Virginia Nursing License
How to get your Virginia nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Virginia, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Virginia licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $190 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $140 / 2 years |
| Continuing education | 30 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Initial $190 (examination or endorsement); biennial renewal $140. 30 CE contact hours are required per 2-year cycle, or an alternative (15 hours plus 640 practice hours, specialty certification, and others). eNLC member.
Official resources
- Virginia Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
Virginia nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Virginia?
- Yes. Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Virginia without a separate application.
- How much does a Virginia nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Virginia is $190, and renewal is $140 / 2 years.
- How many continuing-education hours does Virginia require?
- Virginia requires 30 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Virginia nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.