Working in Washington on an out-of-state nursing license
Last verified against Washington State Board of Nursing.
The five facts
- Compact status
- Member (implemented), January 31, 2024
- Endorsement fee
- $138 single-state · $203 multistate
- Temporary permit
- Until the FBI check clears and the license issues, no extra fee, issued once all other requirements are met, pending the FBI check (board-stated).
- Processing
- About 7 business days for a complete application.
- Portal
- HELMS
Check your own licence against Washington
Your Texas multistate license already authorizes practice in Washington.
- No Washington application, fee, or verification is required.
- You practice under Washington's nurse practice act while your patient is located there.
- Keep your Texas license active and unencumbered; a restriction in any state suspends the multistate privilege everywhere.
- Earliest start
- Today
- Fee
- $0
Data as of September 2, 2026.
Nothing you enter here is stored. Trust keeps credentials on your phone, not on our servers.
If you hold a multistate license
Washington honors it. You can work in Washington today, in person or by telehealth, with no Washington application, fee, or verification. You follow the Washington nurse practice act while your patient is located in Washington.
If you move your primary residence to Washington you have 60 days after the move to apply for a Washington license by endorsement (NLC Rule 402(2), effective January 2, 2024). Your former multistate license is deactivated when the Washington license issues — you do not hold two.
Licensure by endorsement in Washington
- 01
Open a HELMS account
Create your HELMS account and start the RN licensure-by-endorsement application with the Washington State Board of Nursing.
- 02
Request Nursys verification
Request license verification through Nursys for every state that applies to you. Washington accepts Nursys verification.
- 03
Complete fingerprints and the background check
Washington requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check: Name-based check on all applications; FBI fingerprint check for out-of-state addresses and multistate applicants.
- 04
Clear the course requirements
One-time 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment and management training — due by first renewal, not at application (6 hours) Health equity CE — 2 hours per renewal starting with the second renewal (2 hours)
- 05
Pay the application fee
The endorsement fee is $138 single-state · $203 multistate. Confirm the amount on the board's fee page before you pay.
- 06
Request the temporary permit
Request the temporary permit: Until the FBI check clears and the license issues, no extra fee, issued once all other requirements are met, pending the FBI check (board-stated).
- 07
Wait for the permanent license
About 7 business days for a complete application. Verify the license on the board's public lookup, then store the expiration in Trust.
License in the home state must be active; an inactive license requires a refresher.
Washington requires a valid U.S. Social Security number on the endorsement application.
Documents must be uploaded within 14 days of applying.
The old 7-hour HIV/AIDS training requirement has been repealed.
What it costs, all in
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement application | $138 single-state · $203 multistate |
| FBI fingerprint background check | varies |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
How long it takes
About 7 business days for a complete application.
The temporary permit is the difference between waiting and working: Until the FBI check clears and the license issues, no extra fee, issued once all other requirements are met, pending the FBI check (board-stated). Complete the FBI check promptly or the application is closed.
EMTs and paramedics
Washington — EMS Compact: Not a member.
Washington is not an EMS Compact member, so there is no privilege to practice. Apply for reciprocity through the Washington state EMS office; most states ask for current NREMT certification and a background check.
After you’re licensed
A new license starts a new renewal clock. The Washington RN renewal guide covers the cycle length, the CE the board counts, and the fee — read it once, then let Trust hold the date.
Questions people ask
Is Washington a compact state?
Yes. Washington is an implemented member of the Nurse Licensure Compact as of January 31, 2024, so a multistate license from another implemented member state authorizes practice there.
Can I work in Washington with a multistate license from another state?
Yes, if your primary state of residence issued the multistate license and it is active and unencumbered. No Washington application or fee is required, and you practice under Washington's nurse practice act while your patient is there. Moving your residence to Washington starts a 60-day clock to apply by endorsement.
How much does it cost to transfer an RN license to Washington?
The Washington State Board of Nursing endorsement fee is $138 single-state · $203 multistate. Budget for the extras too: FBI fingerprint background check (varies), Nursys verification $30.
Does Washington offer a temporary permit while my endorsement is pending?
Yes. Until the FBI check clears and the license issues, no extra fee, issued once all other requirements are met, pending the FBI check (board-stated). Complete the FBI check promptly or the application is closed.
How long does Washington RN endorsement take?
About 7 business days for a complete application.
Do I need fingerprints for a Washington nursing license?
Yes. Name-based check on all applications; FBI fingerprint check for out-of-state addresses and multistate applicants
What courses does Washington require before it issues an endorsement license?
One-time 6-hour suicide assessment, treatment and management training — due by first renewal, not at application (6 hours) Health equity CE — 2 hours per renewal starting with the second renewal (2 hours)
Do I need recent nursing practice to endorse into Washington?
License in the home state must be active; an inactive license requires a refresher.