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Virginia Board of Nursing
Processing time
4–5 weeks
Temporary License typically issued within one week
Fees
License RN: $190
License LPN: $170
Renewal RN: $140
Renewal LPN: $120
Compact state
Yes
Application links
Virginia application
Biennially, every two years based on the last date of a license holder’s birth month
Applicants born in ODD-numbered years will renew in ODD-numbered years
Applicants born in an EVEN-numbered years will renew in EVEN-numbered years
Yes
Valid for a period of 30 days
Applicants may seek an extension if permanent licensure is not issued or denied within this timeframe
Complete one continuing competency requirement listed in section 18VAC-19-160 within a 2-year renewal period
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information in our Nursing Licensing Guide, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Regulations, requirements, and processes can change frequently. Healthcare travelers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult directly with the respective state board's official website to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.
Processing Time
4-5 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$190
Renewal: $140 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Virginia is an NLC member state. If you hold an active multistate license from another NLC state and can establish Virginia as your primary state of residence, you may practice immediately under compact privilege without applying for endorsement. If Virginia is not your primary residence or you hold a single-state license, you must apply for endorsement with a 4-5 week typical turnaround.
For travelers, this means you can begin a Virginia assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Virginia residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Virginia license through endorsement.
Virginia uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $190 application fee.
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Virginia requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Virginia Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Virginia Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $190 |
| Renewal | $140 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $245–$295 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Virginia issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 30 days, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
Issuance timeline:
Denial risks:
Important for travelers: 30-day authorization automatically expires; must request extension before expiration to avoid lapse. Revocation occurs if full endorsement is denied during processing period. Working beyond 30-day period without extension or full license constitutes unlicensed practice.
Virginia registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 4-5 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks if background check processes immediately and home state verification is instant.
Common sources of delay:
Virginia does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Virginia requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Virginia Board of Nursing's official website.
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