Virginia Department of Health Professions: Services, Phone & Records
The Virginia Department of Health Professions, often searched as Virginia DHP, Virginia Health Professions, Virginia license lookup, Virginia Board of Nursing, Virginia Board of Medicine, DHP license renewal, or Virginia Department of Health Professions complaints, regulates many healthcare practitioners and helps the public check license status, apply for licenses, renew licenses, file complaints, review disciplinary actions, and request public records.
This guide is written in plain U.S. English for Virginia patients, seniors, families, caregivers, employers, credentialing staff, nurses, doctors, pharmacists, dentists, therapists, counselors, social workers, veterinarians, and applicants who need the correct official DHP route before calling, logging in, paying fees, filing a complaint, or visiting the Henrico office.
Quick answer: what Virginia Department of Health Professions does
The Virginia Department of Health Professions is a Commonwealth of Virginia agency that licenses and regulates healthcare practitioners, enforces professional standards, provides public license information, supports health regulatory boards, and offers online licensing services. Its official site says DHP is made up of 13 health regulatory boards, the Prescription Monitoring Program, and the Health Practitioners’ Monitoring Program, and it licenses and regulates more than 500,000 healthcare practitioners across 62 professions.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Department of Health Professions phone number | DHP Contact Us page | Your board, profession, license number if any, and one clear topic | Calling the main line when a board-specific number is listed |
| Virginia license lookup | DHP License Lookup | Occupation, name, state, ZIP, license number, or status | Using an old screenshot instead of current primary source verification |
| Virginia Board of Nursing license verification | Board of Nursing License Verifications or DHP License Lookup | RN, LPN, APRN, CNA, license number, name, or certificate type | Searching only one nursing category when another verification route is needed |
| Apply for a Virginia health professional license | DHP Apply for a License page | Profession, board, education, exam, transcript, background, and documents | Using renewal login for an initial application |
| Renew a Virginia DHP license | DHP Online Licensing / Renew Online | License number, username/password or PIN, credit card, CE status | Waiting until after expiration, which can create late fees or discipline risk |
| Update address or request duplicate license | DHP Online Licensing / Update Information | License number, login, date of birth, last 4 SSN if requested | Not updating address of record after moving |
| File a complaint about a healthcare practitioner | DHP Enforcement Division complaint page | Practitioner name, license number if known, dates, location, facts, records | Filing with Virginia Department of Health facility licensing when the issue is an individual practitioner |
| Public records or FOIA request | DHP FOIA page or specific board FOIA officer | Board name, record type, date range, licensee name, and narrow description | Sending one broad request instead of a board-specific request |
If the issue is an individual licensed healthcare practitioner, start with Virginia DHP. If the issue is a hospital, nursing home, home health agency, hospice, or healthcare facility license, you may need the Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification instead.
Virginia DHP route finder: license, renewal, complaint, application or records?
Use this route finder before calling, logging in, paying, filing a complaint, or mailing documents. It is built for common searches like Virginia Department of Health Professions license lookup, DHP license renewal, Virginia Board of Nursing license verification, DHP complaint, Virginia healthcare license application, and DHP FOIA records.
Virginia health professions task router
Select your need. The recommended next route appears below.
Virginia Department of Health Professions phone number, address and contact script
The Virginia DHP main phone number is (804) 367-4400. The official contact page lists the Perimeter Center address as 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233-1463, and office hours as Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, except holidays. TTY callers can use 711 or (800) 828-1120 through Virginia Relay.
General DHP help
Use the main line when you are unsure which board handles your question.
Open contactApplication or renewal help
For online licensing questions, DHP lists (804) 367-4444 and CallCenter@dhp.virginia.gov.
Open helpUse a short phone script
Say: “I need help with [license lookup, renewal, application, complaint, board contact, FOIA, or address update]. My profession or board is [nursing, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, counseling, social work, etc.]. My license number is [number] if needed. Which official page or board contact should I use?”
DHP has issued scam reminders for health care professionals. Do not give payment information, Social Security numbers, login credentials, or personal documents to an unknown caller. Hang up and call the official DHP number or board number from DHP’s website.
Virginia Department of Health Professions services in 2026
DHP is mainly a professional licensing and regulatory agency, not the same as a local clinic, hospital licensing office, or birth certificate office. Use it for licensed healthcare practitioners and DHP-regulated boards.
License lookup and verification
Search by occupation, name, state, ZIP, status, or search criteria combination.
Online license renewal
Renew eligible licenses online, update address of record, and request duplicate licenses.
Apply for a license
Find the correct application route by profession and health regulatory board.
Enforcement complaints
File complaints about Virginia healthcare practitioners who may have violated law or regulation.
Health regulatory boards
Find board-specific contacts, laws, regulations, applications, renewals, and FAQs.
Recent case decisions
Review board case decisions entered during the recent listing period when available.
PMP and monitoring programs
DHP programs include the Prescription Monitoring Program and Health Practitioners’ Monitoring Program.
FOIA and public records
Use the FOIA route or the specific board FOIA officer for public records requests.
Virginia health regulatory boards: which board handles your profession?
The Virginia Department of Health Professions lists 13 health regulatory boards. Choosing the correct board matters because contact emails, renewal rules, fees, continuing education, applications, forms, regulations, and complaint details can differ by profession.
| Board | Common search intent | What users usually need |
|---|---|---|
| Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology | Virginia audiologist license, speech pathologist license | Application, renewal, verification, laws and regulations |
| Counseling | Virginia LPC license, substance abuse counselor, behavioral health technician | License application, supervision, renewal, credential verification |
| Dentistry | Virginia dental license lookup, dental hygienist license | License verification, CE, renewal, complaints |
| Funeral Directors and Embalmers | Virginia funeral director license | Application, renewal, professional regulation |
| Long-Term Care Administrators | Virginia assisted living administrator, nursing home administrator | Application, preceptor, renewal, PIN and board contact |
| Medicine | Virginia medical license lookup, physician assistant, chiropractor, respiratory therapist | Verification, application, renewal, discipline, practitioner profile |
| Nursing | Virginia Board of Nursing license verification, RN, LPN, APRN, CNA | License verification, renewal, nurse aide registry, certificates |
| Optometry | Virginia optometry license | License lookup, renewal, board contact |
| Pharmacy | Virginia pharmacy license, pharmacist license, controlled substances registration | Pharmacist, pharmacy technician, facility, and controlled substance routes |
| Physical Therapy | Virginia PT license, PTA license | Application, verification, renewal and regulations |
| Psychology | Virginia psychologist license lookup | Clinical psychologist, applied psychologist, renewal, verification |
| Social Work | Virginia social work license, LCSW license lookup | Initial license, supervision, renewal, verification |
| Veterinary Medicine | Virginia veterinary license lookup | Veterinarian, veterinary technician, renewal and complaints |
Virginia Department of Health Professions license lookup and primary source verification
Use DHP License Lookup when you need to verify a Virginia healthcare professional license, certificate, registration, occupation, status, expiration date, public discipline indicator, or employer credentialing detail. The lookup page states users can search by occupation, name, state, ZIP, status, or a combination of criteria.
Start with DHP License Lookup
The Virginia DHP license lookup service is the practical first step for patients, employers, insurers, credentialing teams, HR staff, attorneys, and licensees checking current public information.
Search with fewer fields if no result appears
If the first search fails, remove extra fields. Try license number only, last name only, occupation plus last name, or city/ZIP only. Names may be entered differently from what you expect.
| Search need | Best field to try | What to review |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor, physician assistant, chiropractor, athletic trainer, respiratory therapist | License number, last name, or occupation | Status, expiration date, occupation, public information, board details |
| RN, LPN, APRN, CNA, nurse aide or nursing certificate | Board of Nursing verification route or DHP license lookup | License or certificate type, status, expiration, discipline/public information if listed |
| Pharmacist, pharmacy technician, pharmacy, or controlled substance registration | License number, occupation, business name, or location | Current status, registration type, expiration and board route |
| Counselor, psychologist, social worker, therapist | Profession plus last name, license number, or board | Credential level, status, expiration, supervision-related category if applicable |
| Dental, optometry, physical therapy, veterinary or funeral professions | Occupation plus name or license number | License status, expiration and board contact if questions remain |
For employer or hospital credentialing, do not rely only on a screenshot. Save the license number, search date, occupation, expiration date, current status, and any public information shown on the official lookup page.
Apply for a Virginia DHP license: application route, board, documents and login warning
The DHP Apply for a License page lets users choose a profession and board. It is useful for recent graduates, people licensed outside Virginia, applicants seeking Virginia licensure, and some reinstatement or special credential routes.
Use Apply for a License
Choose your exact profession and board before starting an online or paper application.
Open applyInitial application is separate
DHP’s online application login states that the site is for initial applications only, not existing license renewals.
Open application loginUse regulated professions list
If you are unsure which board handles your profession, check DHP’s regulated professions list.
Open professions| Prepare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Exact profession and board | Applications, fees and requirements differ by board and credential type. |
| Education and transcripts | Many professions require school verification, transcripts or official education documents. |
| Exam, compact, endorsement or reinstatement status | Different routes may apply depending on whether you are new, licensed elsewhere, expired or compact-eligible. |
| Legal name and previous names | Name mismatches can delay applications, transcripts and background documents. |
| Payment method | Fees are usually required and may be nonrefundable depending on the service. |
| Board-specific forms | Always download forms from the current DHP board page, not an old PDF from a third-party site. |
Virginia DHP license renewal, online login, PIN, address update and duplicate license
Healthcare professionals may renew eligible Virginia licenses or registrations online. DHP states that online renewal can be paid with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover, and that secure credit card transactions are processed for user protection.
Use the official renewal route for existing licenses
If you already hold a Virginia license, do not use the initial application login. DHP’s application login page specifically warns that initial application login is for initial applications only and renewals should use the renewal site.
Have license number, login or PIN and payment ready
DHP renewal guidance says first-time visitors should register as a new user using the temporary PIN from the renewal notice and license number. Online licensing also supports address of record updates, emergency contact updates, and duplicate license requests.
DHP renewal information warns that licenses must be renewed by the expiration date, a late fee may be imposed after expiration, and practicing on an expired license may result in disciplinary action. Check your profession’s board page for exact fees and continuing education requirements.
Virginia DHP records: license records, case decisions, board decisions and data downloads
“Virginia Department of Health Professions records” can mean several things. License lookup records, recent case decisions, FOIA records, licensee downloads, enforcement records, board contacts, and public disciplinary information are not the same route.
| Record need | Best route | Prepare first |
|---|---|---|
| License verification | DHP License Lookup | Occupation, name, license number, ZIP, or status |
| Recent case decisions | DHP Case Decisions page | Board name and approximate decision period |
| Public board or agency records | DHP FOIA page or board FOIA officer | Board, record type, date range, and narrow description |
| Bulk licensee data | Virginia Interactive DHP licensee download service | Board, file type, fee understanding, and data fields needed |
| Complaint process records | Enforcement Division and board-specific process | Practitioner name, case facts, dates, documents, and complaint number if assigned |
| Facility complaint or facility license records | Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification | Facility name, address, license type, complaint details |
Virginia DHP complaints: file a complaint about a healthcare practitioner
The DHP Enforcement Division receives complaints about Virginia healthcare practitioners who may have violated a law or regulation. The official complaint page lists complaint contact by phone at 1-800-533-1560 or (804) 367-4691, and email at enfcomplaints@dhp.virginia.gov.
Use DHP Enforcement
Best for individual licensed practitioners regulated by DHP boards, such as nurses, physicians, dentists, pharmacists, counselors, social workers, psychologists, therapists, and other DHP professions.
File complaintLook up the license before filing
License lookup can help you copy the exact name, occupation, license number, and status before writing your complaint.
Verify first| Prepare | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Practitioner name and profession | Helps DHP identify the correct board and license record. |
| License number if available | Reduces confusion when names are similar. |
| Location and date range | Builds a clear timeline for enforcement review. |
| Short factual summary | Facts, dates, and documents are easier to evaluate than long opinion statements. |
| Records or evidence | Attach only relevant documents requested or accepted by the official complaint route. |
| Your contact information | Anonymous complaints may be allowed, but contact details can help if DHP needs follow-up. |
Understand the enforcement process
DHP’s enforcement process explains how complaints may be received, reviewed, investigated, and handled by the appropriate board. Publicly available board decisions can be found through license lookup and recent case decisions.
If someone is in immediate danger, needs urgent medical care, is being harmed, or there is a life-safety emergency, call emergency services or the correct emergency hotline. Do not wait for a professional licensing complaint response.
DHP versus Virginia Department of Health: practitioner complaint or facility complaint?
Virginia Department of Health Professions and Virginia Department of Health are different agencies. DHP generally handles licensed health professionals. The Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification handles many health care facility licensing and complaint routes.
Individual practitioner issue
Examples: doctor, nurse, dentist, pharmacist, therapist, counselor, social worker, psychologist, veterinarian, or other DHP-regulated professional.
DHP complaintFacility licensing issue
Examples may include hospitals, nursing homes, home health, hospice, and other facility licensing areas depending on the facility and complaint type.
VDH facility complaintWhen a complaint involves both a facility and an individual practitioner, you may need to check both routes. Write down the facility name, practitioner name, address, date, and license number if available.
Virginia DHP FOIA and public records request guide
DHP’s FOIA page explains that the Virginia Freedom of Information Act provides access to public records held by public bodies, officials, and employees. For most non-media requests, DHP says requests should be directed to the specific board responsible for licensing the healthcare profession.
Identify the correct board first
Because DHP has multiple boards, a narrow board-specific request is usually better than a broad agency-wide request. Include the board, profession, licensee name, license number if known, record type, and date range.
Media requests use the media contact route
DHP’s FOIA page directs members of the media to Kelly Smith, Communications Director, at kelly.smith@dhp.virginia.gov. Non-media requests should generally go to the relevant board or division contact listed on the FOIA page.
Do not ask for “all records about a doctor” unless you truly need that broad request. A better request names the board, licensee, license number, specific record type, date range, and purpose.
Virginia DHP Henrico office address, hours, directions and map
The Virginia Department of Health Professions is listed at Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463. The contact page states all visitors should report to the 1st Floor Lobby. Office hours are listed as Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, except holidays.
| Before visiting | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Confirm your board or division | DHP has multiple boards; not every issue is handled at a public counter. |
| Call before driving | Applications, renewals, complaints, and FOIA may be handled online, by email, or through board-specific staff. |
| Bring ID and documents | Some services may require identity verification or printed documents. |
| Do not assume walk-in processing | Online licensing, complaints, FOIA, and records routes may not be faster in person. |
Official Virginia Department of Health Professions links used in this guide
Use these official routes for final details, secure login, official forms, fees, renewals, complaints, license lookup, board contacts, public records, and official agency updates. This independent guide does not collect applications, payments, complaints, documents, or private license information.
People also search for: Virginia Department of Health Professions Google and Bing intent guide
These search-style phrases are common around Virginia DHP. Use the correct official route because license lookup, renewal, application, nursing verification, complaints, FOIA records and facility complaints are different workflows.
Virginia Department of Health Professions license lookup
Use DHP License Lookup and search by occupation, name, state, ZIP, status or license number.
Lookup routeVirginia DHP license renewal
Use DHP Online Licensing or Renew Online. Prepare license number, PIN or login, CE status and payment method.
Renew routeVirginia Department of Health Professions phone number
Main DHP phone is (804) 367-4400. Online licensing help is (804) 367-4444.
Phone routeVirginia Department of Health Professions complaint
Use DHP Enforcement for practitioner complaints. Use VDH OLC for many facility complaints.
Complaint routeVirginia Board of Nursing license verification
Use Board of Nursing verification routes or DHP License Lookup, depending on license or certificate type.
Nursing verifyVirginia Board of Medicine license lookup
Use DHP License Lookup and Board of Medicine pages for physician and medicine-related professions.
Medicine boardDHP online licensing Virginia
Use Online Licensing for renewal, address of record update, emergency contact and duplicate license requests.
Online licensingVirginia Department of Health Professions records
Use License Lookup, recent case decisions, FOIA, or board-specific contacts depending on record type.
Records routeSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It is not the Virginia Department of Health Professions, not DHP, not Virginia.gov, not the Virginia Department of Health, not a regulatory board, not a licensing portal, and not an enforcement office.
Do not send Social Security numbers, license documents, transcripts, medical records, complaint evidence, patient files, credit cards, application documents, FOIA documents, or identity documents to an independent guide page. Use only official secure DHP, Virginia.gov, board, or VDH portals for final submission.
Phone numbers, fees, renewal cycles, board rules, application requirements, continuing education, complaint forms, FOIA contacts, office hours, and portal behavior can change. Confirm final details on the official DHP or Virginia.gov page before paying, submitting documents, or relying on a status result.
Virginia Department of Health Professions FAQs
What is the Virginia Department of Health Professions phone number?
The main Virginia Department of Health Professions phone number is (804) 367-4400. For online application and renewal help, DHP lists (804) 367-4444 and CallCenter@dhp.virginia.gov. For enforcement complaints, DHP lists 1-800-533-1560 or (804) 367-4691.
What is the Virginia Department of Health Professions address?
The official DHP contact page lists the address as Virginia Department of Health Professions, Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463. Visitors should report to the 1st Floor Lobby, and office hours are listed as Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM, except holidays.
How do I look up a Virginia healthcare license?
Use the official Virginia DHP License Lookup page. You can search by occupation, name, state, ZIP, status, or a combination of search criteria. For nursing credentials, also review the Virginia Board of Nursing license verification route.
Is Virginia DHP license lookup primary source verification?
DHP license lookup pages state that the information serves as primary source verification of the credential issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and meets Joint Commission requirements. Always check the current official lookup page instead of relying on an old screenshot.
How do I renew a Virginia DHP license online?
Use DHP Renew Online or the DHP Online Licensing login for existing license renewals. Have your license number, username/password or PIN, credit card, and continuing education status ready. DHP renewal guidance warns that licenses must be renewed by the expiration date and late renewal may involve a late fee.
How do I apply for a Virginia Department of Health Professions license?
Use the official DHP Apply for a License page and choose your exact profession and board. The initial application login is for initial applications only; existing license renewals should use the renewal site.
How do I file a Virginia DHP complaint?
Use the DHP Enforcement Division File a Complaint page for practitioner complaints. Prepare the practitioner name, profession, license number if known, dates, location, facts, and supporting records. DHP also lists complaint phone help at 1-800-533-1560 or (804) 367-4691 and email at enfcomplaints@dhp.virginia.gov.
Does DHP handle hospital or nursing home complaints?
Not always. DHP generally handles individual healthcare practitioners regulated by DHP boards. Many healthcare facility licensing complaints route to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Licensure and Certification. If the complaint involves both an individual practitioner and a facility, check both routes.
How do I request Virginia DHP public records?
Use the DHP FOIA page. DHP says most non-media FOIA requests should be directed to the specific board responsible for licensing the healthcare profession. Include the board name, licensee name, license number if known, record type, date range, and a narrow description.
Is HealthDepartmentGuide.org the official Virginia Department of Health Professions website?
No. HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent guide. It does not process Virginia licenses, accept renewal payments, file complaints, verify credentials, issue public records, or replace DHP, Virginia.gov, regulatory boards, or the Virginia Department of Health.