LPN License Renewal in West Virginia (2026)

LPN license renewal in West Virginia is handled by the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses, which requires Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)s to renew every 12 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.

West Virginia LPN renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	12 months
Deadline rule	LPN licenses are renewed annually. The renewal application period runs March 1 through June 30, and a license expires at midnight on June 30 each year; failure to renew in that window causes the license to lapse and require reinstatement.
CE hours required	24 hours
Renewal fee	$40.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses

Go to the official West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. automated research workflow (official west-virginia Board of Nursing), confidence medium.

Continuing-education requirements for LPNs in West Virginia

LPNs must complete 24 CE contact hours per two-year (biennial) period even though the license itself renews annually. Within those hours, licensees who prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances must include 3 hours on drug diversion / best-practice prescribing of controlled substances / opioid antagonist use, and all licensees must include 2 hours on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families. Nurses newly licensed in WV must also complete a one-time 2 hours of end-of-life/pain management education. CE records should be retained (commonly cited as four years). Note: the 24-hour total is the same for LPNs and RNs in WV.

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

How to renew your LPN license in West Virginia

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses portal.
Complete the required 24 CE hours.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: West Virginia uses the title Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN); only California and Texas call this credential Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), which does not apply here. WV is unusual in that the LPN license renews ANNUALLY (not the typical biennial), yet CE is measured over a two-year period (24 hours). LPNs are regulated by a separate board from RNs (the LPN Board of Examiners), distinct from the WV RN Board, nurse aide registry, and APRN regulation. Renewal is done through the online WV LPN Nurse Portal (wvpn.boardsofnursing.org). The $40 renewal fee is reported consistently by third-party guides (nurse.com, Vivian) but could not be confirmed on a board fee-schedule .gov page during this research; treat the fee as likely-accurate but secondary-sourced. Late/reinstatement fee amount not verified.

LPN license renewal in West Virginia: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my LPN license in West Virginia?

West Virginia LPN licenses renew every 12 months. LPN licenses are renewed annually. The renewal application period runs March 1 through June 30, and a license expires at midnight on June 30 each year; failure to renew in that window causes the license to lapse and require reinstatement.

How many CE hours are required to renew an LPN license in West Virginia?

Approximately 24 continuing-education hours per cycle. LPNs must complete 24 CE contact hours per two-year (biennial) period even though the license itself renews annually. Within those hours, licensees who prescribe, administer, or dispense controlled substances must include 3 hours on drug diversion / best-practice prescribing of controlled substances / opioid antagonist use, and all licensees must include 2 hours on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families. Nurses newly licensed in WV must also complete a one-time 2 hours of end-of-life/pain management education. CE records should be retained (commonly cited as four years). Note: the 24-hour total is the same for LPNs and RNs in WV. Confirm the current requirement with the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses.

Can I renew my West Virginia LPN license online?

Yes — West Virginia offers online renewal through the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses. Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my West Virginia LPN license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

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