Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Reinstatement

This application is intended for individuals whose license has been expired for one year or longer and who wish to resume practice. Please note that this does not apply to individuals who previously held a temporary COVID-19 license.

Requirements for Application:

You must complete the following continuing education requirements for each year your license was expired, up to a maximum of four (4) years or a maximum of 80 hours:

20 hours of Board-approved continuing education, which must include:

At least 2 hours that emphasize the ethics, standards of practice, or laws governing behavioral science professions in Virginia.

Follow these steps to apply for Licensure by Reinstatement

Step 1. Read:

Laws regarding the Practice of Counseling in the state of Virginia
Regulations regarding the Practice of Professional Counseling in the state of Virginia.

Step 2. Gather & Request Supporting Documentation:

Review the Application Instructions for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) by Reinstatement for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
Gather and request the necessary documents.

Step 3. Apply:

Do not start the online application until you have requested or obtained the applicable documents from Step 2. Submitting incomplete applications will delay the review and approval process.

Begin the Online Application:

Select New User and register using your License number and PIN, or Login if you have your UserID and Password.
Select Reinstate a License from the left-hand menu.
Click Continue next to your LPC license
Select ‘Reinstatement’ as the Obtained by Method.
Click the Start button
Complete the Required Fields.

Step 4. Upload Documentation:

Within the online application portal, upload the applicable documentation. PDF file format is preferred.

The following are possible documents you may be required to upload within the online application portal:

Copies of continuing education certificates or official transcripts as evidence of meeting the continuing education requirements.
Proof of Out-of-State License from the issuing jurisdiction.
Proof of Name Change
Supporting documentation for any criminal convictions, past actions, or possible impairments.

Step 5. Pay the Fee Online:

Within the online application portal, pay the reinstatement fee.

The fee for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Reinstatement is $200.00.
All fees are nonrefundable.

Step 6. Wait for Board Approval: (45 to 60 days from complete application)

You will receive automated emails from coun@dhp.virginia.gov with your application status
You can also visit the Online Checklist to view the status of your application.
If your name or address changes prior to receiving your license, notify the Board as soon as possible in writing by submitting the Name/Address Change Form.
Contact the Board with any questions: coun@dhp.virginia.gov or TEL: (804) 367-4610.