How Georgia Reinstates Inactive or Lapsed Nursing Licenses
If your Georgia RN license has expired or been placed on inactive status, you can restore it through the Georgia Board of Nursing. The path depends on how long it has been inactive and whether there are any disciplinary actions on your record. Most nurses can reinstate within 30 to 60 days if they meet the current requirements and submit the correct paperwork to the Board.
The Board handles reinstatement requests directly — there is no separate process portal or third-party processor. You will work with the Board's licensing department, submit documents by mail or through their online system, and pay a reinstatement fee. The specific steps and cost vary based on whether your license lapsed recently or years ago.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Georgia Board of Nursing directly to confirm your license status and which reinstatement path applies to you.
- Most reinstatements require proof of current CPR certification, completion of any required continuing education hours, and a reinstatement fee.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five years, you may need to retake the NCLEX-RN exam or complete additional clinical hours.
- The Board processes reinstatement requests by mail or online; turnaround is typically 30 to 60 days once all documents are received.
- If your license was disciplined or suspended, you must resolve that status with the Board before reinstatement is possible.
Check Your Current License Status with the Georgia Board of Nursing
Before you start the reinstatement process, confirm exactly what happened to your license. The Georgia Board of Nursing maintains a public license lookup on its website where you can search by name or license number. This search will tell you whether your license expired, was placed on inactive status, or was suspended or revoked.
If the lookup does not show your license or the status is unclear, call the Board's licensing department directly at the phone number listed on their website. Have your name, date of birth, and license number ready. The staff can tell you the exact reason your license is no longer active and which reinstatement requirements explore to you. This one call often saves weeks of confusion because reinstatement rules differ based on how long the license has been inactive.
Gather Required Documents Before You Submit
All reinstatement requests require proof of current CPR certification — typically American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers or equivalent. Your CPR card must be valid on the date you submit your reinstatement request. If your CPR has expired, renew it before you explore; the Board will not process an incomplete request.
You will also need to verify that you have completed any continuing education hours required by Georgia. The number of hours depends on how long your license was inactive. If you let your license lapse during a renewal cycle, you may owe the full number of hours for that cycle. The Board's website lists the current CE requirements; most active RNs must complete 30 hours every two years, but this can vary. If you have not completed the required hours, you must do so before submitting your reinstatement request — the Board will not waive this requirement.
If your license has been inactive for more than five years, contact the Board before gathering documents. You may be required to retake the NCLEX-RN exam or complete supervised clinical practice hours instead of or in addition to CE hours. The Board will explain this requirement when you call.
Complete the Reinstatement Request Form
The Georgia Board of Nursing provides a reinstatement process form on its website. read the current version — do not use an old form, as requirements change. The form asks for your personal information, license number, the reason your license became inactive, and confirmation that you have met all current requirements (CPR, continuing education, and any other conditions).
Fill out the form completely and sign it. Some sections may ask whether you have been disciplined, arrested, or convicted of a crime since your license went inactive. Answer these questions honestly; the Board verifies information and incomplete or false answers delay processing or result in denial. If you have any disciplinary history or legal issues, mention them on the form and be prepared to provide documentation or explanation.
Submit Your Request and Pay the Reinstatement Fee
Once your form is complete and you have gathered your CPR card, CE documentation, and any other required papers, submit everything to the Board. Most boards now accept online submission through their licensing portal, which is faster than mailing. If you mail documents, use the address listed on the Board's website and keep a copy of everything you send.
Include the reinstatement fee with your request. The fee amount is set by the Board and may change; check the current fee on the Board's website or ask when you call. Fees typically range from $100 to $300, but confirm the exact amount before you submit. If you submit by mail, include a check or money order. If you submit online, you will be prompted to pay by credit card.
After you submit, the Board will send you a confirmation. Keep this confirmation and your receipt. Processing usually takes 30 to 60 days, though it can be longer if the Board requests additional information or if your file requires review by a disciplinary committee.
What Happens If Your License Was Disciplined or Suspended
If your license was suspended, revoked, or placed under disciplinary probation, reinstatement is more complex. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and renew. Instead, you must petition the Board to lift the suspension or complete the terms of probation. This process involves submitting a petition, providing evidence that you have met any conditions (such as completing a treatment program or supervision hours), and sometimes appearing before the Board's disciplinary committee.
Contact the Board's disciplinary section directly if this applies to you. They will explain what you must do to become may be able to access for reinstatement and how long the process typically takes. Do not attempt to reinstate through the standard form if your license was disciplined; the Board will reject it and refer you to the disciplinary process instead.
After Your License Is Reinstated
Once the Board approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license certificate or a digital license confirmation, depending on how Georgia issues licenses. Your license number may remain the same or change; the Board will specify. You can begin working as an RN once you receive official confirmation from the Board — do not rely on email alone, as some employers require the physical certificate or a Board-issued verification letter.
Your reinstated license will be subject to the same renewal cycle as any active license. Mark your renewal date on your calendar so you do not let it lapse again. Renewal typically requires payment of a renewal fee, proof of current CPR, and completion of continuing education hours for the renewal period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Most reinstatements are processed within 30 to 60 days of receiving a complete process. If the Board needs additional information or your file requires disciplinary review, it may take longer. You can call the Board to check the status of your request after two weeks.
Can I work as an RN while my reinstatement is pending?
No. You cannot legally practice nursing with an inactive or expired license. You must wait for the Board to approve your reinstatement and issue a new active license before you return to work. Some employers may allow you to start orientation or training during the waiting period, but you cannot provide patient care.
What if I have not completed the required continuing education hours?
You must complete them before submitting your reinstatement request. The Board will not process an process without proof of current CE hours. Contact a CE provider in Georgia to find courses that meet the Board's requirements and enroll when ready if you are behind.
Do I need to retake the NCLEX if my license has been inactive for a long time?
It depends on how long your license was inactive and the Board's current policy. If it has been more than five years, the Board may require you to retake the NCLEX-RN or complete supervised clinical practice hours. Call the Board to confirm whether this applies to your situation before you start the reinstatement process.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement request?
The Board will send you a written explanation of the denial. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, failure to meet CE requirements, or unresolved disciplinary issues. You can request reconsideration, submit additional documentation, or appeal the decision through the process outlined in the Board's letter.