Washington Nurse License Overview
Getting your Washington nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Washington Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Washington does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Single-State) | $138 | $93 |
| Initial Application (Multistate/eNLC) | $203 | $158 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | Included in eligible licensing workflow | Included in eligible licensing workflow |
| Renewal (Single-State) | $138 | $93 |
| Renewal (Multistate/eNLC) | $158 | $113 |
| Background Check | Additional fingerprint/vendor fee may apply | Additional fingerprint/vendor fee may apply |
Key Sections:
Washington License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Washington RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Washington Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) | Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based background check may be required, especially for multistate applicants | Fingerprint-based background check may be required, especially for multistate applicants |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved professional nursing program required | Approved practical nursing program required |
| Application Portal | Washington SecureAccess / DOH Licensing Portal | Washington SecureAccess / DOH Licensing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed by the Commission | Must be disclosed and reviewed by the Commission |
| Processing Time | Varies based on application completeness, background review, and fingerprint processing | Varies based on application completeness, background review, and fingerprint processing |
WA Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your endorsement application online through the Washington State Department of Health portal
- Pay the required application fee
- The process is generally the same for RNs and LPNs
- 2.
License Verification
- Verify your original U.S. nursing license through Nursys
- If your state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly to the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC)
- 3.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must hold an active nursing license in another state or meet refresher course requirements if the license has been inactive
- A valid Social Security Number is required for licensure
- 4.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Fingerprint-based background checks are required
- Washington provides fingerprinting instructions after application submission
- Applicants may complete fingerprinting through Live Scan services or fingerprint card submission
- 5.
Education & Documentation
- Applicants educated outside the United States may need additional credential evaluation documentation
- Supporting documents may be required for disciplinary history or personal data disclosures
- 6.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose criminal convictions
- Applicants must disclose disciplinary actions
- Applicants must disclose other reportable personal data questions required by the Commission
- Additional documentation may be requested for review
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Washington may issue a temporary permit while the permanent license application is under review
- 2.
Eligibility
- All major application requirements must be completed except final background check processing
- Applicants with disciplinary history or certain "yes" responses on personal data questions may not qualify
- 3.
Use & Limitation
- Temporary permits allow practice while the endorsement application is being finalized
- The permit expires once the permanent license decision is issued
Washington Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Washington
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 8 CE hours annually | Must also complete 96 active practice hours each year | CE must be relevant to nursing practice |
| LPN | 8 CE hours annually | Must also complete 96 active practice hours each year | CE must be relevant to practical nursing practice |
| APRN | 30 pharmacotherapeutic CE hours every 2 years | Pharmacology CE required for prescriptive authority renewal | Additional CE may apply depending on specialty and DEA-related requirements |
Key Notes for Washington
- Washington requires both continuing education and active practice hours for RN and LPN license renewal
- Nurses must complete 96 active nursing practice hours every year in addition to CE requirements
- Continuing education records should be retained in case of audit by the Washington Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC)
- APRN pharmacotherapeutic CE must relate to the applicant's area of practice and prescribing authority
- CE activities must be completed before renewal submission according to Washington renewal requirements
- Washington RN and LPN licenses renew annually on the nurse's birthday
- Online renewal is generally available approximately 90 days before expiration
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Washington Nursing License
How much does a Washington nursing license cost?
Washington RN renewal fees are typically about $138, while LPN renewal fees are about $93. Late renewal fees may also apply.
How long does it take to get a Washington nursing license?
Processing times vary depending on application completeness, fingerprint processing, and background check review.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Washington?
RNs and LPNs must complete 8 continuing education hours and 96 active practice hours each year for license renewal.