Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) - By Endorsement

Application by Endorsement

This application is for individuals who hold an active, unrestricted, comparable social work license at the level that is comparable to a Licensed Master Social Worker in Virginia meeting the requirements outlined in 18VAC140-20-45.

Requirements for Application:

• Comparable License: Hold an active, unrestricted comparable social work license in another jurisdiction.
• ASWB Passing Score: Submit evidence of a passing score for the Master level examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) in another state.
  • If you did not take the ASWB Exam to receive your social work license, the Board may accept evidence from the other jurisdiction that a national examination was not required at the time you were initially licensed.

Follow these steps to apply for Licensure by Endorsement

• Laws regarding the Practice of Social Work in the state of Virginia
• Regulations regarding the Practice of Social Work in the state of Virginia.
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) Handbook. This handbook provides detailed information about the required documents and process to obtain a license

• Review the Application Instructions for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) by Endorsement for the documents needed to submit with your online application.
• Gather and request the necessary documents.

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:

• Register for an Account or Login if you have an existing account.
• Select ‘Initial Application’ from the menu.
• Select ‘Social Work’ as the Profession.
• Select ‘Licensed Master Social Worker’ as the License Type.
• Select ‘Endorsement’ as the Obtained by Method.
• Click ‘Start Application’.

Complete the Required Fields

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:

• Proof of License Verification
• National Practitioners Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query Report
• Proof of Name Change Documentation
• Supporting Documentation for any criminal convictions, past actions, or possible impairments.

Within the online application portal, pay the application fee. 

• The fee for Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is $115.00.
• All fees are nonrefundable.

• You will receive automated emails from socialwork@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: socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov or TEL: (804) 367-4441.