Alabama Nurse License Overview

eNLC:
Yes
Walk-Through:
No
Temp License:
Yes
Nursys:
Yes
BON website
P:
(800) 656-5318

Fees

Endorsement Application: SSL- $125.00, MSL- $225.00.

Temporary Permit: No extra charge.

Fees are the same for RN and LPN licenses.

How long does it take to get an Alabama Nursing License?

Permanent License

The BON does not commit to a timeframe for permanent licensure.

Temporary License

The BON does not commit to a timeframe for temporary licensure.

AL License Renewal

  • Renewal cadence: Every 2 years. The annual renewal period runs from September 1 through December 31. RNs renew on even-numbered years, and LPNs renew on odd-numbered years. 
  • Renewal fee: $100
  • Required contact hours: 24 contact hours every 24 months
  • Continuing education requirements are prorated in the case of first-time licensees

Important Things to Know about Alabama Nurse Licenses

  • All card transactions carry a $3.50 fee.
  • You must submit an online application and pay the fee before mailing in any supporting documentation. 
  • You can view the status of your endorsement application here
  • You cannot have a third party complete the endorsement application on your behalf. 
  • You must have graduated from an accredited RN or LPN nursing program that meets the same educational requirements as Alabama nursing programs. 
  • If you answered “yes” to any of the regulatory questions on the application, you will need to submit further required documentation, including a detailed written explanation of the circumstances surrounding the events which you are disclosing. 
  • Temporary permits are for first-time applications only. 
  • You cannot apply for a temporary permit if you have answered “yes” to any of the regulatory questions. 
  •  Here’s how you can change your Single State Alabama License into a Multistate License. The Board cannot process any application for a multistate license until after they receive the results of the fingerprint background check. The Board has no control over the background check process, which can take several weeks to process.
  • The Alabama Board of Nursing is easily accessible and willing to answer any questions via phone. 
  • Click here for the Alabama Board of Nursing’s FAQs.

AL Licensure by Endorsement

Process

Permanent License

  1. Submit an application online and pay the fee. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. 
  2. Provide a valid United States Social Security Number
  3. Provide proof of citizenship/legal presence 
  4. If you are a United State citizen you need to mail in this checklist 
  5. If you’re a non-citizen you must mail in this checklist
  6. Submit official transcripts be sent directly from your school to the Alabama Board of Nursing in a sealed envelope. Faxed transcripts are not accepted. The ABN accepts electronic transcripts through eScrip-Safe and Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, and Credential Solutions.
  7. Submit documentation of having earned 24 contact hours of continuing education within the past 24 months. This requirement is prorated in the case of first-time licenses.
  8. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure. If this state does not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the Alabama BON on this form.
  9. Fingerprinting is now a requirement of the BON. You can find more information here. You must have an application on file with the Board of Nursing prior to submitting for fingerprinting.

Temporary License

  1. Temporary licenses are granted only once during your first application for licensure by endorsement. If you have previously held an Alabama nursing license, you are not eligible for a temporary license. 
  2. Submit an application online and pay the fee. Complete the necessary citizenship forms outlined in steps four or five of the above section, and submit your nursing license verification from Nursys.  
  3. Once these steps are completed, you may be granted a temporary license.
  4. To complete the application for a permanent license, be sure to submit official transcripts, proof of continuing education requirements, and any other necessary documentation before the license expires. 
  5. The temporary license is valid for 180 days and is nonrenewable. 
  6. The temporary license is part of the application fee for SSL License Endorsement. MSLs are not eligible for a temp license unless they are applying for the MSL and have a current SSL they are endorsing.
  7. In the event of a state or nationally declared emergency in a jurisdiction outside Alabama, any individual licensed in the jurisdiction where the emergency occurred may apply electronically for a Disaster Temporary Permit in the manner prescribed by the Board. The Disaster Temporary Permit shall be valid for not more than ninety (90) days.

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