West Virginia nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a West Virginia license by endorsement: the application fee ($125 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | West Virginia |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $125 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. State and federal fingerprint check through IdentoGO, service code 228NJX. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit (included in endorsement fee). Fee page says the RN endorsement fee includes a temporary permit; duration and conditions not stated. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $90 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 12 contact hours. 12 contact hours from Board-approved providers; newly licensed RNs need 3 hours on safe prescribing/drug diversion within 1 year. |
How to get your West 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 West Virginia without applying again. If you move your residence to West Virginia, you apply for a West 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 permit (included in endorsement fee) while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $125 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 West Virginia
- RN licenses renew in even-numbered years, May 1 to June 30; late renewal lapses the license.
- Endorsement applicants must provide proof of primary state of residence (driver's license, voter registration or tax return).
- Out-of-state RNs giving telehealth care to WV patients must register annually ($100).
What RNs earn in West Virginia
The BLS median for registered nurses in West Virginia is $38.46 per hour, about $79,990 a year. See the full RN salary guide for West Virginia.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $39.58 | $82,330 |
| Charleston, WV | $39.00 | $81,130 |
| Morgantown, WV | $38.96 | $81,040 |
| Beckley, WV | $37.95 | $78,930 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna, WV | $37.21 | $77,410 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $36.73 | $76,400 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in West Virginia · West Virginia state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- wvrnboard.wv.gov/licensing/requirements (endorsement application, background check, Nursys verification, state notes)
- wvrnboard.wv.gov/licensing/fees-waivers (fees, temporary license, renewal fee, state notes)
- wvrnboard.wv.gov/licensing/renewals (renewal, state notes)
- wvrnboard.wv.gov/education/continuing-education (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a West Virginia nursing license by endorsement cost?
The West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses lists an application fee of $125 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is West Virginia a nurse licensure compact state?
West 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 West Virginia while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit (included in endorsement fee). Fee page says the RN endorsement fee includes a temporary permit; duration and conditions not stated. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do West Virginia nurses need?
RN renewal requires 12 contact hours of continuing education. 12 contact hours from Board-approved providers; newly licensed RNs need 3 hours on safe prescribing/drug diversion within 1 year. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a West Virginia license?
The West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with West 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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Your RN pay reportWest Virginia · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
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