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).
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 Endorsement Requirements:
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Initial License by Endorsement Requirements:
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Download comparison chart (PDF)
Before You Apply
Requirements
To apply by endorsement you need to:
1. Have an active RN or LPN license in another state
If you don't have an active license in another state, you must complete a board approved refresher program. Please indicate on the application if you are enrolled in a refresher program.
Nursing Programs and Schools
- Find an approved nursing program
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Board approved nursing schools, clinical placements, and refresher courses:
- More information
2. Verify your initial license in the United States
To apply by endorsement, we need to verify your initial license in the United States (the state you took your exam and got your first license).
Nursys Verification
You can use Nursys to request verification of nursing license from your original state of licensure except from the following states: Pennsylvania, and California
- Go to Nursys.com
- Look for the Nurse License Verification for Endorsement section and click Request Verification
- Read the terms and conditions and click Agree
- Search for your name or license number
- Request to have your verification sent to Washington state
- Pay the online verification fee
Nursys will email you a receipt confirmation. Please confirm your verification was sent to Washington state.
Request verification from Pennsylvania or California (LPNs)
Pennsylvania and California (LPNs) do not use Nursys.
If you obtained your initial license from one of these states, you must work directly with their board to request verification.
If they require you to submit a form to their office, please use the Non-Nursys verification form (PDF).
3. Verify active practice employment hours
If you have completed a non-traditional nursing education program, you must submit work verification of at least 1,000 hours of active nursing practice in another state.
The work verification must come directly from your current or previous employer on company letterhead and include:
- dates employed
- verification of hours
- verification that you practiced in the profession in which you are applying
Apply for Washington State License via Endorsement
Educated Outside the USA
If you got your initial nursing education outside of the United States, go to the Educated outside the United States page first.
Steps to apply
- Make sure you meet all requirements
- Have an active RN or LPN license in another state
- Or complete an approved refresher course
- Complete your verification of your initial license in the United States sent to Washington state
- 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
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