West Virginia Nurse Licensing Guide

Permanent License

Approximately 14 business days upon receipt of all required materials.

Temporary License

Approximately 5-7 business days upon receipt of all required materials.

Permanent License

1. Submit an application online and pay the fee. RNs can begin their online application on the West Virginia RN Board portal, and LPNs can begin their online application on the West Virginia LPN Board portal.
2. You will need an SSN for both RN and LPN applications.
3. Both RNs and LPNs need to have graduated from a board-approved nursing program. The BON may require transcripts for your application.
4. Both RNs and LPNs need to request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure and the state where you are currently employed. If these states do not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the BON.
5. Provide a background check with fingerprints. Instructions for RN fingerprinting and background checks can be found on the WV RN Board background check page. Instructions for LPN fingerprinting and background checks can be found in the WV LPN Board background check requirements (PDF).

Temporary License

1. If you wish to be issued a provisional license, please indicate this on your RN application. The WV BON may issue a temporary license once all required documents are received, with the exception of the results of your background check.
2. Temporary licenses are not available for LPNs in West Virginia at this time.

Endorsement Application: RN: $125.00, LPN: $50.00

Temporary permit: RNs: No extra charge.

• West Virginia has separate BONs for RNs and LPNs. You can find the RN BON on the WV RN Board website and the LPN BON on the WV LPN Board website.
• Licensure and renewal can only be completed through the portal. Paper applications are not accepted.
• If you answered "yes" to any eligibility questions, additional documentation may be required.
• You can view the West Virginia RN BON’s FAQ section on the WV RN Board FAQ page.
• RNs can check the status of their license application in the WV RN license lookup.
• LPNs can check the status of their licensure application in the WV LPN license lookup.

• Renewal cadence: ‍
  - RNS: Every 2 years. Licenses are due to be renewed by October 31st in even years. The renewal period begins September 1st.
  - Have a passing score on the NLCEX or SBTPE
  - LPNs: Every 2 years. Contact the LPN BON or consult your current WV LPN license to see when your license will expire.

• Renewal fee:
  - RNs: $90.00
  - LPNs:

• Required contact hours:
  - RNs: 12 hours of continuing education are due for each 2-year renewal period. Click through to the CE Broker West Virginia course list for approved courses through CE Broker.
  - LPNs: 24 contact hours are required per 2-year renewal period.