Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Public Safety
Police Officer Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for police officer in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Police Officer in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services • Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services • Private Security Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$65,110 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#34 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Police Officer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services~Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services~Private Security Services and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $65,110, Police Officers in Virginia earn 15% below the national median of $76,290. Virginia ranks #34 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$65,110Hourly estimate
$31.3015% below national median
Difference: -$11,180
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationPolice Officer Salary Ranking
#34 of 50 statesfor Police Officer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $115,400 |
| #2 | Washington | $102,640 |
| #3 | Illinois | $101,530 |
| #4 | Alaska | $100,300 |
| #5 | Colorado | $96,100 |
Nearby States Comparison
Police Officer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $65,110 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $77,440 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $54,570 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $60,230 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $59,410 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-18 years |
| North Carolina | $58,030 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 64 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services • Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services • Private Security Services
1100 Bank Street, Richmond, VA, 23219-3639
Phone: 8047864700
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $49,980 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Firefighter | $58,300 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $43,440 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Virginia?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Police Officers in Virginia?
Virginia lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Police Officers.
What education do you need to become a Police Officer in Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Police Officer licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Police Officer salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Police Officers in Virginia is $65,110. Salaries range from $50,160 (10th percentile) to $96,700 (90th percentile).
How does the Police Officer salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Police Officers in Virginia earn 15% below the national median of $76,290, with a state median of $65,110.
How many Police Officers work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 19,400 Police Officers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Police Officer license to Virginia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Police Officers in Virginia?
The licensing agency is Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services / Division of Licensure and Regulatory Services / Private Security Services. Review agency details at https://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/.
How often do you renew a Police Officer license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.