Apply for a License

The new WA multistate license (MSL) application is now open!

Nurses whose primary state of residence (PSOR) is…

Licensing

• Apply for a License
  • Upgrade to an MSL
  • ARNP License
  • RN or LPN License
  • Nurse Tech License
  • Educated Outside the United States
  • Online Application Instructions

  Washington State Nurse License Applications

  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

      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

      Initial License Requirements:

      Application and fee
      Meet all WABON licensing requirements Requirements vary applicants applying by endorsement, examination, or educated outside the U.S.

      Initial License Requirements:

      Application and fee
      Meet all WABON licensing requirements Requirements vary applicants applying by endorsement, examination, or educated outside the U.S.

      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)

      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.
        • Fingerprint-based Federal Background Check (PDF)
        • 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

        Name Change Information

        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

        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.

        Resources

        • Online application instructions
        • Online renewal instructions
        • Check application status

        More Information

        • NLC Multistate Licenses
        • Nurse license fees
        • Nurse license process
        • Application processing times