If you want to practice nursing in Washington state, you must have a Washington state license, or a valid multistate license (MSL) from a participating NLC state.
Apply for a license
Get information on license options (single-state vs multistate), requirements, and how to apply for a Washington state license for:
- ARNP: Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
- LPN and RN: Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse
- Initial single-state or multistate license
- This includes:
- Recent graduates applying by exam
- Already licensed nurses applying for endorsement from another state
- NTEC: Nursing Technician
- Upgrade your active single-state Washington license to a multistate license: MSL Upgrade
Note: We don’t process applications for Nursing Assistants. The Department of Health (DOH) does.
For additional information about the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Comparison Chart
| 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. |
| Initial single-state license fee: RN: $138 LPN: $93 |
Initial multistate license fee: RN: $203 LPN: $158 |
| 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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Important information
These situations may or may not apply to you.
If we need you to do an FBI background check, or send us your official transcripts, we will contact you.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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 - If you are applying by endorsement from another U.S. state, please do not send official transcripts unless we ask for them.
- 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.
- 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.