You need to know
If you are applying by exam and this is your first nurse license in the United States, Washington state will be your Initial US state of licensure. Knowing this is key if you ever wish to practice in another state.
If you are a recent grad or applying for your first-ever RN or LPN license, you need to apply by exam.
Before You Apply
Register and pay for the NCLEX with Pearson Vue
- Please only apply when you are ready to schedule and take the NCLEX exam upon completion of your nursing education program (within 2 weeks) to avoid your application being closed due to inactivity.
- After 30 days of inactivity, all applications receive a 30-day closure warning letter.
- If you received your initial nursing education outside of the United States, first go to the Educated Outside the United States page.
Requirements
1. Verification of Education
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Nursing Education Program Graduate in Washington State
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- If you graduated from a nursing education program in the state of Washington, the program director will send an electronic certificate of completion (COC) to our office after you complete the program.
- You don't need to request the COC, but you will need to request official transcripts after your degree and graduation date are posted by your school.
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Nursing Education Program Graduate in another U.S. State or Jurisdiction
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- If you graduated from a nursing education program in another U.S. state or jurisdiction, we will need your official transcripts, with your degree and graduation date posted.
- This needs to be received by the WA Board of Nursing before we are able to grant eligibility to test in Pearson Vue.
- If we can’t determine equivalency, then you must submit the education verification form (PDF) completed by your nursing education program.
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Applicants educated internationally
- If you were educated outside of the United States and you are applying for your first license in the United States, please visit the Educated Outside the United States page.
2. Official Transcripts
Have your official transcripts sent to us electronically or by mail.
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:
Attn: Licensing Unit
Washington State Board of Nursing
PO Box 47864
Olympia, WA 98504-7864
3. Single-state vs Multistate License
Starting Jan 31, 2024, you have the option to apply for a Washington single-state license or a multistate license. (MSL).
If you are issued a single-state license, you can apply to upgrade to an MSL later.
Washington single-state license
- Allows practice in Washington State only.
Washington multistate license (MSL)
- Allows practice in Washington state and 40 other participating compact states.
- Must meet all Uniform Multistate License Requirements.
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 |
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Initial License by Exam Requirements:
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Initial License by Exam Requirements:
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Download comparison chart (PDF)
Professional Vocational Relationship Course (PVR)
If you are testing out of an RN program for the NCLEX-PN exam, you must complete a commission-approved PVR course.
You will also need to submit an attestation from your nurse administrator at your nursing education program addressing your ability to practice within the scope of a practical nurse safely.
Approved Professional Vocational Relationships Courses (.docx)
Register for the NCLEX
You may register to take the national exam online through Pearson VUE. They will email the “authorization to test” (ATT) to you.
See the Pearson VUE registration guide NCLEX Candidate Bulletin for more information.
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Washington State Pearson VUE Test Locations
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ADA Accommodations for the NCLEX
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To request ADA accommodations for the NCLEX , you will need to submit the following documentation with your application:
- A letter from the diagnosing physician stating the diagnosis and recommended accommodations.
- A letter from the school stating the diagnosis and accommodations granted while enrolled in the nursing education program.
- A letter from yourself stating the diagnosis and requested accommodations.
Steps to Apply
- Make sure you meet all requirements.
- Get your forms signed and ready to upload.
- Complete an online application.
- Pay application fee online
- Attach required forms and documents.
- Any “yes” responses to personal data questions must have supporting documents, such as court documents and written statements.
- Submit your application.
- Once you have completed your nursing education program, please request to have your official transcripts with your degree and graduation date sent to the nursing commission.
We will email you if we need anything or have issues with your application.
Online Application Instructions
We recommend applying online for your Washington state nurse license as it’s the easiest and quickest way to get your license. We will send you a one-time paper license in the mail 7 to 10 business days after we approve and activate your license.
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Reasons You May Not Be Able to Apply Online
- You won’t be able to apply online if the following situations apply, and you will need to submit a paper application instead:
- You have previously applied for the license in Washington state and your application was closed as incomplete.
- If your application was closed, you will need to submit a new application and fee.
- If your application was closed more than 6 months ago, you will need to resubmit all required supporting documents with your application.
- You don’t have enough information in the public record to verify your identity.
- You need to reactivate a previous Washington state license.
- You have previously applied for the license in Washington state and your application was closed as incomplete.
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To apply for your license online you will need:
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- All your supporting documents and payment method ready, so your application is complete to avoid delays.
- SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account
- Department of Health (DOH) Online Application Portal referred to as the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) added to your SAW account.
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DOH Online Application Portal
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Download step-by-step instructions with graphics.
Steps to add the DOH Application Portal- HELMS to your SAW account:
- Log in to your SAW account
- Click "Add a New Service"
- Click on "I would like to browse a list of services by agency"
- Select "Department of Health"
- Scroll to Online Application Portal- HELMS
- Click "Apply"
- Click "OK"
You will be returned to your SAW account page. You should see Online Application Portal- HELMS provided by Department of Health in your list of services.
When you are ready to apply click Access Now and follow the online instructions.
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Tips
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- Apply on a desktop computer. Mobile and tablets tend to have more issues.
- Use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge for best results.
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Need help?
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If you have trouble with HELMS or the online application process, you can contact us during business hours.
- Phone: 360-236-4703
- Email: nursing@doh.wa.gov
Submitting Forms and Documents
- You have 14 days after you submit your application to upload your documents online.
- After 14 days you won’t be able to access your application though SAW.
- If you have more documents to submit after 14 days, please email them to WABONlicensing@doh.wa.gov