LPN License Renewal in Virginia (2026)

LPN license renewal in Virginia is handled by the Virginia Board of Nursing (Virginia Department of Health Professions), which requires Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Virginia LPN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Biennial renewal tied to the licensee's birth month and birth year: those born in even-numbered years renew by the last day of their birth month in even-numbered years; those born in odd-numbered years renew by the last day of their birth month in odd-numbered years.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	$120.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Virginia Board of Nursing (Virginia Department of Health Professions)

Go to the official Virginia Board of Nursing (Virginia Department of Health Professions) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Virginia Board of Nursing (Virginia Department of Health Professions). automated research workflow (official virginia Board of Nursing), confidence high.

Continuing-education requirements for LPNs in Virginia

Virginia uses a continued-competency model: to renew an active LPN license the licensee must complete at least ONE qualifying activity per cycle (not a fixed flat CE-hour mandate). Options include: current national specialty certification; 3 credit hours of post-licensure academic nursing education; a board-approved refresher course; an evidence-based project/research study; authoring/co-authoring a nursing publication; teaching/developing a nursing course; teaching/developing CE courses (up to 30 contact hours); 15 contact hours of workshops/seminars/courses PLUS 640 hours of active nursing practice; OR 30 contact hours of workshops/seminars/courses relevant to nursing practice. The pure continuing-education route is 30 contact hours per cycle (or 15 hours plus 640 practice hours). No specific mandatory topics are required. First renewal after initial licensure is exempt; extensions available for good cause.

Need approved hours? Compare Virginia LPN CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your LPN license in Virginia

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Virginia Board of Nursing (Virginia Department of Health Professions) portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Virginia calls the credential Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); only California and Texas use "Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)." Renewal fee $120 with a $40 late penalty applies to LPNs (RN fees are separate; same amounts). CE is structured as continued-competency options rather than a single mandatory hour count, so ce_hours_required is null; the all-CE pathway equals 30 contact hours per biennium (or 15 contact hours + 640 practice hours). DHP mails a renewal notice ~60 days before expiration with an online PIN. No CE Broker; competency is attested/audited by the Board.

LPN license renewal in Virginia: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my LPN license in Virginia?

Virginia LPN licenses renew every 24 months. Biennial renewal tied to the licensee's birth month and birth year: those born in even-numbered years renew by the last day of their birth month in even-numbered years; those born in odd-numbered years renew by the last day of their birth month in odd-numbered years.

Can I renew my Virginia LPN license online?

Yes — Virginia offers online renewal through the Virginia Board of Nursing (Virginia Department of Health Professions). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Virginia LPN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. A late fee of about $40 may apply. Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing (Virginia Department of Health Professions) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) renewal