Virginia Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Last updated
Virginia Registered Nurse (RN) License Renewal Requirements
Virginia registered nurse licenses are regulated by the Virginia Board of Nursing, under the Department of Health Professions (DHP). Virginia is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
At a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | Virginia Board of Nursing (DHP) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years |
| Expiration | Last day of birth month (even/odd based on birth year) |
| CE Hours Required | 30 hours (or 15 hrs + 640 practice hours) |
| Renewal Fee | $140 (RN); $120 (LPN) |
| Late Fee | $50 (RN); $40 (LPN) |
| Compact State (NLC) | Yes (eNLC member) |
| Online Renewal | Yes — DHP Online Licensing |
Continued Competency Requirements
Complete one of the following pathways:
- 30 contact hours of CE relevant to nursing practice
- 15 contact hours of CE + 640 hours of active nursing practice
- Current nationally recognized specialty certification
- 3 post-licensure academic credits in nursing practice
- Board-approved RN or LPN refresher course
First renewal after initial licensure: Exempt from continued competency requirements.
Virginia-Specific Notes
- Compact state. If Virginia is your primary state of residence and you meet ULRs, you receive a multistate license. Must declare primary state of residence at renewal.
- Birth-month expiration. Even birth year = even renewal years; odd birth year = odd renewal years.
- No mandatory CE topics for general RN/LPN renewal — all CE must be relevant to nursing practice.
- Renewal notice sent 60 days before expiration with PIN for online access.
- License auto-lapses if not renewed. Practicing with a lapsed license is illegal.
- Renewal processing: Most licenses renewed within 30 minutes of completing payment.
- Retain documentation for 2 years following renewal. Must provide within 30 days of Board request.
- One-year extension available if unable to complete competency requirements on time.
- If holding both RN and LPN: Completing one competency option satisfies both.
- APRN (licensed after May 8, 2002): Must maintain current national certification. Those licensed before that date may choose 40 hours of specialty CE instead.
- APRN with prescriptive authority: 8 additional hours in pharmacology/pharmacotherapeutics every 2 years.
- ANCC-accredited courses accepted along with courses from accredited universities, hospitals, professional associations, and government health agencies.
How to Renew
- Complete one continued competency pathway
- Log in to DHP Online Licensing with PIN (from renewal notice) or username/password
- Complete the renewal application and competency attestation
- Declare your primary state of residence
- Pay the $140 renewal fee
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| RN Renewal | $140 |
| LPN Renewal | $120 |
| RN Late Fee | $50 |
| LPN Late Fee | $40 |
Contact Information
Virginia Board of Nursing
- Website: dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing
- Renew Online: dhp.virginia.gov — Renew
- Phone: (804) 367-4515
- Address: 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Perimeter Center, Henrico, VA 23233
This page is for informational purposes only. Requirements may change — always verify current requirements with the Virginia Board of Nursing before renewing. Last reviewed March 2026.
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