Verify and Renew Virginia RN, LPN, APRN and Nursing Credentials Through Official DHP Tools
The Virginia Board of Nursing is part of the Virginia Department of Health Professions, often called DHP. If you are a nurse, employer, student, travel nurse, endorsement applicant, agency recruiter or patient, the safest way to verify or renew a Virginia nursing license is to start from DHP, Virginia license lookup, Nursys and the official Board of Nursing pages.
This guide explains the exact 2026 workflow for Virginia license verification, DHP Online Licensing renewal, renewal PIN problems, Nursys, nurse compact status, endorsement, examination, APRN notes, complaints, discipline checks, scam safety and official contact information.
Virginia Board of Nursing Quick Facts for 2026
Virginia nursing tasks are easier when you separate three systems: the Virginia Board of Nursing page for nursing-specific resources, DHP Online Licensing for renewal and account updates, and Nursys for RN/LPN license verification or endorsement verification where required.
Regulator
The Virginia Board of Nursing operates under the Virginia Department of Health Professions and regulates nursing credentials and public protection processes.
License Lookup
RN/LPN verification routes to Nursys. All Virginia Board of Nursing licenses, certificates and registrations can be searched through Virginia DHP License Lookup.
Renewal
DHP Online Licensing lets health professionals renew licenses, update address of record, provide emergency contact information and request duplicate licenses.
Compact
NCSBN lists Virginia as an NLC member, but nurses should still verify multistate privilege and primary state of legal residence before practice.
Where to Go First for Virginia Nursing License Tasks
A nurse renewing a license, an employer verifying a credential, and an applicant applying by endorsement need different official tools. Use this table before clicking a search-engine ad or a private licensing page.
| Task | Best Official Tool | What You Can Do | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verify RN/LPN license | Virginia BON License Verifications | Use the RN/LPN verification route, which links to Nursys. | Search by license number when possible, then compare name, type, status and discipline indicators. |
| Verify all Board credentials | Virginia DHP License Lookup | Search Virginia licenses, certificates or registrations issued by DHP. | DHP lookup pages identify the record as primary source verification for Virginia credentials. |
| Renew a license | DHP Online Licensing | Renew professional licenses online with username/password or PIN. | Have your license number, username/password or PIN, and credit card ready before starting. |
| Update information | DHP Online Licensing | Update address of record and emergency contact information. | Keep address current so renewal notices and board communications are not missed. |
| File a complaint | DHP File a Complaint | Submit a complaint about Virginia healthcare practitioners. | DHP says complaints cannot be withdrawn after submission, so prepare details carefully. |
| Check public case decisions | Virginia BON Public Resources | Find license lookup, case decisions and multi-state privilege action resources. | License status and board case decisions are separate checks. |
How to Verify a Virginia Nursing License
Verification matters for hiring, travel nursing, school admission, credentialing, patient safety and personal license checks. Do not rely on screenshots from social media or paid lookup pages when DHP and Nursys provide official paths.
Open the official Virginia Board verification page
Start from the Virginia Board of Nursing License Verifications page. It separates RN/LPN verification from all Board license, certificate or registration verification.
Choose RN/LPN or all-credential lookup
Use the RN/LPN Nursys route when checking registered nurses or licensed practical nurses. Use Virginia DHP License Lookup when you need all Virginia Board credentials, certificates or registrations.
Search with the strongest identifier
License number is usually best. Virginia DHP lookup also supports searching by license number, last four digits of SSN plus last name, or occupation/name/state/zip/status combinations.
Confirm identity and status
Compare the nurse’s full name, license type, license number, occupation, status, expiration date, and any public information indicators shown by the official system.
Save proof for your file
For employer or compliance use, save the source, date checked, license number, status, expiration, and whether you used Virginia DHP or Nursys.
How to Read Virginia Nursing License Status Results
A license result is only useful when you read the fields together. A name match alone is weak. Check license type, status, expiration, public documents and multistate privilege when relevant.
| Field | Meaning | Common Mistake | Best Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| License type | RN, LPN, APRN, CNA, medication aide or another regulated credential. | Assuming RN status proves APRN authority. | Verify each credential needed for the role. |
| Status | Whether the credential appears active, expired, inactive, suspended, revoked or restricted. | Treating an expired or restricted license as valid. | Read status and expiration together. |
| Expiration | The deadline for renewal or the end of the current credential period. | Waiting until the final day to renew. | Start renewal when the notice arrives 45–60 days before expiration. |
| Public documents | Publicly available proceedings or information may be linked. | Ignoring case decisions or public documents. | Review DHP details and case decisions when needed. |
| Multistate privilege | Compact privilege may apply depending on NLC rules and primary state of residence. | Assuming every active license is multistate. | Verify through Nursys and official compact guidance. |
Virginia Nursing License Renewal Steps
Virginia DHP Online Licensing is the official renewal route. The system uses a username/password or renewal PIN. DHP says renewal notices include an online renewal PIN and are sent approximately 45–60 days before expiration.
Open DHP Online Licensing
Start from Virginia DHP Renew Online. This page links to New User registration, Returning User login and online licensing FAQs.
Prepare your login or PIN
DHP says you must have your username/password or PIN to renew online. First-time users register with the PIN and license number from the renewal notice.
Have payment ready
DHP online renewal accepts secure credit card payment using major card types listed by DHP. Use only the official DHP system for payment.
Update address and emergency contact information
Online Licensing can also update your address of record and emergency contact information. Do this before final submission so DHP communications reach you.
Confirm continued competency before attesting
Complete and document your Virginia nursing continued competency option before answering renewal questions. Keep proof in case the Board requests documentation.
Verify the renewed license after processing
After renewal, check your status through Virginia DHP License Lookup or the RN/LPN verification route when appropriate.
Virginia Renewal PIN, Username or Password Problems
Virginia renewal problems often happen because the renewal notice went to an old address, the nurse lost the PIN, or the login was created years ago and cannot be recovered quickly.
Lost PIN
DHP says users who have not received a PIN or lost username/password should email CallCenter@dhp.virginia.gov with full name, 10-digit Virginia license number, date of birth and last four digits of SSN.
Old Address
If your address of record is outdated, renewal notices may not reach you. Use DHP Online Licensing to update address information as early as possible.
Payment Proof
Save transaction confirmation, receipt, license number and renewal date. A card charge alone is not the same as verifying the license status afterward.
Virginia Nursing Continued Competency Planning
Virginia uses continued competency language. Nurses often search for “Virginia CEU requirements,” but the safer way is to read the Board’s continued competency page and choose an approved option before renewal.
Pick One Valid Path Early
Do not wait until renewal week to decide how you will meet continued competency. Choose your path early and keep records as you go.
Keep Proof
Save certificates, transcripts, specialty certification proof, employer documentation, practice-hour evidence or other records tied to your selected option.
Do Not Guess
If a course or activity is unclear, verify against Virginia Board guidance rather than relying on a CE sales page or social media comment.
Nursys, QuickConfirm and e-Notify for Virginia Nurses
Nursys is important for Virginia because the Virginia Board verification page routes RN/LPN verification through Nursys. Employers and nurses can also use Nursys tools for monitoring, endorsement verification and public verification.
QuickConfirm
Use Nursys when you need RN/LPN license verification and discipline information from participating boards.
e-Notify
Nursys e-Notify can send license expiration, status and discipline updates for nurses and institutions.
Endorsement Verification
If another state board asks for verification from Virginia or a prior state, Nursys verification may be the fastest accepted route when the board participates.
Virginia Nurse Licensure Compact and Multistate Privilege
NCSBN lists Virginia as an NLC member. That matters for nurses with a primary state of legal residence in a compact state, but compact rules still require careful verification.
Check NLC Status
Use the official Nurse Licensure Compact map and Nursys to confirm compact status before practice.
Primary Residence Matters
A multistate license depends on primary state of legal residence and eligibility. Do not assume every active Virginia license is multistate.
Privilege Can Be Affected
Virginia Board public resources include multi-state privilege actions. Employers should check privilege status when compact practice matters.
Virginia Nursing License by Endorsement
Endorsement is usually for nurses already licensed in another state who want Virginia authority. The exact route depends on current license status, compact residence, background checks, verification source and application completeness.
Open the Virginia Board apply page
Start from the official Virginia Board of Nursing Apply for License resources, then choose the correct RN, LPN, APRN or other credential route.
Check compact status first
If you hold a multistate license from another compact state, confirm whether you need a Virginia license or whether compact privilege applies to your situation.
Request license verification
Use Nursys if your prior board participates and the application requires verification. If not, follow Virginia Board instructions for alternate verification.
Watch for background and document requirements
Complete all required documents, identity checks, fees and background-related steps listed by the Board before expecting approval.
Virginia Licensure by Examination
New graduates and first-time applicants should not rely on old PDFs or private checklists. Use Virginia Board applicant resources and NCLEX instructions for your current license type.
Choose the Correct Credential
Virginia Board applicant resources separate Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and other regulated credential paths.
NCLEX Timing
Follow official Board and NCLEX instructions for eligibility, authorization, testing and application status. Do not schedule plans around unofficial estimates.
Track Status
Use official application status tools or DHP contact routes when an application appears stuck or missing documents.
Virginia APRN and Prescriptive Authority Notes
APRN verification requires more than checking a basic RN license. Employers and APRNs should confirm RN status, APRN credential, prescriptive authority where relevant, restrictions and discipline information.
Verify APRN Separately
Use Virginia DHP lookup and Board resources to confirm APRN-related credential details, not only RN status.
Prescriptive Authority
Virginia Board practitioner resources include prescriptive authority information. Verify authority before prescribing or credentialing an APRN for prescribing duties.
Credentialing Teams
Check license type, APRN role, expiration, restrictions, public documents, prescriptive authority and compact status where relevant.
Virginia Board of Nursing Complaints, Discipline and Case Decisions
Virginia DHP receives complaints about healthcare practitioners that may have violated law or regulation. Complaints for DHP boards are investigated by the Enforcement Division, and Board public resources include case decisions and multi-state privilege action archives.
How to File a Complaint
- Open the official DHP File a Complaint page.
- Use the online complaint form or official alternate submission methods.
- Identify the practitioner by full name and license type.
- Provide a detailed summary and attach copies, not originals, of documents.
- Remember DHP says a complaint cannot be withdrawn after submission.
How to Check Discipline
- Start with Virginia DHP License Lookup.
- Review public document indicators where available.
- Use Virginia Board public resources for case decisions and multi-state privilege actions.
- Verify the nurse’s identity carefully before assuming a decision belongs to that person.
- For employer files, save the date, source and license number checked.
Official Virginia DHP Video: Filing a Complaint With a Health Regulatory Board
This Virginia Department of Health Professions video is relevant for nurses, employers and patients who need to understand how complaints are filed with a Virginia health regulatory board. Use it together with the official DHP complaint page, not instead of it.
Video source: Virginia Department of Health Professions. If the video changes, use the official DHP complaint page linked above.
Virginia Nursing License Scam and Safety Checklist
Nurses are often targeted with fake renewal websites, urgent suspension calls, fake investigator emails and unofficial CE pages. Always start from Virginia DHP, Nursys or NCSBN links.
Avoid Renewal Lookalikes
Renew only through DHP Online Licensing. Do not pay renewal fees through a private website that is not linked from DHP.
Verify Threat Calls
If someone claims your license will be suspended unless you pay immediately, hang up and contact DHP through official channels.
Protect Identity Details
Do not send full SSN, passwords, card data or identity documents through random emails, text links or unofficial upload pages.
Virginia Board of Nursing Contact, Address and Map
Use official Virginia DHP contact routes for renewal, license verification, complaints, board questions and online licensing issues.
Board Address
Virginia Board of Nursing
Department of Health Professions
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463
Phone and Fax
Phone: 804-367-4515
Fax: 804-527-4455
NCSBN lists Virginia as an NLC member and provides these board contact details.
DHP Office Hours
DHP pages list office hours as Monday–Friday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, except holidays.
For lost PIN or login problems, use CallCenter@dhp.virginia.gov with the details DHP requests.
Official Virginia Board of Nursing Links
Use these official links before trusting paid lookup pages, unofficial renewal sites or social-media advice. Nursing licensure affects employment, patient safety and legal practice authority.
Virginia Board of Nursing FAQ
How do I verify a Virginia nursing license?
Start with the Virginia Board of Nursing License Verifications page. Use the RN/LPN Nursys route for RN or LPN verification, or use Virginia DHP License Lookup to verify all Virginia Board of Nursing licenses, certificates and registrations.
Where do I renew my Virginia nursing license?
Renew through Virginia DHP Online Licensing. You need your username/password or the PIN from your renewal notice, plus your license number and payment method.
What should I do if I lost my Virginia renewal PIN?
DHP says users who have not received a PIN or lost username/password should email CallCenter@dhp.virginia.gov with full name, 10-digit Virginia license number, date of birth and last four digits of SSN.
Is Virginia part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. NCSBN lists Virginia as an NLC member. Nurses should still verify multistate privilege, primary state of legal residence and any restrictions before relying on compact practice authority.
Can I renew a Virginia nursing license through Nursys?
No. Nursys is used for license verification, e-Notify and endorsement verification. Virginia license renewal is handled through DHP Online Licensing.
Is Virginia DHP License Lookup primary source verification?
Virginia DHP lookup pages state that the lookup serves as primary source verification of the credential issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and meets Joint Commission requirements.
How do I file a complaint against a Virginia nurse?
Use the Virginia DHP File a Complaint page. DHP receives complaints about healthcare practitioners who may have violated a regulation or law, and complaints are investigated by the agency’s Enforcement Division.
Can I withdraw a DHP complaint after filing?
DHP states that once a complaint is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn. Prepare facts, dates, practitioner details and supporting documents carefully before filing.
How do I check Virginia nursing discipline or case decisions?
Use Virginia DHP License Lookup and Virginia Board of Nursing Public Resources. Public resources include case decisions and multi-state privilege action archives.
What is the Virginia Board of Nursing phone number?
NCSBN lists the Virginia Board of Nursing phone as 804-367-4515 and fax as 804-527-4455. The address is Department of Health Professions, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233.
What does “continued competency” mean for Virginia nurses?
Continued competency refers to the renewal requirement nurses must satisfy during the renewal cycle. Use Virginia Board guidance to choose an approved option and keep proof in case the Board requests documentation.
Is boardofnursings.org the Virginia Board of Nursing?
No. This is an independent guide that helps users find official Virginia DHP, Virginia Board of Nursing, Nursys and NCSBN resources. Complete licensure, renewal and complaint tasks only through official systems.
Final Take: Best Way to Use Virginia Board of Nursing Resources in 2026
The safest Virginia nursing license workflow is simple: verify RN/LPN licenses through the Virginia Board verification page and Nursys, verify all Virginia Board credentials through DHP License Lookup, renew through DHP Online Licensing, check compact privilege through Nursys/NLC resources, and use DHP Enforcement for complaints.
Do not rely on paid lookup pages, unofficial renewal links, screenshots or social-media advice when nursing licensure affects employment, patient safety or legal practice authority. Use the official links above, save confirmation details, and contact Virginia DHP if the record does not match your situation.