RN Warehouse

Alabama nursing license rules

Compact state

RN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources

Alabama is a compact state (since January 2020). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in Alabama in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in Alabama, your multistate license is issued here.

RN renewalEvery 2 years (single-state); multistate renews every odd year
RN CE hours per cycle24
RN endorsement fee$125
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years (single-state); multistate renews every odd year
When it expires
Sept 1 to Dec 31 (4:30 p.m.) of even years for single-state RN; multistate in odd years
Renewal fee
$100
Continuing education
24 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
None found on the board's pages.
Endorsement fee
$125
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Available. Nonrenewable, Alabama-only temporary permit once staff find a first-time endorsement applicant eligible (Ala. Admin. Code 610-X-4-.07); not for lapsed licenses
How to apply
Online application, license verification via Nursys, primary-source transcripts, 24 CE hours in the past 24 months, and fingerprints after the application is on file.

Moving or traveling

Moving to Alabama from another compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days (rule effective 2024-01-02). May keep practicing on the old multistate license until the new one is issued; the old one is then deactivated. Can apply before moving.

Moving here from a non-compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state; a multistate license may be issued if residency and uniform requirements (incl. state and federal fingerprint background checks) are met. The old single-state license is unaffected.

Check another state

Board of nursing

Alabama Board of Nursing

Licenses: RN, LPN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rules
This page summarizes Alabama's rules from the board's own pages as of October 29, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you apply or renew. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].

Sources