West Virginia Nurse License Overview
Getting your West 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.
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How long does it take to get a West 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, West 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 (Exam) | $70 | $75 |
| Endorsement Application | $100 | $125 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $25 | Varies by application type |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $90 | $40 |
| Background Check | Varies by IdentoGO / fingerprint vendor | Varies by fingerprint vendor |
Key Sections:
West Virginia License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first West 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: West Virginia Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | West Virginia RN Board | West Virginia State LPN Board |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved professional nursing program required | Approved practical nursing program required |
| Application Portal | WV RN Board Online Portal | WV LPN Board Online Portal |
| 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 Board review | Varies based on application completeness and Board review |
WV Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your endorsement application online through the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses or West Virginia LPN Board portal
- Pay the required application fee
- A valid Social Security Number is required for RN and LPN applications
- 2.
License Verification
- Verify your original license through Nursys
- If your licensing state does not participate in Nursys, license verification must be sent directly from that Board of Nursing to West Virginia
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Applicants must graduate from a Board-approved nursing program
- Official transcripts or additional documentation may be requested during application review
- International applicants may need credential evaluation documentation
- 4.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting are required
- Applicants must complete fingerprinting through approved processes provided by the Board
- Separate fingerprinting instructions may apply for RN and LPN applicants
- 5.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose: prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions or pending charges
- Additional supporting documents may be required for Board review.
Temporary License
- 1.
RN Temporary Permit Availability
- West Virginia may issue a provisional permit for RN endorsement applicants while the permanent license application is pending
- May be issued before permanent licensure is finalized if core requirements are met
- RN temporary permits may be valid for up to 90–180 days depending on application type and permit category
- 2.
Eligibility
- Most required application documents must be received before provisional permit issuance
- Background check results may still be pending at the time of issuance
- Must have a pending permanent license application and meet West Virginia Board eligibility requirements, including fingerprint/background check submission
- 3.
LPN Limitation
- Temporary permits are not currently issued for LPN endorsement applicants in West Virginia
- LPN temporary permits are available in certain licensure pathways through the WV LPN Board
West Virginia Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in West Virginia
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 12 contact hours | CE requirements apply based on license issue date | CE must be Board-accepted or recognized providers — must complete CE before renewal submission; subject to audit; RN licenses renew biennially in even-numbered years (due June 30) |
| LPN | 24 contact hours | CE requirements apply based on license issue date | CE must meet WV LPN Board requirements — contact hours must be completed before renewal submission; LPN licenses renew annually (due June 30 every year) |
| APRN | Varies (based on certification body) | Must maintain current national certification | Must maintain national certification — prescriptive authority may require additional pharmacology CE; APRN renewal due June 30 of odd-numbered years |
Key Notes for West Virginia
- West Virginia RN licenses renew biennially in even-numbered years through the WV RN Board
- West Virginia LPN licenses renew separately through the WV State LPN Board — LPN is NOT biennial in WV; LPNs renew annually due June 30
- Nurses should retain CE documentation in case of Board audit or compliance review
- APRNs with prescriptive authority may have additional pharmacology or controlled substance education requirements
- Continuing education must be completed before submitting the renewal application according to Board renewal guidance
- Nurses may not legally practice with an expired license — additional late or reinstatement fees may apply after expiration
- Reinstatement requirements may increase depending on how long the license has been inactive
- Renewals are typically processed shortly after successful submission; delays may occur during peak renewal periods or if the application is selected for audit
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About West Virginia Nursing License
How much does a West Virginia nursing license cost?
West Virginia RN renewal fees are typically about $90, while LPN renewal is $40 every 2 years. Initial endorsement application fee is $125 for RNs and $50 for LPNs.
How long does it take to get a West Virginia nursing license?
Processing times vary based on application completeness, fingerprint processing, and license verification through Nursys or the original Board of Nursing. The West Virginia RN Board does not publish a guaranteed approval timeline.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in West Virginia?
RNs must complete 12 contact hours every 2 years, while LPNs must complete 24 contact hours during each renewal cycle (annually).