The iterative procedure to use the nonconforming elements in elasto-plastic problems is established and applied to the variable node transition solid element developed for the automated three-dimensional local mesh refinement. Through numerical tests, the validity and performance of the element are examined. As the nonlinear iterative procedure presented in this paper is accomplished for the general three-dimensional case, it can also be easily applied to the two-dimensional elements such as membranes, plates and shells.