What to Expect
We start processing your application as soon as we get it. If your application is complete (with all documents and fees) it should take about 7 business days for us to process.
Some applications will take longer than 7 days. Below are some of the reasons:
- Applications missing information, supporting documents, or applicants waiting to pass the NCLEX examination
- Applications with special circumstances
- Applications requiring additional review by our Education unit
- Applications requiring additional review by our Case Management Team
- Higher number of applications than usual
Nurse License Application Process
Application Submitted
Paper Application (2–3 Business Days)
- Application and fee is received by DOH
- Fees are processed by DOH Revenue
Online Application (Immediately)
- Application and fee processed by DOH
Application Intake & Background Check (1–2 Business Days)
- Criminal background checks are conducted on all applications
- Application is verified to determine correct application submitted
- Applicants with out-of-state addresses or applying for a multistate license are emailed FBI fingerprint instructions
Review (1–3 Business Days)
- Application is reviewed by the appropriate review desk (International, Exam, Endorsement, ARNP)
- Applicants are reviewed for deficiencies and the applicant notified via email of missing requirements
Final Review (1–2 Business Days)
- Application is forwarded to the final review desk after all requirements have been met, and Exception applications are forwarded to Nurse Discipline for approval/denial
- Temporary Practice Permit is issued once all requirements have been met pending FBI Background check
- Active license is issued by the final approval desk upon completion of all requirements including the FBI Background check
Temporary Practice Permit is Issued
Active License is Issued
Important Information
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FBI Background Check (Fingerprints)
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You may be required to submit a fingerprint background check.
The WA Board of Nursing doesn't send out fingerprint packets with cards.
If fingerprints are required, we will email you instructions on how to complete the process.
- After we receive your application, we will email you information on how to complete this process through Live Scan or on fingerprint cards obtained from a fingerprinting facility
- You must either complete this process through a Live Scan facility or obtain the fingerprint cards from the place you get the fingerprinting done
- DOH completes the FBI background check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI
- We may issue you a temporary practice permit (TPP) while we wait for the FBI background check to complete. If you are issued a TPP, you must complete the FBI background check at your earliest convenience to avoid closure of your application for licensure.
- If you are unable to locate the emailed instructions sent to you, please access the PDF copy below. Please note, you may not print these instructions to use as fingerprint cards. You must obtain fingerprint cards from your local facility.
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Official Transcripts
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- If you are applying by endorsement from another U.S. state, please do not send official transcripts unless we ask for them
- If you were educated outside of the U.S., please visit the Educated Outside the United States page for transcript requirements
- If you are applying by exam or applying for your ARNP license we will need your official transcripts with your degree and graduation date posted
Electronic Transcripts
If your school uses one of the approved electronic transcript services below, please have them send your official transcripts to WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov.
- E-Script
- Parchment
- Student Clearing House
Please do not have official transcripts sent until you have completed your nursing education program and your degree has been posted.
Paper Transcripts
If your school doesn't use an electronic transcript service, please request transcripts be mailed to the address below. Make sure your transcripts have your degree and graduation date posted.
Mail Transcripts To:
WABON Licensing
111 Israel Road SE
Mail Stop 47864
Olympia, WA 98504
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Name Change Information
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If you previously applied for a healthcare license through the Department of Health (DOH) and then changed your name, you must update your contact information.
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Military Spouse or Domestic Partner
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Under Washington State law, the spouse or state-registered domestic partner of a service member of any branch of the U.S. Military, including National Guard or Reserve, applying for a health care professional credential may be eligible for the expedited application process by submitting the following:
- A copy of your spouse’s or registered domestic partner’s military transfer orders to Washington state
- A copy of your marriage certificate or a copy of a state’s declaration or registration showing a state registered domestic partnership with a member of the U.S. military
See our Military Resources page for more information.
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Schools Associated with FBI Florida Investigation
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WABON Names Schools Associated with Florida Investigation and Denies Related Nursing Applications
Updated: June 24, 2025
In conjunction with an ongoing investigation into the legitimacy of multiple Florida-based nursing schools, the Washington Board of Nursing (WABON) takes action to rescind licenses or deny applicant licenses associated with certain Florida-based nursing schools.
These schools have been identified as participants in the scheme to issue fraudulent nursing diplomas and supporting documents through a federal investigation known as Operation Nightingale. The federal agents involved in Operation Nightingale advise nursing regulatory bodies to carefully review any license applications associated with graduates of these programs.
Florida–Based School List:
- Azure College
- Azure College, Inc.
- Carleen Health Institute
- Carleen Home Health School II
- Florida College of Health Science
- Florida College of Health Science, Inc.
- Ideal Professional Institute, Inc.
- Jay College of Health LLC
- Med–Life Institute – West Palm Beach
- Med–Life Institute of South Florida
- Med–Life Institute School of Nursing
- Palm Beach School of Nursing
- Quisqueya Health Care Academy
- Quisqueya School of Nursing
- Sacred Heart International Institute Inc.
- Siena College of Health
- Siena College of Health II LLC
- Siena Education Center LLC
- Sigma College
- Sigma Institute of Health Careers
- Sunshine Academy
- Techni–Pro Institute
- The Enfimye Institute
Employers Are Encouraged To Verify the License of Any New or Existing Employee
- For nurses with a single-state WA license, verify via the DOH Provider Credential Search.
- For nurses with a multistate license (MSL) from other states, verify through Nursys.
Employers should carefully review employees’ or applicants’ nursing education. Consider whether nurses received their nursing education from one of the schools identified above.
WABON Contact
Catherine Woodard
Director of Discipline
catherine.woodard@doh.wa.gov
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Additional Resources
Compare Single-State or Multistate License
Compare Types of Single-State Licenses
| Washington Single-State License | Washington Multistate License (MSL) |
|---|---|
| Allows practice in Washington State only | Allows practice in Washington state and 40 other participating compact states |
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Initial single-state license fee:
RN: $138 LPN: $93 |
Initial multistate license fee:
RN: $203 LPN: $158 |
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Annual single-state renewal fee:
RN: $138 LPN: $93 |
Annual multistate renewal fee:
RN: $158 LPN: $113 |
Initial License Requirements:
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Initial License Requirements:
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For additional information about the Nurse Licensure Compact.