Virginia Occupational Therapist License
Virginia Board of Medicine — OT
Total Fee
$130
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board; must bear the school seal.
- NBCOT Verification of Certification — Official verification sent directly from NBCOT to the Virginia Board of Medicine. NBCOT Website
- NPDB Self-Query Report — A report from the National Practitioner Data Bank. If mailed, it must remain in the original sealed envelope. NPDB Website
- Employment Chronology — A complete list of all professional activities since graduation, including dates and locations.
How to Apply
-
NBCOT Certification ▾Register for and pass the NBCOT OTR examination. Request that NBCOT send a verification of certification directly to the Virginia Board of Medicine.
Request NBCOT Verification -
Online Application ▾Complete the initial online application through the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) portal.
Start Online Application -
Pay Application Fee ▾Submit the non-refundable application fee of $130.00 using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover card.
Pay Fee -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Contact your professional OT school and request that official transcripts be sent directly to the Virginia Board of Medicine. Faxed copies are not accepted.
-
NPDB Self-Query ▾If you have ever been licensed in another jurisdiction, complete a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query. The report must be sent to the Board unopened or via a digitally certified electronic copy.
Request NPDB Report -
License Verification ▾Request verification of licensure from every jurisdiction where you have ever held a professional license. Verifications must be sent directly to the Board.
Total Fee
$130
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.
Steps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold a current, unrestricted license in another U.S. jurisdiction or Canada and have met active practice requirements.
-
Complete Endorsement Application ▾Select the 'Endorsement' pathway in the online application portal and pay the $130 fee.
Apply by Endorsement -
Submit NPDB Report ▾Perform an NPDB self-query and forward the results to the Board.
NPDB Self-Query -
Jurisdiction Clearances ▾Request official license verifications from all states where you have held a license to be sent directly to the Virginia Board.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Virginia Board of Medicine — OT
Keeping Your License Active
Virginia Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Virginia Board of Medicine — OT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $130 |
| Endorsement application | $130 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Employment History
▾
Failure to list all professional activities from the date of graduation can stall the application. Ensure there are no gaps in the chronology.
Opened NPDB Reports
▾
If an applicant opens the paper NPDB report, it is no longer valid for the Board. It must be forwarded in its original sealed envelope or sent digitally.
Third-Party Document Delays
▾
Waiting for transcripts or NBCOT verifications is the most common cause of delay. Request these as early as possible.
Questions
Can I practice before my license is issued?
▾
A graduate may practice as an 'OT-License Applicant' for up to 6 months from graduation or until they receive a failing NBCOT score, whichever is sooner.
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
Licensees must complete 10 contact hours of continuing learning activities per biennial renewal cycle.
When does my license expire?
▾
Licenses must be renewed biennially during the licensee's birth month in each even-numbered year.
Is a criminal background check required?
▾
Currently, a fingerprint-based background check is only required for those applying for an OT Compact privilege, though the Board is moving toward a general requirement.