Vermont Nurse License Overview
Getting your Vermont nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Vermont Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Vermont does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Exam) | $100.00 | $100.00 |
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $220 | $200 |
| Re-Entry Temporary Permit | $25 | $25 |
| Background Check | ~$45–$60 | ~$45–$60 |
Key Sections:
Vermont License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Vermont RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Vermont Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | VT Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) | VT Secretary of State, Office of Professional Regulation (OPR) |
| Compact Status | YES (eNLC) – joined Feb 1, 2022 | YES (eNLC) – joined Feb 1, 2022 |
| Background Check | Required for new applicants & first-time multistate | Required for new applicants & first-time multistate |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Office of Professional Regulation Online Services Platform | Office of Professional Regulation Online Services Platform |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
VT Licensure by Endorsement
VT Licensure by Endorsement
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit through the OPR Online Services Platform (no paper applications)
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- Transcripts (if required)
- 4.
Fingerprinting Process
- Vermont Identification Center (in-state): Make appointment; bring signed authorization form from OPR; most centers submit fingerprints to VCIC directly
- Out-of-state applicants: Contact local law enforcement for fingerprinting; use FD-258 Applicant Fingerprint Cards; fingerprint cards must be sealed in envelope by agency; mail to: Vermont Crime Information Center, 45 State Drive, Waterbury, VT 05671
- Fingerprint results take 4–6 weeks or longer
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Re-Entry Temporary Permit available ($25)
- Issued case-by-case basis after application review
- Must have completed CBC for multistate license
- 2.
Validity & Use
- For re-entry program participants
- Usually issued within 2–3 weeks
Vermont Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Vermont
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No fixed CE hours | Initial license issued 90 days or less before March 31: no renewal required (extends to next full period); initial license issued more than 90 days before renewal date: must renew on schedule | Must meet ONE competency pathway: 400 practice hours (2 yrs) OR 960 hours (5 yrs) OR 20 CE hours OR national certification — no mandatory special topics |
| LPN | No fixed CE hours | Same first-time renewal rules as RN | Same ONE competency pathway system as RN — no mandatory special topics |
| APRN | Varies (role + certification dependent) | Must maintain national certification | Must maintain national certification + practice requirements (if applicable) — prescribers may have additional controlled substance/education requirements depending on scope |
Key Notes for Vermont
- Vermont does NOT require mandatory continuing education (CE) for RN/LPN renewal as a fixed rule
- Nurses must meet ONE competency option — options include: practice hours OR 20 CE hours OR national certification OR re-entry program
- Competency activities (including practice hours) are subject to audit by OPR
- A re-entry program is only required if the nurse does not meet any competency option or has been inactive long-term
- First-time CBC is required for nurses converting or applying for multistate (eNLC) status, especially those licensed before Feb 1, 2022
- Vermont issues digital-only licenses (no paper licenses)
- No CE required for renewal — unique among states; practice hours are mandatory and subject to audit
- Random audits conducted 30 days after renewal period ends
- OPR sends 3 courtesy renewal notices to email on file
- Vermont RN licenses renew every 2 years — deadline is March 31 of odd-numbered years; LPN deadline is January 31 of even-numbered years
- Late fees apply if not renewed by midnight on expiration date — can still renew online but must pay late penalties; renewal applications open 6 weeks before expiration
- Nurses who obtained their license before Vermont joined eNLC (Feb 1, 2022) must submit fingerprints for FBI background check (first time only), indicate single-state or multistate preference, upload notarized Release Form, upload proof of Vermont residency, and pay non-refundable renewal fee + background check fee
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How much does a Vermont nursing license cost?
Vermont nursing license renewal typically costs $220 (RN) & $200 (LPN) every two years. Endorsement application fee is $150 for both RNs and LPNs.
How long does it take to get a Vermont nursing license?
4–6 weeks, primarily due to fingerprint background check processing.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Vermont?
Zero. Vermont does NOT require continuing education for RN/LPN renewal. Instead, you must complete 400 practice hours in 2 years or 960 hours in 5 years, or an equivalent competency option such as 20 CE hours or national certification.