retake the NCLEX-RN exam or complete a refresher course. Contact the board with your license number and the date it expired; the board will tell you which requirement applies to your situation. You cannot begin the reinstatement process until you know this, because the exam or course must be completed before the board will approve reinstatement.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX-RN if my license was inactive for less than five years?
Not necessarily. If your license was inactive for fewer than five years, the board may waive the exam requirement and instead require you to complete continuing education hours or a refresher course. The board has discretion in these cases, so contact them directly with your specific timeline to learn what applies to you.
Can I practice nursing while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot practice nursing under an inactive or expired license. You must wait for the board to approve your reinstatement and issue your reinstated license before you can work as an RN in Georgia. Practicing without an active license is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
What if I have a criminal conviction from while my license was inactive?
You must disclose it on your reinstatement process. The board will review the conviction and decide whether it affects your fitness to practice. Depending on the nature and severity of the conviction, the board may approve reinstatement, deny it, or approve it with conditions such as supervised practice. Honesty in your disclosure is essential; the board will discover the conviction through its background check.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee varies and is set by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Check the board's current fee schedule on its website before you submit your process. You will need to include payment with your process, and the fee is non-refundable even if your reinstatement is denied.