Virginia Nurse Licensing Guide

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Virginia Nurse License Overview

eNLC:

Yes

Walk-Through:

Yes

Temp License:

Yes

Nursys:

Yes

(804) 367-4515

Endorsement Application: RNs: $190.00, LPNs: $170.00

Approximately 30 business days upon receipt of all required materials.

Approximately 1-2 days from receipt of all required materials.

Renewal cadence: Both RN and LPN licenses expire every 2 years. Renewal of your license occurs every 2 years during your birth month. If you were born in an even-numbered year, your license would expire every 2 years during even years. If you were born in an odd-numbered year, your license will expire every 2 years in odd-numbered years.
Renewal fee: RNs: 140.00, LPNs: $120.00. Late renewals will incur an additional fee of $50.00 for RNs and $40.00 for LPNs.
Required contact hours: 15 hours of continuing education or 640 hours of practice as a nurse. You can see more options for renewal requirements here.
If you receive your initial credential in the months leading up to your renewal window, you are still required to renew your license and begin the 2-year renewal cycle.
The License Renewal Notice is sent out approximately 60 days before your license is scheduled to expire and includes a unique PIN code you are required to use when renewing your license.
Click here to renew your license online.

You can log into your DHP license application portal to check on the status of your application.
Your application is valid for 12 months. If incomplete after 12 months have passed, your application will be discarded and you must reapply and repay the application fee.
Click here to use the online application wizard.
If you meet all Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) and your primary state of residence is Virginia, you will be granted a license with multi-state privilege that allows you to practice in other compact states.
You can check the status of your application here and your licensure status here.

Submit an application online and pay the fee. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs.
Click here to view the application form and checklist here.
Provide a background check with fingerprints. Online applicants will receive an application confirmation receipt containing a Fieldprint Code required to register for fingerprinting. Nurses applying by mail must contact the Virginia BON Criminal Background Check unit for their Fieldprint Code.
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 Virginia BON.
Provide proof of your primary state of residence.
Complete the fingerprint requirements and criminal background check.

You must register for fingerprinting exclusively through Fieldprint Va.
Online applicants will receive an application confirmation receipt that contains a VBON Fieldprint Code required to register for fingerprinting. Online applicants will also see their Fieldprint Code at the top of the checklist instructions page.
If you apply by mail, you must contact the VBON CBC unit for your Fieldprint Code that is required to register for fingerprinting.

Review and agree to the Laws and Regulations governing the practice of Nursing in Virginia.
Licensure applicants previously licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction but educated in a foreign country (except Canada) must submit a credential evaluation by a board-approved credential agency. For more information, go to VBON International Applicant Resources.

Once all items have been received by the BON except the criminal background check, you may be issued a provisional license.
If you intend to work in Virginia pending licensure and you do not have a current license issued with multi-state privilege, you may submit a written request for a letter from the Board for authorization to practice. This is called an Authorization to Practice Letter (ATP).
License applications that do not indicate conviction or discipline history will be eligible for an ATP.
Authorization to Practice letters are initially effective for 30 days, so it is advisable to wait to request a letter after 10 business days have expired from the date your application was received by VBON, as your license should be issued within 30 business days.
An ATP request must be emailed to appsupportdocs@dhp.virginia.gov, and include in the email subject line: Endorsement Applicant: Request ATP letter.
Submit copies of your NURSYS license verification receipt and/or your current license (only for non-NURSYS participating states) and your Fieldprint (fingerprinting) appointment confirmation receipt.
Authorization to Practice letters will be sent by email within 1-2 business days from receipt of the request.