Virginia Nurse License Overview
Getting your Virginia 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.
Stay Compliant Without the Stress
Track your credentials and monitor your license
Get free CEs + track your remaining contact hours with CerTracker
Everything you need to renew your license, in one place.
How long does it take to get a Virginia 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, Virginia 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 | $190 | $170 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | No separate fee specified | No separate fee specified |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $140 | $120 |
| Background Check | ~$36–$39 vendor fee | ~$36–$39 vendor fee |
Key Sections:
Virginia License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Virginia 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: Virginia Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Virginia Board of Nursing | Virginia Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Required for multistate licensure applicants | Required for multistate licensure applicants |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program required | Approved practical nursing program required |
| Application Portal | Virginia BON Online Licensing System | Virginia BON Online Licensing System |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed by the Board | Must be disclosed and reviewed by the Board |
| Processing Time | Varies based on application completeness and document review | Varies based on application completeness and document review |
VA Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Virginia Board of Nursing online portal
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
License Verification
- Verify your original license through Nursys
- If your state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly from that Board of Nursing to the Virginia BON
- 3.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting are required
- Applicants must register for fingerprinting through Fieldprint Virginia
- Online applicants receive a Fieldprint Code after application submission
- Mail applicants must contact the Virginia BON CBC unit for a Fieldprint Code
- 4.
Residency & Identification
- Provide proof of primary state of residence if applying for multistate licensure
- Government-issued identification may be required
- 5.
Education & Documentation
- Graduate from an approved nursing program
- Internationally educated nurses may be required to complete a credential evaluation through a Board-approved agency
- 6.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose: prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions
- Supporting documents may be reviewed by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
- 7.
Laws & Regulations
- Applicants must comply with Virginia nursing laws and regulations governing practice in the state
- Name or address changes must be updated directly through the Virginia Board of Nursing online system
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Virginia may issue an Authorization to Practice (ATP) letter while endorsement applications are pending
- 2.
Eligibility
- Applicant must have a pending endorsement application
- Applicants with disciplinary or conviction history may not qualify for ATP issuance
- Applicants with active multistate privileges generally do not require an ATP
- 3.
Validity
- ATP letters are initially valid for 30 days
- 4.
Requirements
- Applicants may be required to submit: Nursys verification receipt or current license copy (for non-Nursys states) and fingerprint appointment confirmation
- 5.
Processing
- ATP letters are typically issued by email within 1–2 business days after approval of the request
Virginia Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Virginia
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | Must complete at least 1 Board-approved competency activity for each renewal cycle | Continuing competency requirements apply based on license issue date | Continuing education must be relevant to nursing practice — competency options may include CE courses, active practice hours (640 hours within renewal cycle), academic coursework, certification, or employer verification |
| LPN | Must complete at least 1 Board-approved competency activity for each renewal cycle | Continuing competency requirements apply based on license issue date | Continuing education must be relevant to practical nursing practice — same Board-approved competency options apply to LPN renewals |
| APRN | National certification renewal requirements apply | Must maintain current national certification where required | Additional requirements may apply based on APRN role and certifying body — APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete additional pharmacology continuing education requirements |
Key Notes for Virginia
- Virginia uses a 'continued competency' model instead of a fixed CE-only requirement for RN and LPN renewals
- Nurses must retain proof of completed competency activities for at least 2 years after renewal in case of Board audit
- APRNs with prescriptive authority must complete additional pharmacology continuing education requirements
- Continuing competency requirements may be met through several Board-approved options, including practice hours, continuing education, certification, or academic coursework
- Virginia RN and LPN licenses renew every 2 years during the licensee's birth month — licenses issued to nurses born in even-numbered years renew in even-numbered years; odd-numbered birth years renew in odd-numbered years
- Late renewal fees apply: RN additional $50 / LPN additional $40 — reinstatement may be required if renewal deadlines are missed for an extended period
- Renewal notices are typically sent approximately 60 days before expiration
- CE/competency activities must be completed before renewal submission
- Employers may verify renewal and disciplinary status through Nursys or the Virginia BON
Get your unlimited free CEs with CerTracker
Managing your
Virginia nursing license doesn't have to be stressful.
Track everything in one place with CerTracker and get automated reminders
Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Virginia Nursing License
How much does a Virginia nursing license cost?
RN renewal is $140, while LPN renewal is $120 every 2 years. Late renewal fees apply if you miss the renewal deadline (RN: additional $50 / LPN: additional $40). Initial application fee is $190 for RNs and $170 for LPNs.
How long does it take to get a Virginia nursing license?
Processing times vary, but most endorsement applications are reviewed within a few weeks after all required documents and fingerprint results are received. The Virginia Board of Nursing processes complete applications within approximately 30 business days (about 6 weeks).
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Virginia?
Virginia does not use a fixed CE-hour requirement. Nurses must complete at least one Board-approved competency activity during each renewal cycle, which may include 15 CE hours, 640 practice hours, national certification, academic coursework, or other Board-approved activities.