Virginia nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Virginia license by endorsement: the application fee ($190 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Virginia Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $190 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $170 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Fingerprint-based state and FBI criminal background check required for RN/LPN applicants; registered through vendor Fieldprint after applying. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license (no SSN), up to 90 days. Single-state; only for endorsement applicants without a Social Security number; becomes permanent once SSN and background check are provided. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $140 |
| Continuing education | Complete one of nine options (18VAC90-19-160), e.g., 30 contact hours, or 15 contact hours plus 640 practice hours, or national specialty certification. |
| Processing time, per the board | "License application processing times are approximately 30 business days to complete" (from fee posting until licensure). |
How to get your Virginia license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Virginia without applying again. If you move your residence to Virginia, you apply for a Virginia license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary license (no ssn) valid up to 90 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $190 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Virginia
- Authorization to Practice letter may be requested by endorsement applicants without conviction or discipline history; initially effective 30 days.
- Clinical Hours Form (960 practice hours) required if the nursing program had under 500 clinical hours (RN) or 400 (LPN).
What RNs earn in Virginia
The BLS median for registered nurses in Virginia is $42.70 per hour, about $88,820 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Virginia.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VA | $45.76 | $95,180 |
| Winchester, VA-WV | $43.88 | $91,280 |
| Richmond, VA | $43.14 | $89,730 |
| Lynchburg, VA | $39.34 | $81,840 |
| Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA | $39.15 | $81,430 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $39.03 | $81,170 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Virginia · Virginia state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Virginia Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ (board website)
- dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/Registere (endorsement application)
- dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/Fees/ (fees, renewal, renewal fee)
- dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/CriminalBackgroundChecks/ (background check)
- license.dhp.virginia.gov/apply/Forms/Nursing/RNLPN_End_InstrForms.pdf (Nursys verification, temporary license, processing time, state notes)
- dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/PractitionerResources/ContinuedCompetency/RN (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Virginia Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Virginia nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Virginia Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $190 for an RN and $170 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Virginia a nurse licensure compact state?
Virginia is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in Virginia while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license (no ssn), valid up to 90 days. Single-state; only for endorsement applicants without a Social Security number; becomes permanent once SSN and background check are provided. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How long does it take to get a Virginia license?
The board says: "License application processing times are approximately 30 business days to complete" (from fee posting until licensure).
Does Valorem Health help with Virginia licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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