Virginia Registered Nurse Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
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
Overview
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.
Endorsement Process
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.
- Submit endorsement application by mail
- Request license verification from current state (via Nursys or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
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.
Fees
| 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.
Temporary License
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:
- Complete endorsement application submitted to Virginia Board of Nursing
- Home state license verification initiated
- No felony convictions or active disciplinary action
Issuance timeline:
- Complete application received and deemed administratively complete
- Temporary authorization request explicitly made in application or follow-up
Denial risks:
- Active disciplinary action or license restriction in home state
- Felony conviction not cleared through board review
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.
Processing Time
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:
- FieldPrint background check processing adds 1-2 weeks; fingerprint quality issues or system delays require resubmission
- Verification from home state board via Nursys can be delayed if that state's board is slow to respond
- Board review cycle not publicly specified; applications may queue if submitted during high-volume periods
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.
Continuing Education
Virginia requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Virginia may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $140 via Virginia Board of Nursing portal
- Renewal timing: Last day of birth month (odd or even year based on birth year).
- Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
- Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate
- Traveler tip: Track your Virginia license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
