Washington Nurse Licensing Guide

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Washington Nurse License Overview

eNLC:

Yes - Partial Implementation

Walk-Through:

Temp License:

Yes

Nursys:

Yes

(360) 236-4703

Endorsement Application: RN:$138.00, LPN $93.00

Temporary Permit: No additional fee

Permanent License:

Approximately 5-12 days from the receipt of all required materials.

Temporary License:

‍Approximately 5-12 days from the receipt of all required materials.

Renewal cadence: Annually by the licensee's birthday, the same for RNs and LPNs.
Renewal fee: RN: $138.00, LPN $93.00. A $50.00 late fee is charged for late renewals. Late renewals are available up to one year from the expiration date of your license. After one year, your license cannot be renewed, and you will have to apply for reinstatement.
Required contact hours: 8 continuing education hours per yearly renewal period, plus 96 practice hours. Contact and practice hour requirements are the same for RNs and LPNs.
Online renewal is accessible approximately 90 days prior to your expiration date.
Renewal can be completed online through the SecureAccess Washington portal.

The eNLC has been partially implemented in Washington. You can find more information here.
For a closer look at application processing times, click here.
You will be sent a one-time paper license in the mail 7 to 10 days after the approval and activation of your license.
Make sure you have all your documents and payment method ready, and your application is complete to avoid delays.
For licensure applications, 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 through Secure Access Washington (SAW).
If you have documents to submit after 14 days, email them to nurselicensing@doh.wa.gov
Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome work best. Online services are configured with PCs and PC-based laptops. Mobile device and tablet users may experience technical difficulties attempting to apply online.

Apply online and pay the application fee. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs.
You can view an application checklist here.
You will need a SSN to apply for a WA license.
Make sure you meet all requirements. You need to have an active RN license in another state or complete an approved refresher course.
Complete the verification of your initial license in the United States via Nursys. If the state that you are licensed in does not use Nursys, they will have to send verification of your license to the Washington BON.
You are required to have a background check and fingerprints done for licensure in Washington. Once we receive your application, we will send you an email with the fingerprint and background check instructions.

You must either complete this process through a Live Scan facility or obtain the fingerprint cards from the place where you get the fingerprinting done.

Any “yes” responses to personal data questions must have supporting documents, such as court documents and written statements.
If you were educated outside the US, click here for more information.

A temporary permit may be issued pending the results of your background check if all other requirements are met.
If you answered “yes” to any personal data questions, you will not be able to receive a temporary permit.