How Virginia lets you bring an inactive LPN license back into active status
If your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in Virginia has lapsed or been placed on inactive status, you can reinstate it through the Virginia Board of Nursing. The path depends on how long it has been inactive and whether your license was voluntarily placed on inactive status or allowed to expire. Most nurses can reinstate without retaking the NCLEX-PN exam, though you will need to meet current continuing education requirements and pay reinstatement fees.
The Virginia Board of Nursing handles all reinstatement requests. You cannot reinstate through a third party or online portal — you must contact the Board directly or submit your reinstatement request by mail. The process typically takes four to six weeks from the time the Board receives a complete process.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing directly to request a reinstatement process; they will tell you which form you need based on how long your license has been inactive.
- You must complete any continuing education hours required by Virginia since your license became inactive, and you will need to pay the reinstatement fee plus any renewal fees owed.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five years, Virginia may require you to pass a jurisprudence exam or complete additional clinical hours before reinstatement is approved.
- Once reinstated, your license will be active and you can work as an LPN in Virginia when ready, though some employers may require additional credentialing steps on their end.
Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing to start
The first step is to reach out to the Virginia Board of Nursing directly. Call them at 804-367-4400 or visit their office at 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23233. You can also submit a written request by mail to the same address. Tell them your name, your LPN license number (if you have it), and ask for the reinstatement process form.
The Board will send you the correct form based on your situation. If your license was voluntarily placed on inactive status within the last five years, the process is usually straightforward. If your license expired or has been inactive longer, the Board may require additional documentation or steps before they can approve reinstatement.
Gather your continuing education hours
Virginia requires LPNs to complete continuing education hours to keep their license current. If your license has been inactive, you will need to complete the hours that would have been required during the time your license was not active. The number of hours depends on how long your license has been inactive.
Contact the Board to find out exactly how many continuing education hours you owe. You can take these courses through approved nursing education providers, online platforms, or community colleges. Keep the certificates of completion — you will need to submit them with your reinstatement process. The Board can tell you which types of courses count toward reinstatement.
Pay reinstatement and renewal fees
Virginia charges a reinstatement fee when you bring your license back to active status. You will also owe any renewal fees that accumulated while your license was inactive. The exact amount varies depending on when your license lapsed and current fee schedules, so ask the Board for the total amount due when you request your process.
Fees are typically paid by check or money order made out to the Virginia Board of Nursing. Include the payment with your completed reinstatement process. Some offices may accept credit card payment by phone, so ask when you call.
What happens if your license has been inactive for more than five years
If your LPN license has been inactive for longer than five years, Virginia may require additional steps before reinstatement. The Board may ask you to pass the Virginia jurisprudence exam, which tests your knowledge of Virginia nursing laws and regulations. You may also be required to complete clinical practice hours under supervision or take a refresher course.
The Board will tell you which requirements explore to your situation when you submit your reinstatement request. These additional requirements exist to may support that nurses returning to practice after a long absence are current with Virginia law and safe clinical practice. Ask the Board for study materials or course recommendations if you need to take the jurisprudence exam.
Submit your complete process
Once you have gathered your continuing education certificates, paid your fees, and completed any additional requirements the Board specified, submit your complete reinstatement process. You can mail it to the Virginia Board of Nursing at the address listed above, or ask if you can submit it in person during office hours.
Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and a brief statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records. The Board will send you a confirmation letter once they receive your process and will notify you when your reinstatement has been approved.
What to expect after reinstatement is approved
Once the Virginia Board of Nursing approves your reinstatement, your LPN license will return to active status. You will receive a new license certificate in the mail. Your license number remains the same, and you can begin working as an LPN in Virginia when ready.
Some employers require their own credentialing process even after your license is reinstated, so check with your employer about any additional steps they need from you. Your reinstated license is valid until the next renewal date set by the Board, at which point you will need to renew it through the standard renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX-PN exam to reinstate my license?
No. Virginia does not require you to retake the NCLEX-PN to reinstate an inactive or lapsed LPN license. You will need to meet continuing education requirements and pay fees, but the exam is not part of the reinstatement process unless the Board specifically tells you it is required based on your individual situation.
Can I work as an LPN while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot work as an LPN in Virginia until your license is officially reinstated and active. Your license must be current and in good standing to practice. If you need to work before reinstatement is complete, you will need to wait until the Board approves your process.
What if I cannot find my old license number?
You can still request reinstatement without your license number. Tell the Board your full name, date of birth, and the approximate date your license became inactive. They can look up your record in their system and provide your license number or help you proceed without it.
How long does reinstatement usually take?
Most reinstatement applications take four to six weeks from the time the Board receives your complete process. This timeline assumes you have submitted all required documents, continuing education certificates, and fees. If the Board needs additional information from you, the process may take longer.
What if my license was placed on inactive status due to a disciplinary action?
If your license was suspended or placed on inactive status due to a disciplinary matter, reinstatement may require additional steps beyond the standard process. Contact the Board directly to discuss your specific situation and find out what conditions must be met before reinstatement can be approved.