Virginia — Shenandoah Valley at sunrise

Virginia Physical Therapist License

Virginia Board of Medicine — PT

Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the CAPTE-accredited institution to the Board.
  • NPTE Score Transfer — Required for endorsement applicants; must be ordered from FSBPT. Request Score Transfer
  • NPDB Self-Query Report — A current self-query report from the National Practitioner Data Bank is required for endorsement applicants. Request NPDB Report
  • Verification of Practice — Documentation from an employer verifying at least 320 hours of active practice within the past 48 months.
  • License Verification — Verifications from every jurisdiction where you have ever held a license (active or inactive).

How to Apply

  1. Submit Online Application
    Create an account on the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) portal and submit the Physical Therapist application along with the $140 non-refundable fee.
    Apply Online
  2. Request Official Transcripts
    Have your physical therapy program send official transcripts directly to the Board. Transcripts must include the degree conferred and graduation date.
  3. Complete Criminal Background Check
    After applying, you will receive a Fieldprint Code in your application checklist. Use this code to schedule a fingerprinting appointment with Fieldprint.
    Schedule Fingerprinting
  4. Register for the NPTE
    Register for the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). The Board will approve your eligibility once your application is reviewed.
    Register for NPTE
  5. Pass the Examination
    Successfully pass the NPTE. Scores are sent automatically to the Board if you selected Virginia as your primary jurisdiction.
Total Fee
$100
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements
Physical Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Online Endorsement Application
    Submit the application for licensure by endorsement and pay the $140 fee via the DHP portal.
    Start Endorsement Application
  2. NPTE Score Transfer
    Contact FSBPT to have your historical NPTE scores transferred to the Virginia Board.
    FSBPT Score Transfer
  3. NPDB Self-Query
    Request and submit a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report.
    NPDB Website
  4. Verify Active Practice
    Provide proof of 320 hours of active practice in the last 4 years. If you have not practiced 320 hours, you may need to complete a traineeship.
  5. Criminal Background Check
    Complete the fingerprinting process through Fieldprint using the code provided after application submission.
    Fieldprint Virginia
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Virginia Board of Medicine — PT

Keeping Your License Active

Virginia Physical Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Virginia Board of Medicine — PT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$100
Endorsement application$100
Fingerprint check$35-$50 (varies by state)
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Missing Primary Source Verifications
Delays often occur when transcripts or license verifications are not sent directly from the source to the Board.
Criminal Background Check Processing
Fingerprint results can take 2-4 business days to process, but delays at the State Police or FBI level can extend this.
Incomplete NPDB Reports
Failing to submit the full, original NPDB self-query report can stall the endorsement process.

Questions

How often must I renew my Virginia PT license?
Licenses must be renewed biennially by December 31 of each even-numbered year.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
PTs must complete 30 contact hours of continuing learning activities every two years, with at least 20 hours being Type 1 (approved by a recognized organization).
Is there an active practice requirement for renewal?
Yes, licensees must have completed at least 320 hours of active practice in the preceding four years to renew an active license.
Can I work while my application is pending?
New graduates may apply for a traineeship to practice under direct supervision while waiting for exam results, but only after their examination application is approved.

Board Info

Virginia Board of Medicine — PT
Sources
Virginia Board of Medicine — PT
Last verified 2026-02-25