Direct answer
West Virginia endorsement is handled through West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
West Virginia factual snapshot for this workflow
| Reviewed item | Jurisdiction-specific detail |
|---|---|
| Authority | West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board |
| Public verification | West Virginia official license verification |
| Renewal cycle | RN/APRN Board cycle; LPN annual cycle |
| Renewal deadline | 2026 RN/APRN: May 1–June 30. LPN generally March 1–June 30 annually. |
| Continuing competence | RN generally 12 hours per renewal; LPN 24 hours every two years plus specified topic and practice requirements. |
| Fees | RN renewal $90; confirm LPN fees with the separate LPN Board. |
| Compact status | Compact jurisdiction |
| Credentials | RN, LPN, APRN |
| Phone | RN: (304) 744-0900; LPN: (304) 558-3572 |
| Physical location | RN Board: 5001 MacCorkle Avenue SW, South Charleston, WV 25309; LPN Board: 101 Dee Drive, Suite 100, Charleston, WV 25311 |
For West Virginia, 4 primary official source records and 7 labeled official destinations support this jurisdiction guide. Source verification dates are shown separately from editorial release dates.
Endorsement route
West Virginia endorsement is handled through West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
How the existing license is verified
Follow the current verification instructions shown by West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board; compare the request with West Virginia official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
For endorsement involving West Virginia, follow West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board instructions for Nursys or direct verification. The receiving jurisdiction decides which verification it accepts.
Application sequence
- Confirm destination authority and credential.
- Create the official licensing account.
- Submit the endorsement application.
- Arrange verification and required documents.
- Verify issuance before practicing.
Complete application checklist
- Choose the correct West Virginia pathway: examination, endorsement, renewal, reinstatement, temporary permit or credential conversion.
- Create or use the account named by West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board; do not submit the same application through multiple portals.
- For West Virginia, match the legal name across the application, identification, education records, background check and license verification.
- Follow the West Virginia instructions for transcripts, Nursys or other verification, fingerprints, citizenship or presence documents and fees.
- Review the current fee displayed by the West Virginia authority before payment: RN renewal $90; confirm LPN fees with the separate LPN Board.
- For West Virginia, save application confirmations and respond to deficiency or secure-message requests through the official account.
- Before practice, verify that the required West Virginia license, permit or multistate authority appears in the current public record.
- Select the exact credential and application type.
- For West Virginia, complete identity, legal-presence and education requirements requested by the authority.
- For West Virginia, arrange official transcript, license verification and background-check items where required.
NCLEX / examination
New graduates seeking West Virginia licensure should apply through West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board, satisfy the jurisdiction’s education and eligibility review, and register for NCLEX through the official NCLEX service. The license is not issued merely because the exam was passed.
Temporary permit
A temporary permit is not available in every jurisdiction. When offered, confirm eligibility, expiration, employer limits and whether the permanent application must already be complete. For West Virginia, do not assume that an application receipt, job offer or out-of-state license creates temporary practice authority; confirm the issued permit or compact privilege in writing.
Reinstatement
Expired, lapsed, inactive or revoked credentials may require a different process from ordinary renewal. Use the status-specific official route and do not practice until authority is restored. A lapsed, inactive, retired, suspended or revoked West Virginia credential can require a different process from ordinary renewal.
Compact check
Compact jurisdiction. Confirm primary state of residence and the issued license designation before relying on compact authority.
Wait until the destination jurisdiction has issued the required license, permit or valid compact practice authority.
Common endorsement delays
Endorsement application is delayed
Confirm that West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board received the correct existing-license verification (Use Nursys when accepted; otherwise follow the authority’s direct verification instructions.), transcripts, identity documents, fingerprints, fee and any credential-specific items.
Verification purchased too early
Follow the destination authority instructions before ordering Nursys or another paid verification so the correct credential and destination receive it.
Compact assumption
West Virginia is recorded as an operational Nurse Licensure Compact jurisdiction in this dataset. Verify that the individual public record is actually designated multistate and that the nurse maintains West Virginia or another qualifying compact state as the primary state of residence. Check the license designation in Nursys and confirm the primary state of residence before cross-state or telehealth practice.
Fraud and privacy safety
- Begin every West Virginia transaction from a reviewed authority domain (wvrnboard.wv.gov) or a source-reviewed link on this guide.
- Do not give a caller payment-card details, a password or a one-time code merely because the caller claims to represent West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board.
- If threatened with immediate suspension or arrest, end the call and verify the issue through RN: (304) 744-0900; LPN: (304) 558-3572 or the secure West Virginia account.
- Use West Virginia License Verification to confirm current status rather than a private lookup page or emailed screenshot.
- Upload identity, background, education or legal documents only through a secure method explicitly named by West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board.
- Before paying, verify the credential, transaction and amount against the current West Virginia instructions; save the receipt and then verify the public record.
- For West Virginia, report a suspected licensing impersonation or phishing attempt to the authority and the relevant consumer-protection or law-enforcement channel.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a West Virginia nursing license by endorsement?
West Virginia endorsement is handled through West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
How is my existing license verified?
Follow the current verification instructions shown by West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board; compare the request with West Virginia official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Can I practice after submitting the application?
No. Do not begin practice until the destination authority has issued the required license, permit or valid compact privilege.
Is endorsement the same as transferring a license?
No. The destination jurisdiction evaluates a new application; the original license remains subject to its own rules.
Will I need fingerprints or a background check?
Follow the destination checklist. Many jurisdictions require fingerprints or background checks, but the vendor and method differ.
Should I order Nursys verification automatically?
For endorsement involving West Virginia, follow West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board instructions for Nursys or direct verification. The receiving jurisdiction decides which verification it accepts.
Can I receive a temporary permit?
A temporary permit is not available in every jurisdiction. When offered, confirm eligibility, expiration, employer limits and whether the permanent application must already be complete. For West Virginia, do not assume that an application receipt, job offer or out-of-state license creates temporary practice authority; confirm the issued permit or compact privilege in writing.
What causes endorsement delays?
Confirm that West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board received the correct existing-license verification (Use Nursys when accepted; otherwise follow the authority’s direct verification instructions.), transcripts, identity documents, fingerprints, fee and any credential-specific items.
Source-reviewed official resources
West Virginia license verification ↗
Primary official source reviewed for this jurisdiction.
Exact primary-source record · July 27, 2026West Virginia licensing or renewal portal ↗
Primary official source reviewed for this jurisdiction.
Exact primary-source record · July 27, 2026West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board ↗
Primary official source reviewed for this jurisdiction.
Exact primary-source record · July 27, 2026Nurse Licensure Compact ↗
National compact resource used with the West Virginia status recorded as Compact jurisdiction; individual eligibility depends on the actual license designation and primary state of residence.
Exact primary-source record · July 27, 2026NCLEX Official Website ↗
Official NCLEX information for examination candidates applying through West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board; passing the exam does not itself create a West Virginia license.
National official source · July 28, 2026NCSBN License Verification Guidance ↗
National licensing guidance used to interpret verification categories; the local West Virginia source remains West Virginia official license verification.
National official source · July 28, 2026Nursys QuickConfirm and e-Notify ↗
National participating-board service used alongside West Virginia official license verification for West Virginia; follow West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board instructions for endorsement or monitoring.
National official service · July 28, 2026Official sources reviewed
West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board ↗
Reviewed July 27, 2026
West Virginia license verification ↗
Reviewed July 27, 2026
West Virginia licensing or renewal portal ↗
Reviewed July 27, 2026
Nurse Licensure Compact ↗
Reviewed July 27, 2026