Nursing License from New York to Virginia: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Virginia Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from New York to Virginia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing, verify your New York license, and meet Virginia's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
This direction has a silver lining. New York is outside the compact, so you have been carrying a single-state license — but Virginia is a member. Endorse into Virginia, establish it as your primary residence, meet the uniform licensure requirements, and the license you receive is multistate: one application turns into practice privileges across the whole compact.
What changes, New York → Virginia
| New York (current) | Virginia (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | Licensure by endorsement | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check) | $190 (application fee, same for exam or endorsement; fingerprint background-check fee paid separately to vendor) |
| Processing time | NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications | board does not publish an endorsement processing timeframe |
| Licensing authority | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions | Virginia Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Virginia sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Virginia's current requirements on the Virginia Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Virginia Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Hold an active RN license obtained by NCLEX examination in another U.S. state.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- License verification from your original state of licensure (the state where you took the NCLEX).
- Provide proof of your primary state of residence.
- Pay the fees ($190 (application fee, same for exam or endorsement; fingerprint background-check fee paid separately to vendor)) and allow board does not publish an endorsement processing timeframe.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Virginia accept a New York nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from New York to Virginia by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Virginia Board of Nursing, verify your New York license, and meet Virginia's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from New York to Virginia?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$190 (application fee, same for exam or endorsement; fingerprint background-check fee paid separately to vendor) (application fee, same for exam or endorsement; fingerprint background-check fee paid separately to vendor).
How long will it take?
board does not publish an endorsement processing timeframe — board does not publish an endorsement processing timeframe.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Virginia Board of Nursing — Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Virginia Board of Nursing — Registered Nurse application wizard (endorsement path) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nursys — Nurse License Verification participating boards ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN Pathway #3 (licensed in another state) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN License Requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — How do I apply for Licensure by Endorsement? ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]