How to find a Georgia RN license online
Georgia's nursing licenses are searchable through the Georgia Secretary of State's website using the Verify a License tool. You can search by the nurse's full name or license number. The search returns whether the license is currently active, inactive, or has been revoked or suspended — along with the license issue and expiration dates.
The tool is free and does not require you to create an account. You can search for any registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) licensed in Georgia, whether they work in a hospital, clinic, home health, or private practice. The database updates regularly as the Georgia Board of Nursing processes new licenses and renewals.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia's Secretary of State website has a free license search tool where you can look up any RN or LPN by name or license number.
- The search shows whether a license is active, inactive, suspended, or revoked, plus the dates it was issued and when it expires.
- You can verify a nurse's credentials before hiring them for home care, private duty, or other services.
- If a license appears inactive or suspended, you can contact the Georgia Board of Nursing directly to understand the reason.
Steps to search the Georgia nursing license database
Go to the Georgia Secretary of State website and locate the "Verify a License" section under professional licensing. Select "Nursing" from the dropdown menu of professions. You will then choose whether to search by name or license number.
If searching by name, enter the nurse's first and last name. The system will return all matching results. If multiple people share the same name, you can narrow the results by license number if you have it. Once you find the correct person, the record will display their license status, license number, issue date, and expiration date. Some records also show disciplinary history if the nurse has faced complaints or violations.
What the license status means
Active means the nurse holds a current, valid license and is legally permitted to practice in Georgia. Inactive means the nurse has a license on file but is not currently practicing — they may have requested inactive status temporarily, moved out of state, or taken a break from nursing. An inactive license holder cannot work as a nurse in Georgia until they reactivate it.
Suspended means the Board of Nursing has temporarily removed the nurse's right to practice, usually due to a complaint, violation, or failure to meet renewal requirements. Revoked means the license has been permanently cancelled, and the nurse cannot practice nursing in Georgia. Both suspended and revoked licenses indicate serious issues — you should not hire someone with either status.
When to search a nursing license
Search a nursing license before hiring a nurse for home care, private duty, or any direct patient care role. If you are a patient or family member, you can verify that your nurse is licensed before allowing them into your home. If you are a healthcare facility or agency, you should search every nurse you hire to confirm their license is active and has no disciplinary history.
You may also search a license if you have concerns about a nurse's conduct or credentials. If you suspect someone is practicing nursing without a valid license, you can report it to the Georgia Board of Nursing, which investigates unlicensed practice.
What to do if a license appears inactive or suspended
If the search shows a license as inactive or suspended, contact the Georgia Board of Nursing directly to understand why. The Board's phone number and mailing address are on the Secretary of State website. You can ask whether the status is temporary, what caused it, and whether the nurse is working to restore their license.
Do not hire or work with a nurse whose license is suspended or revoked. Even if they claim they are in the process of fixing the issue, only an active license means they are legally permitted to practice. If you have already hired someone and later discover their license is not active, stop their work when ready and report the situation to the Board.
Searching for nurses licensed in other states
If you need to verify a nurse licensed in a different state, each state maintains its own nursing license database. Most states have a similar online search tool through their state Board of Nursing or Secretary of State office. You can find links to other states' databases through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website, which provides a directory of state nursing boards.
Some nurses hold licenses in multiple states. If a nurse tells you they are licensed in Georgia and another state, search both databases to confirm. A nurse cannot legally practice in a state where they do not hold an active license, even if they are licensed elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for a nurse by their Social Security number or date of birth?
No. The Georgia nursing license search tool only accepts name or license number. If you have the nurse's license number, that is the fastest way to find their record. If you only have their name and it is common, you may get multiple results and need to contact the Board of Nursing to narrow it down.
Does the search show why a license was suspended or revoked?
The online search shows the status but not always the reason. You can contact the Georgia Board of Nursing by phone or mail to request details about disciplinary action. Some information may be public record, while other details may be confidential depending on the case.
How often is the license database updated?
The database updates regularly as the Board processes new licenses, renewals, and status changes. It is not updated in real time, so there may be a short delay between when a license status changes and when it appears in the search tool. If you need when ready confirmation, call the Board of Nursing directly.
What if I find an error in a nurse's license record?
Contact the Georgia Board of Nursing to report the error. Provide the nurse's name, license number, and details about what is incorrect. The Board will investigate and correct the record if needed. The nurse themselves can also request corrections to their own record.