LCSW Endorsement Application Instructions - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Skyler

Application instructions for licensure by endorsement for individuals holding an active, unrestricted, comparable social work license at the Virginia Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) level. Guides applicants through reviewing Virginia social work laws and the LCSW handbook, gathering required documents, completing the online application, uploading documentation, paying a non-refundable endorsement fee of $165, and monitoring status via the online checklist and automated email updates. Includes rules on eligibility requirements, name/address change notifications, and warnings on false or misleading information.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Application Instructions - Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Steps to Apply for Licensure by Endorsement

Rules and Guidelines

Endorsement Application Checklist

| Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, VA 23233-1463
| Email: [socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov](socialwork@dhp.virginia.gov)
Phone: (804) 367-4441 E-Fax: (804) 977-9915 [Website:](Website: www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/)[ ](Website: www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/)[www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/](Website: www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/SocialWork/) | | --- | --- | | APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER (LCSW) | | --- | | This application is for individuals who hold an active, unrestricted, comparable social work license at the level that is comparable to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia. | | APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Follow these steps to apply for Licensure by Endorsement:
1. Read the Laws and Regulations regarding the Practice of Social Work in Virginia and utilize the detailed information in the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Handbook for detailed information about the required documents and process to obtain a license.
2. Gather and Request ALL the necessary documents in the checklist BEFORE beginning the online application. Have copies of the required documents ready to upload as part of the application process. PDF format is preferred.
3. Apply Online by registering for an account or logging into your existing account.
o Select the license type of: “Licensed Clinical Social Worker” and the Obtained by Method of “Endorsement”.
o Complete the required fields.
4. Upload the necessary documentation within the online application portal.
o Ensure you have uploaded all the necessary documents as indicated by the checklist. A complete application provides the best opportunity to avoid delays in the review and approval process.
o Once you have paid the application fee, your application will be submitted, and you can no longer upload additional documents. Any documents you did not upload will need to be emailed to the Board and will delay the review of your application.
5. Pay the application fee within the online application portal.
o Application fees are non-refundable.
o The application fee for Licensed Clinical Social Worker by Endorsement is $165.00.
o Your application is not submitted until the fee is paid.
6. Wait for Board review of your application and reply to any correspondence from the Board.
o Applications that are complete, fully documented, and meet the minimum requirements for the Regulations Governing the Practice of Social Work will be reviewed within 30 days of receipt of a complete application.
o Incomplete applications remain active for one year from the date of payment, after which incomplete application files are destroyed as outlined in the Library of Virginia records retention and disposition schedules. If your application is not completed in the one-year timeframe, you are required to re-apply by submitting a new application, fee, and documentation pursuant to the regulations at that time.
o Your online checklist will be your primary source of application status.
o As documentation is received and reviewed, your checklist will be updated, and an automated email will be sent to you 24 hours later. | RULES AND GUIDELINES • In order to be considered for Licensure as Clinical Social Worker, you must meet the requirements outlined in 18VAC140-20-45 . • Please notify the Board in writing within 30 days of a name change or address change by completing the Name/Address Change form. • Providing false or misleading information as well as omitting information in response to information requested in the application or as part of the application process is considered falsification of the application and may be grounds for denial of or taking disciplinary action against an existing registration, certification, or license. • Pursuant to Virginia Code § 54.1-2400.2 addresses of licensees are made available to the public. Normally, the Address of R

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for Licensure by Endorsement as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia?

Individuals who hold an active, unrestricted, comparable social work license at a level comparable to Virginia’s Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) can apply.

What is required before starting the online endorsement application?

Review Virginia laws and regulations and the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Handbook, then gather and have all required documents ready for upload, preferably in PDF format.

When is an applicant considered submitted, and what happens if documents are not uploaded before payment?

After paying the non-refundable application fee in the portal, the application is submitted and no further uploads are allowed; documents not uploaded must be emailed to the Board and will delay review.

Sep 21, 2026

Upload by Skyler