RN and LPN Uniform Multistate License Requirements
You will be able to apply for a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Washington state multistate license (MSL) starting Jan. 31, 2024.
To be issued and maintain a MSL individuals must meet NLC requirements and Washington regulations (WACs and RCWs)
Multistate License Uniform Requirements
For an RN or LPN to be issued and retain an MSL, the individual must meet all of the following requirements:
Licensing requirements
Applicants must:
- Meet all Washington state licensing requirements under Chapter 246-840 WAC and all other applicable Washington state laws.
- Be eligible for or hold an active, unencumbered license.
Graduation requirements
Applicants must have graduated from one of the following:
- A board-approved registered nurse, prelicensure nursing education, or licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse program.
- A foreign registered nurse, prelicensure nursing education, or licensed practical nurse/vocational nurse program. This program must have:
- be approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country
- be verified by a board approved independent credentials review agency to be comparable to a licensing board-approved prelicensure education program.
If graduated from a foreign prelicensure education program not taught in English, applicant must have:
- Passed an English proficiency examination that includes components of reading, speaking, writing, and listening.
- Applicant is still responsible for meeting Washington state international requirements for licensure).
Exam requirements
Applicant must pass one for the following:
- NCLEX-RN
- NCLEX-PN
- A recognized predecessor to the NCLEX.
Legal requirements
Applicants must:
- Complete an FBI fingerprint background check.
- Never been convicted or found guilty, or has entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony offense under applicable state or federal criminal law.
- Never been convicted or found guilty, or has entered into an agreed disposition, of a misdemeanor offense related to the practice of nursing as determined on a case-by-case basis.
- Not be enrolled in an alternative to discipline program in any US state or territory.
- Each applicant is subject to self-disclosure requirements regarding current participation in an alternative to discipline program.
Residency requirements
Applicants must:
- Have a valid United States social security number.
- Provide proof of primary state of residence (PSOR) in Washington state to hold an active Washington state MSL. Accepted PSOR documentation includes:
- Driver’s license with home address.
- State issued identification card with home address.
- Voter’s registration card with home address.
- Federal income tax return declaring state of residence.
- Military Form No. 2058, state of legal residence certificate.
- W2 from a federal agency, bureau, or division, indicating the declared.
More Information
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Questions?
Email: nursing@doh.wa.gov