Navigate Virginia Nursing—from Primary-Source Lookup to Renewal
Most visitors are not searching for a Board meeting. They need to confirm whether a nurse is licensed today, understand a birth-month renewal deadline, recover an online account or find the document holding up an endorsement application.
Virginia separates those tasks between DHP License Lookup, Online Licensing, Initial Applications, Nursys and profession-specific Board pages. This guide puts the official requirements, fees, competency choices and troubleshooting into one practical route.
Use Virginia DHP License Lookup for public primary-source verification. Use Online Licensing for your own renewal, address update and duplicate license. Use the Initial Applications checklist to track a pending application.
Verify a Virginia nurse
Check credential type, status, expiration and available case information.
Renew RN, LPN or APRN
Use the birth-month deadline, competency option, PIN and current fee.
Check application status
Track checklist items, received documents, deficiencies and issuance.
Apply by endorsement
Complete the online application, CBC, verification and residency proof.
Verify a nursing program
Check Virginia approval, exact campus, Board orders and NCLEX rates.
Virginia nursing-license facts that determine your next step
Birth-year parity rule: a nurse born in an even-numbered year renews by the last day of the birth month in an even-numbered year. A nurse born in an odd-numbered year renews in the birth month of an odd-numbered year.
DHP issues and verifies licenses
Public verification, online renewal, application accounts and record updates are provided through Virginia’s Department of Health Professions.
A missed deadline lapses the license
Virginia regulations state that an RN or LPN license automatically lapses when it is not renewed by the expiration date.
Virginia participates in the compact
A qualifying Virginia resident can hold a multistate RN or LPN license and practise in other compact states.
Online renewal needs account access
Prepare the 10-digit license number, established username and password or the PIN sent with the renewal notice.
First renewal has an exemption
The first renewal following initial RN or LPN licensure by examination or endorsement is exempt from the continued-competency requirement.
Fingerprints are not a renewal requirement
Criminal background checks apply to initial RN/LPN examination, endorsement and reinstatement applications—not routine renewal.
How to verify a Virginia nursing license
Virginia DHP License Lookup serves as primary-source verification and meets Joint Commission requirements. It includes current credentials and expired records dating back to January 1, 2000.
Open official DHP License Lookup
Use the live state database rather than a screenshot, résumé copy or private directory.
Open Primary-Source LookupSearch by license number when possible
The number gives the cleanest result. The system also supports occupation, name, state, ZIP and status searches.
Select the correct occupation
Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Authorization to Prescribe can appear separately.
Read the full credential record
Confirm the person, credential, current or expired status, issue date, expiration and related credentials.
Check Board case decisions where relevant
A license status alone may not explain the facts or conditions in a disciplinary order.
Record the verification date
Employers should retain the live result and date checked under their credentialing policy.
| Status or record | What it generally means | Correct next action |
|---|---|---|
| Current | The credential is unexpired under the information displayed. | Confirm the exact occupation, expiration and any related APRN or prescribing credential. |
| Expired / Lapsed | The renewal deadline passed without an effective renewal. | Do not practise on the credential; use reinstatement. |
| Inactive | The nurse may retain the title but cannot practise or use multistate privilege. | Complete the inactive-to-active process before returning to practice. |
| Restricted / disciplined | A Board order or condition affects the credential. | Read the case decision and confirm permitted duties. |
| APRN without matching RN | The advanced-practice record must be interpreted with the RN license or compact privilege. | Verify both records before credentialing advanced-practice work. |
| Nurse Aide | The record is a certification rather than an RN or LPN license. | Review annual renewal and paid-work eligibility separately. |
Use the “Current Licensees” status filter when the purpose is employment verification. A name-only search can also return expired credentials.
No result found?
Renew a Virginia RN, LPN or APRN license
Virginia nursing licenses renew biennially by the last day of the birth month in the year matching the licensee’s birth-year parity. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not extend the deadline.
Check expiration
Confirm the live date and whether the credential is active, inactive or lapsed.
Meet competency
Complete one full RN/LPN pathway or the applicable APRN requirement.
Prepare access
Have the license number, username/password or renewal PIN ready.
Pay and verify
Submit the correct fee and confirm the updated public record.
Confirm your birth-month deadline
Even birth year means renewal in the birth month of an even year. Odd birth year means renewal in the birth month of an odd year.
Check Expiration DateComplete the correct competency route
RNs and LPNs choose one complete option. APRNs follow professional-certification or specialty-education rules.
Review Competency RulesLocate the notice, PIN or existing account
DHP sends a renewal notice approximately 45–60 days before expiration. Returning users can use the established username and password.
Open DHP Online Licensing
Use the official renewal page and select New User or Returning User as appropriate.
Open Online LicensingAttest accurately and pay
Active RN/LPN renewal requires competency attestation. Pay by accepted debit or credit card and save the receipt.
Verify the renewed record
After payment is processed, check DHP License Lookup. The Board FAQ states that a renewed license document can take 10–14 days to arrive.
Why renewal may not work
A Virginia RN or LPN license automatically lapses when it is not renewed by the expiration date. Practising while the license is lapsed is considered illegal practice under Virginia law.
Paper renewal is slower. DHP recommends requesting the form at least 30 days before expiration and returning it with payment at least 10 days before the deadline.
Virginia RN and LPN renewal competency options
Virginia does not require every RN or LPN to complete one identical contact-hour total. To renew an active license, complete one entire option from the approved list.
| Approved option | Minimum activity | Useful proof to retain |
|---|---|---|
| National specialty certification | Hold current certification from a qualifying national certifying organization. | Current certificate and verification details. |
| Post-licensure academic education | At least 3 credit hours relevant to nursing practice. | Official transcript or grade record. |
| Board-approved refresher course | Complete the approved nursing refresher program. | Course completion certificate. |
| Evidence-based project or research | Complete a nursing-related evidence-based practice project or research study. | Project documentation and participation evidence. |
| Publication | Publish as an author or co-author during the renewal cycle. | Publication copy and authorship record. |
| Teach or develop an academic course | At least 3 semester hours, a 15-week course or specialty-certification course. | Institutional verification and course material. |
| Develop or teach nursing CE | Up to 30 qualifying contact hours. | Provider verification, agenda and teaching hours. |
| Practice plus education | 15 contact hours plus 640 hours of active nursing practice. | CE certificates and employer/practice verification. |
| Education-only route | 30 contact hours relevant to nursing practice. | Certificates showing provider, dates and hours. |
First-renewal exemption
The first renewal after initial licensure by examination or endorsement is exempt from the RN/LPN competency requirement.
Do not mix incomplete options
The Board FAQ states that partial pieces from several options cannot be combined. Complete one pathway fully.
Extension request deadline
A good-cause extension of up to one year must be requested in writing at least 60 days before renewal.
Board-ordered courses do not count
Education required by a disciplinary order cannot be counted toward normal renewal competency.
APRN renewal competency
| APRN situation | Renewal requirement | Additional action |
|---|---|---|
| Initially licensed on or after May 8, 2002 | Maintain current professional certification in the specialty. | Keep certification verification current. |
| Licensed before May 8, 2002 | Current specialty certification or at least 40 hours of qualifying specialty education. | Retain supporting education records. |
| Prescriptive authority | Eight pharmacology or pharmacotherapeutics hours per biennium in addition to applicable APRN requirements. | Keep records for four years. |
| Selected for audit | Provide requested evidence and documentation. | Prescriptive-authority audit documentation is due within 30 days of notice. |
A nurse who holds both Virginia RN and LPN licenses completes only one RN/LPN competency option. An RN who is also an active APRN follows the APRN and prescribing requirements instead of duplicating the RN requirement.
Virginia nursing application, renewal and reinstatement fees
Board fees are non-refundable. Online transactions accept major debit or credit cards; paper payments must follow the Treasurer of Virginia instructions.
| Transaction | Published fee | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| RN application by exam or endorsement | $190 | NCLEX, Nursys and fingerprint charges can be separate. |
| RN biennial renewal | $140 | Late renewal adds $50. |
| RN reinstatement | $225 | $300 after suspension or revocation. |
| LPN application by exam or endorsement | $170 | Testing, verification and CBC charges are separate. |
| LPN biennial renewal | $120 | Late renewal adds $40. |
| LPN reinstatement | $200 | $300 after suspension or revocation. |
| Inactive RN renewal | $70 | Late inactive renewal adds $25. |
| Inactive LPN renewal | $60 | Late inactive renewal adds $20. |
| APRN application | $125 | Advanced-practice and related prescribing transactions can be separate. |
| APRN biennial renewal | $80 | Late renewal adds $25. |
| APRN reinstatement | $150 | $200 after suspension or revocation. |
| Repeat RN/LPN exam application | $50 | Pearson VUE registration remains separate. |
| Duplicate license | $15 | Duplicate wall certificate is $25. |
| CNA renewal | $30 annually | CNA initial application is listed as $0; reinstatement is $30. |
Fieldprint currently charges $35.95 for an in-Virginia electronic fingerprint appointment and $38.95 at an out-of-state Fieldprint location. These vendor charges are separate from the Board application fee.
Virginia multistate license and primary residence
A multistate license is tied to the nurse’s primary state of residence. It is not based only on the employer’s location or where the nurse wants to work.
Primary state of residence controls
Virginia may request a Virginia driver’s license, Virginia voter-registration card or qualifying DD Form 2058 as residency evidence.
Uniform requirements apply
Applicants and renewing nurses must attest that they meet the NLC Uniform Licensure Requirements.
Follow the patient-location law
A compact nurse follows the nursing laws of the state where the patient is located when care is delivered.
| Situation | License route | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia is your primary residence | Apply for or renew the Virginia RN/LPN license. | Whether you meet all multistate eligibility requirements. |
| Another compact state is your primary residence | Use the home-state multistate license. | Virginia RN/LPN renewal is not available when another compact state is declared as primary residence. |
| Moving permanently to Virginia | Apply for Virginia home-state licensure under NLC rules. | Residency evidence, CBC and endorsement requirements. |
| APRN with another state’s multistate RN | Maintain Virginia APRN authority plus the valid compact RN privilege. | APRN renewal requires proof of the other state’s multistate RN license and cannot use ordinary online renewal. |
RN/LPN compact privilege does not automatically provide Virginia APRN authority. Verify the APRN license and any authorization to prescribe separately.
Check a Virginia nursing application and checklist
Complete, fully documented applications meeting the minimum rules are processed within a published target of 30 business days, or approximately six weeks, from receipt of the application and fee.
Return to the Initial Applications account
Use the User ID and password created when the online application was submitted.
Open Status InstructionsFind Pending Licenses
Select “View Checklist” beside Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, APRN, CNA or the submitted credential.
Open additional instructions
The checklist page can contain downloadable instructions, forms or evaluator guidance specific to the file.
Interpret each checklist label correctly
“Unchecked” can mean an item was received but awaits review. Do not automatically send another copy.
Check License Lookup if the application disappears
The Board states that an application missing from Pending Licenses may have been issued.
| Checklist status | What it means | Your action |
|---|---|---|
| Unchecked | The requested item may have been received but is waiting for staff review. | Do not send a duplicate unless Board staff requests it. |
| Completed | Documentation for the requirement was received and added to the file. | No action unless another requirement remains open. |
| Incomplete | Information was received but something is missing or incorrect. | Read the Board notice and supply the exact correction. |
| Not Applicable | The requirement does not apply to this applicant. | No action. |
| Waived | The requirement was met through another qualifying item. | No action. |
Incomplete applications are retained for one year from submission. After the file expires, a new application and fee are required.
“I am contacting the Virginia Board of Nursing about my _____ application. It was submitted on _____. My checklist shows _____ for the item named _____. That document was sent by _____ on _____ through _____. Please confirm whether further action is required or whether it is awaiting review.”
Virginia RN and LPN fingerprint process
All initial RN and LPN applications by examination, endorsement and reinstatement require a fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal background check.
Apply before fingerprinting
The application confirmation contains the VBON Fieldprint Code needed to schedule the correct background check.
Routine result target
The Board says results should normally be available within 24–48 hours after processing.
Criminal history takes longer
An associated history can delay FBI or State Police results for 30 days or more and trigger additional review.
Submit the nursing application and fee
Do not schedule a generic employer background check and assume it can be transferred to VBON.
Retrieve the VBON Fieldprint Code
Keep the application confirmation receipt or view the code in the online applicant checklist.
Schedule through Fieldprint
Fieldprint is the exclusive VBON vendor and offers electronic locations across Virginia and the United States.
Keep the appointment receipt
Retain the code, appointment details and payment record until the checklist is updated.
Respond only when additional records are requested
The CBC Unit contacts applicants when a result requires explanation or official supporting information.
CBC questions: email VBONCBCUnit@dhp.virginia.gov. Routine renewal applicants do not complete a new CBC.
Virginia RN or LPN licensure by endorsement
Endorsement applications are accepted online. Before paying, determine whether Virginia should issue the home-state license or whether another compact state remains your primary state of residence.
Check compact residence first
A nurse whose primary residence is another compact state generally applies in that home state rather than obtaining a Virginia multistate license.
Complete a new Virginia CBC
Boards cannot share criminal-background results, so a prior compact-state CBC does not replace the Virginia application requirement.
Verify the original license
Request verification from the state where the nurse originally took the NCLEX, following the online instructions.
Use the RN or LPN Application Wizard
The wizard separates endorsement, examination, international education, reinstatement and repeat-exam routes.
Submit the exclusive online application
Pay $190 for RN endorsement or $170 for LPN endorsement.
Schedule the VBON criminal background check
Use the Fieldprint code generated after the application is received.
Order original-state license verification
Follow the application’s Nursys or direct-board instructions for the jurisdiction where the NCLEX was taken.
Provide primary-residence evidence
Submit the residency document needed to determine single-state or multistate eligibility.
Track the checklist
Allow the published 30-business-day processing period after the application becomes complete and fully documented.
Internationally educated endorsement applicants can require a credential evaluation. The RN guidance lists accepted reports from CGFNS-related services, Josef Silny & Associates or VISA4Nurses, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
An endorsement applicant without a Social Security number must contact the Board for special instructions. The Board states that a qualifying applicant may receive a temporary license valid for 90 days while obtaining an SSN, but a valid SSN is required for the permanent license.
Reinstate or reactivate a Virginia nursing license
Ordinary renewal is not the correct route after a license lapses or when an inactive license needs to return to active practice.
| Current status | Required route | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Recently lapsed RN | Online reinstatement for a lapsed or expired RN license. | CBC, competency evidence and $225 fee. |
| Recently lapsed LPN | Online reinstatement for a lapsed or expired LPN license. | CBC, competency evidence and $200 fee. |
| Suspended or revoked | Paper reinstatement-after-discipline application. | Follow the order; revoked applicants must wait three years from the revocation order date before reapplying. |
| Inactive for one renewal period | Inactive-to-active request. | Pay the active/inactive fee difference and attest to one competency option completed during the previous two years. |
| Inactive longer than one renewal period | Expanded reactivation application. | Application, fee difference and evidence of competency or safe return to practice. |
An inactive Virginia RN or LPN may use the professional title but cannot practise nursing or use a multistate privilege until the license is reactivated.
DHP License Lookup or Nursys—which verification do you need?
| Your task | Correct service | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Check a Virginia RN or LPN for employment | DHP License Lookup | Free public primary-source verification. |
| Check all Virginia Board of Nursing credentials | DHP License Lookup | RN, LPN, APRN, CNA, CNS, medication aide and other regulated records. |
| Send Virginia RN/LPN verification to another state board | Nursys License Verification | Electronic verification sent to the recipient board. |
| Check multistate privilege | Nursys QuickConfirm | Home-state license and compact privilege information. |
The Virginia Board FAQ lists a $30 Nursys verification fee and provides Nursys License Verification support at (866) 819-1700.
Check a Virginia-approved RN or practical nursing program
The Virginia Board regulates in-state prelicensure RN and LPN programs. It does not approve out-of-state or post-licensure nursing programs.
Open the Virginia prelicensure program list
Use the Board’s program page rather than relying only on school marketing.
Open Approved ProgramsMatch the exact degree and campus
Choose ADN, BSN, prelicensure master’s or PN and confirm the specific location.
Check Board orders
If the Board has acted on a program, the corresponding public order can explain approval conditions or concerns.
Compare current and five-year NCLEX results
Review the appropriate RN or practical-nursing pass-rate report across several periods.
Check Testing Pass RatesVerify non-regulatory student details separately
Ask the school for tuition, fees, clinical placement, completion, transfer and refund information in writing.
Board approval and national nursing accreditation are separate checks. The Board also states that questions about admission, tuition, fees and scheduling must be directed to the nursing program.
Virginia CNA verification and annual renewal
Unlike many states, Virginia’s Board of Nursing regulates nurse aides and includes their certification records in DHP License Lookup.
Verify through DHP
Select Nurse Aide in License Lookup to review current or expired certification information.
Renew annually
CNA certification renews each year. The current published renewal fee is $30.
Paid nursing-related work matters
Renewal requires attestation of compensated nursing-related activity during the previous two years.
A CNA who has not performed qualifying compensated nursing-related activity during the previous two years must repeat and pass the nurse aide state examination before applying for renewal.
Credentia is Virginia’s designated nurse aide examination administrator. Testing registration, scheduling and examination questions should be directed to Credentia.
Recover your DHP account and update license information
Renewal PIN is missing
Email the DHP Call Center with your full name, 10-digit license number, date of birth and last four Social Security digits.
Forgot the online password
Use the Lost Password link. If both User ID and password are unavailable in Initial Applications, use Register a Person to locate the existing record.
Address or email changed
Online Licensing allows the licensee to update the address of record, email and emergency contact information.
Need a duplicate license
Request it through Online Licensing. The published duplicate-license fee is $15 and a replacement wall certificate is $25.
Renewal notice did not arrive
The licensee remains responsible for renewing by the expiration date even when the notice or PIN was not received.
Unexpected payment request
Verify the credential and contact the official Nursing Call Center before paying or sharing account information.
DHP account help: CallCenter@dhp.virginia.gov. Include only the information requested by the official DHP renewal page.
Review case decisions or report a nursing concern
File a complaint
DHP investigates complaints involving Virginia healthcare practitioners who may have violated a law or regulation.
Review case decisions
Use official case-decision records when a status label does not explain the conditions or facts of a Board action.
Monitoring and recovery support
Virginia’s Health Practitioners’ Monitoring Program provides a structured route for eligible practitioners affected by impairment.
Complaints about licensees or education programs: enfcomplaints@dhp.virginia.gov.
Virginia Board of Nursing phone, email and address
Before contacting the Board, prepare the credential or application type, 10-digit license number, application date, checklist status and the exact document in question.
Licensing, application, renewal and nursing-program questions.
General Board questions and special application instructions.
RN, LPN and APRN continuing-competency questions.
Fieldprint and criminal-background-check questions.
Monitoring or compliance questions for a licensee under a Virginia Board order.
Monday–Friday, excluding Commonwealth holidays.
“I am contacting the Virginia Board of Nursing about my _____ license or application. My license or application number is _____. I submitted _____ on _____. The checklist or License Lookup currently shows _____. Please identify the exact remaining action and whether the document must come directly from the issuing organization.”
Office and mailing address
Virginia Board of Nursing
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463
Before travelling
Call first. An in-person visit does not guarantee immediate application evaluation, document matching, renewal or license issuance.
Virginia Board of Nursing FAQ
How do I verify a Virginia nursing license?
Use Virginia DHP License Lookup. Search by license number when possible, select the correct nursing occupation and review the complete credential record.
Is Virginia DHP License Lookup primary-source verification?
Yes. DHP states that the lookup serves as primary-source verification and meets Joint Commission requirements.
When does a Virginia RN or LPN license expire?
The license renews biennially by the last day of the birth month in a year matching the parity of the nurse’s birth year.
How much is Virginia RN renewal?
The current published RN biennial renewal fee is $140. A late RN renewal adds $50.
How much is Virginia LPN renewal?
The current published LPN biennial renewal fee is $120. A late LPN renewal adds $40.
How many continuing-education hours are required?
Virginia RN and LPN licensees complete one approved competency pathway. Common options include 15 contact hours plus 640 practice hours or 30 contact hours, but several non-hour-based alternatives are also accepted.
Is the first Virginia nursing renewal exempt from competency?
Yes. The first renewal after initial licensure by examination or endorsement is exempt from the RN/LPN continued-competency requirement.
Can I combine parts of different competency options?
No. The Board states that one approved competency option must be completed fully.
How do I renew online?
Use DHP Online Licensing with the 10-digit license number, established username and password or the PIN included in the renewal notice.
What happens when a Virginia nursing license is not renewed?
The license automatically lapses after the expiration date. Practising nursing while it is lapsed is illegal practice.
How do I check a Virginia nursing application?
Sign in to Initial Applications, find the pending credential and select View Checklist to review documents, statuses and additional instructions.
How long does a complete Virginia nursing application take?
The Board publishes a target of 30 business days, or approximately six weeks, after the application and fee are received and the file is complete and fully documented.
Does Virginia require fingerprints for nursing renewal?
No. Fingerprint-based background checks apply to initial RN/LPN examination, endorsement and reinstatement applications, not routine renewal.
Does Virginia participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. A qualifying Virginia resident may receive a multistate RN or LPN license after meeting the compact’s uniform requirements.
How do I send Virginia license verification to another state?
RN and LPN verification to another nursing board is processed through Nursys. The Virginia Board FAQ lists a $30 Nursys fee.
Does the Virginia Board regulate CNAs?
Yes. Virginia nurse aides are regulated by the Board of Nursing and their certifications can be checked through DHP License Lookup.
What is the Virginia Board of Nursing phone number?
The Virginia Nursing Call Center number is (804) 367-4515.
Virginia government pages used for this guide
Fees, account instructions and regulatory requirements can change. Recheck the relevant official page before applying, renewing, paying or making an employment decision.
For employers and public users
Use the live DHP record, match the exact person and credential, review current status and related advanced-practice records, and retain the verification date.
For applicants and licensees
Use DHP Online Licensing for renewal and the Initial Applications checklist for pending files. This independent guide cannot access or change a private Virginia licensing record.