What You Need to Do to Reinstate an LPN License in Virginia

To reinstate an LPN license in Virginia, you must submit a reinstatement request to the Virginia Board of Nursing, pay the reinstatement fee, and meet any continuing education or practice requirements that have accumulated during the time your license was inactive. The Board does not automatically restore lapsed licenses — you initiate the process by contacting them directly with proof that you meet current standards.

The specific path depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether it expired or was voluntarily surrendered. Virginia distinguishes between a license that straightforward lapsed (you did not renew on time) and one you formally relinquished. Both can be reinstated, but the documentation and fees differ.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing directly — they do not send reinstatement notices, and you must request the process yourself.
  • You will need to pay a reinstatement fee plus any back renewal fees for years your license was inactive.
  • Continuing education hours may be required depending on how long you have been out of practice, and the Board will tell you the exact amount when you contact them.
  • If your license was inactive for more than five years, you may need to complete additional clinical hours or pass a refresher exam, depending on Board policy at the time of your request.
  • The reinstatement process typically takes four to eight weeks from the time you submit all required documents.

How to Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing and Start the Process

The Virginia Board of Nursing is located within the Department of Health Professions. You can reach them by phone at 804-367-4400 or visit their website at dhp.virginia.gov. When you call, have your name, date of birth, and former license number ready — this helps them locate your file quickly.

You can also submit a written request by mail to the Board of Nursing, Department of Health Professions, 9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233. Include your full name, date of birth, and license number. The Board will respond with a checklist of what you need to submit and the current fee amounts. Do not assume the fees or requirements are the same as when your license was active — they change periodically.

Reinstatement Fees and Back Renewal Costs

Virginia charges a reinstatement fee separate from renewal fees. The reinstatement fee covers the Board's processing of your request. You will also owe renewal fees for each year your license was inactive. For example, if your license lapsed in 2019 and you are reinstating in 2025, you owe the reinstatement fee plus renewal fees for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The exact dollar amounts vary and are set by the Board. When you contact them, ask for the current reinstatement fee and the per-year renewal fee so you can calculate your total cost. Some applicants are surprised by the cumulative back fees, so get this number in writing before you commit to the process. Payment is typically made by check or money order sent with your reinstatement packet.

Continuing Education Requirements for Inactive LPNs

Virginia requires LPNs to complete continuing education hours to maintain an active license. If your license has been inactive, you must complete the hours that would have been required during that period. The Board calculates this based on your specific lapse dates.

The number of hours required depends on how long you have been inactive. For a license inactive one to three years, you may need to complete a proportional number of hours. For licenses inactive longer than three years, the Board may require the full continuing education hours for the entire period, or they may have alternative requirements such as a refresher course or clinical verification. When you call the Board, ask them to specify the exact number of hours, which courses are acceptable, and whether online or in-person completion is required.

Clinical Practice and Refresher Requirements for Extended Inactivity

If your LPN license has been inactive for more than five years, Virginia may require you to demonstrate current clinical competency. This can take several forms: completing a Board-approved refresher course, working under supervision for a set number of hours, or passing a clinical competency exam. The specific requirement depends on Board policy at the time you explore and your individual circumstances.

Some applicants in this situation have completed a short refresher program at a community college or through a healthcare facility's orientation program. Others have worked under the supervision of an active RN or LPN for a specified period to demonstrate they can still perform the duties of the role. Ask the Board which options are available to you and whether they have a list of Board-approved refresher programs. This step can add two to twelve weeks to your timeline, depending on the program length.

Documents to Gather Before You Submit Your Reinstatement Request

Prepare these documents before you contact the Board or submit your packet. Having them ready speeds up the process and prevents delays caused by missing paperwork.

  • Your original LPN license or a copy of it if you still have it.
  • A government-issued photo ID to verify your identity.
  • Proof of completion of any continuing education hours required (course certificates or transcripts).
  • If applicable, proof of completion of a refresher course or clinical practice hours.
  • A check or money order for the reinstatement fee and back renewal fees.
  • A completed reinstatement form, which the Board will send you or make available on their website.

If you have been working in another state or in a non-nursing role, bring documentation of that as well. The Board may ask about your work history to assess whether you have maintained clinical skills or need additional preparation.

Timeline and What to Expect After You Submit

Once you submit a complete reinstatement packet, the Board typically processes it within four to eight weeks. This timeline assumes all documents are included and legible. If anything is missing or unclear, the Board will contact you and the clock restarts when you resubmit.

You will receive written confirmation when your license is reinstated. This confirmation is mailed to the address you provide. Some applicants request expedited processing if they have a job offer or urgent need to practice; contact the Board to ask whether this is possible and what it costs. Do not assume your license is active until you receive written notice from the Board — practicing on an inactive license is a violation and can result in disciplinary action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as an LPN while my reinstatement is being processed?

No. Your license must be active and in good standing to practice. Working with an inactive license is illegal in Virginia and can result in fines and disciplinary action. If you have a job offer contingent on reinstatement, inform your employer of the timeline and ask whether they can delay your start date until your license is officially restored.

What if I cannot find my original license number?

The Board can look up your license number using your full name and date of birth. Call them at 804-367-4400 and they will provide it. Having the number speeds up the process, but it is not required to start your reinstatement request.

Do I have to retake the NCLEX-PN if my license has been inactive for a long time?

Virginia does not automatically require retesting for reinstatement, but the Board may require it if your license has been inactive for an extended period and you do not meet alternative requirements such as refresher coursework or supervised practice. Ask the Board directly whether retesting is required for your situation.

What if my license was revoked or suspended rather than straightforward lapsed?

Revoked or suspended licenses follow a different reinstatement path and may require a formal hearing or petition to the Board. Contact the Board when ready to understand your specific status and what steps are necessary. This process is more complex and typically takes longer than a standard reinstatement.

Can I reinstate my Virginia LPN license if I now live in another state?

Yes. You can submit your reinstatement request by mail and do not need to be physically present in Virginia. However, you must complete any continuing education or refresher requirements, which may need to be done through Virginia-approved providers or programs. Confirm with the Board whether out-of-state coursework is acceptable before you enroll.