RN Warehouse

West Virginia nursing license rules

Compact state

RN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources

West Virginia is a compact state (since January 2018). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in West Virginia in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in West Virginia, your multistate license is issued here.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle12
RN endorsement fee$125
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
June 30 of even-numbered years (renewal window May 1 - June 30)
Renewal fee
$90
Continuing education
12 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
  • Safe prescribing and drug diversion (3 hrs, newly licensed RNs within first year; waiver possible)
Endorsement fee
$125
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Available. Endorsement fee includes a temporary permit (duration not stated on fee page)
How to apply
Apply in Nurse Portal; verify license via Nursys (paper form for non-Nursys states); electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO for state and federal checks.

Moving or traveling

Moving to West Virginia from another compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days (rule effective 2024-01-02). May keep practicing on the old multistate license until the new one is issued; the old one is then deactivated. Can apply before moving.

Moving here from a non-compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state; a multistate license may be issued if residency and uniform requirements (incl. state and federal fingerprint background checks) are met. The old single-state license is unaffected.

Check another state

Board of nursing

West Virginia Board of Registered Professional Nurses

Licenses: RN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rules

West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Licensed Practical Nurses

Licenses: LPN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rules
This page summarizes West Virginia's rules from the board's own pages as of October 29, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you apply or renew. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].

Sources