Nursing License Requirements in Washington 2026
Washington’s RNs and LPNs are licensed by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON). First-time applicants must complete a board-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX. Washington joined the Nurse Licensure Compact in July 2023, so qualifying nurses can now apply for a multistate license valid across other NLC member jurisdictions.
Washington licenses practical nurses and registered nurses through the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON), which operates under the state Department of Health. The board approves in-state nursing programs, evaluates applications, and manages the endorsement process for nurses licensed in other states. Washington joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) on July 24, 2023, giving eligible nurses the option of a single multistate license (MSL) recognized across compact states.
Use the links below to jump to the license type you’re looking for.
- LPN License Requirements in Washington
- RN License Requirements in Washington
- Washington’s Nurse Licensure Compact Status
- Washington Nursing License Fees
- Professional Nursing Organizations
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LPN License Requirements in Washington
LPN Education
A candidate must complete at least 60 quarter hours of coursework in a WABON-approved practical nursing program. The curriculum must meet the requirements set in Washington’s nursing rules (WAC 246-840-575). Candidates who complete pre-licensure coursework in a registered nursing program can also qualify for LPN licensure, provided that coursework covers the required practical nursing content. If it doesn’t fully satisfy LPN requirements, the candidate may complete the remaining coursework through another WABON-approved program.
WABON maintains a current list of approved programs at nursing.wa.gov. Approval means the program meets the board’s standards for curriculum, clinical hours, and faculty. Review approved LPN programs in Washington and verify status before enrolling.
LPN Application Process
Applications are submitted online through WABON’s HELMS Portal or by paper. The non-refundable fee is $93 for a single-state Washington license. Candidates who want a multistate license (MSL) pay $158 at the time of initial application. Candidates with out-of-state addresses must complete an FBI fingerprint background check. WABON emails fingerprint instructions after receiving the application.
Program completion must be verified before WABON can authorize the NCLEX-PN. Washington-based programs send completion verification electronically. Candidates who trained in another state use a paper form. Official transcripts showing the degree and graduation date must be posted before the license is issued. Send electronic transcripts through approved services (E-Script, Parchment, or Student Clearing House) to [email protected]. Paper transcripts go to WABON Licensing, 111 Israel Road SE, Mail Stop 47864, Olympia, WA 98504.
Complete applications with all documents and fees are processed in about seven business days. After passing the NCLEX-PN, the license is verifiable online shortly after. A paper copy follows. Candidates who don’t pass receive retake information.
One rule changed in January 2026: candidates who fail the NCLEX four times must complete a WABON-approved NCLEX prep course before they can retest. This applies to failures in Washington or in any other state or country.
LPN License by Endorsement
LPNs with active, unencumbered licenses in other U.S. states can apply by endorsement through the HELMS Portal. WABON verifies the out-of-state license electronically in most cases. If the verification doesn’t include education history, the candidate must have the original school send transcripts directly to WABON. Candidates without a current active license may be authorized to complete a refresher course before applying.
Washington’s membership in the NLC means nurses who hold an active MSL from another compact state can practice in Washington under that license, as long as Washington is not their primary state of residence (PSOR). Nurses who relocate to Washington and establish it as their PSOR must apply for a Washington MSL within 60 days. All out-of-state candidates are required to complete an FBI fingerprint background check. WABON may issue a Temporary Practice Permit (TPP) while the check processes.
Military spouses and state-registered domestic partners of active-duty service members are eligible for expedited processing. Submit a copy of the service member’s military transfer orders to Washington and proof of marriage or domestic partnership with the application.
International LPN Candidates
WABON evaluates internationally trained LPNs based on transcripts and an educational verification form. Candidates whose nursing education was not conducted primarily in English must demonstrate English-language proficiency. Confirm current proficiency requirements directly with WABON before applying.
RN License Requirements in Washington
RN Education
Washington accepts both associate degree (ADN) and baccalaureate (BSN) graduates for initial RN licensure. LPNs can complete bridge programs and qualify for RN licensure under the regulations at WAC 246-840-035. Individuals who already hold a degree in another field may instead pursue a direct-entry master’s in nursing.
All pre-licensure programs must be approved by WABON. The current list of approved RN programs in Washington is on the WABON website at nursing.wa.gov. NCLEX pass rates for in-state programs are published by the Department of Health and are useful for comparing programs before enrolling.
RN Application Process
Students can register as Nursing Technicians (NTECs) and work in that role while still enrolled in a nursing program. To apply for RN licensure, submit an application through the HELMS Portal after program completion. The non-refundable fee is $138 for a single-state license or $203 for a multistate license (MSL). Candidates with out-of-state addresses are required to complete an FBI fingerprint background check. WABON emails fingerprint instructions after receiving the application.
Official transcripts showing the degree and graduation date must be on file before the license is issued. Electronic transcripts are accepted from E-Script, Parchment, and Student Clearing House. Paper transcripts are mailed to the address listed in the LPN section above. Complete applications are typically processed within seven business days. A Temporary Practice Permit may be issued while an FBI background check is pending.
Candidates who fail the NCLEX-RN four times must complete a WABON-approved NCLEX prep course before scheduling another attempt. This rule took effect January 30, 2026, and applies to failures in any state or country. Submit the course completion certificate to [email protected] to be made eligible to retest.
RN License by Endorsement
RNs with an active, unencumbered license in another state can apply by endorsement through the HELMS Portal. WABON requires verification of prior nursing licensure. Applicants should follow the current HELMS Portal instructions regarding license verification requirements. If that verification doesn’t include education history, the original school must send transcripts directly to WABON. Out-of-state candidates are required to complete an FBI fingerprint-based background check. WABON may issue a Temporary Practice Permit while that check processes.
Nurses who hold an active MSL from another compact state may practice in Washington under that license, as long as Washington is not their PSOR. Nurses who move to Washington and establish it as their primary state of residence must apply for a Washington MSL within 60 days. A nurse without an active license may be authorized to complete clinical training through a board-approved refresher course before applying for licensure.
Internationally Educated RN Candidates
RNs who trained outside the United States and have not been licensed in another U.S. state must have their education evaluated by a WABON-approved credential evaluation organization. If the evaluation service doesn’t transmit transcripts to WABON, the candidate must request that the school send them directly. Candidates must also attest to having completed AIDS education training.
Washington’s Nurse Licensure Compact Status
Washington joined the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 24, 2023. The NLC covers only RN and LPN licenses. ARNP licenses are not included. For advanced practice licensure, see Washington ARNP requirements. Advanced practice nurses must hold individual state licenses in each state where they practice.
Washington nurses can now choose between two license types. A single-state license allows practice only in Washington. A multistate license (MSL) allows practice in Washington and all other NLC member jurisdictions, with a single license issued in the nurse’s primary state of residence. The MSL works like a driver’s license: it’s issued by the home state and recognized across compact state lines.
To qualify for a Washington MSL, the nurse’s PSOR must be in Washington. PSOR is the state where the nurse has a driver’s license, is registered to vote, and files federal taxes. Nurses who already hold a single-state Washington license can upgrade to an MSL through the HELMS Portal. Nurses who hold an MSL from another compact state and work for a Washington mandatory employer must complete the Washington MSL demographic survey.
Washington Nursing License Fees
WABON charges separate fees for single-state and multistate licenses. Both LPN and RN licenses renew annually.
| License Type | Single-State License | Multistate License (MSL) |
|---|---|---|
| RN — Initial | $138 | $203 |
| RN — Annual Renewal | $138 | $158 |
| LPN — Initial | $93 | $158 |
| LPN — Annual Renewal | $93 | $113 |
Fee amounts were verified against the WABON fee schedule as of 2026 and are subject to change. Confirm current amounts at nursing.wa.gov before submitting an application.
Professional and Student Nursing Organizations in Washington
The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) is the regulatory body that licenses and disciplines nurses in Washington. The board’s website includes application portals, approved program lists, license fee schedules, and continuing competency requirements.
The Washington State Nurses Association provides continuing education, legislative advocacy, and professional development resources for RNs and APRNs across the state.
The Washington Center for Nursing is a workforce resource that tracks nursing education trends, hospital hiring data, and transition-to-practice programs statewide. The center notes that access to nursing education is strongest in Western Washington, with ongoing efforts to expand availability in other regions.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Washington joined the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes. Washington joined the NLC on July 24, 2023. Qualifying nurses can now apply for a multistate license (MSL), which allows them to practice in Washington and other NLC member jurisdictions under a single license. The NLC covers only RN and LPN licenses. ARNP licensure is not included.
What is the application fee for an RN license in Washington?
The initial fee for a single-state RN license is $138. A multistate RN license (MSL) costs $203 at initial application and $158 for annual renewal. Fees are set by WABON and are subject to change. Confirm current amounts at nursing.wa.gov before applying.
How long does it take to get a Washington nursing license?
WABON processes complete applications in about seven business days. Applications missing documents, requiring additional review, or pending an FBI fingerprint background check take longer. A Temporary Practice Permit (TPP) may be issued in some situations while the background check processes.
What happens if you fail the NCLEX four times in Washington?
As of January 30, 2026, candidates who fail the NCLEX four times must complete a WABON-approved NCLEX prep course before scheduling another attempt. This applies to failures in Washington or in any other state or country. After completing the course, submit your certificate of completion to [email protected] to be made eligible to retest.
Can I endorse my out-of-state nursing license into Washington?
Yes. RNs and LPNs with active, unencumbered licenses in other U.S. states can apply by endorsement through WABON’s HELMS Portal. Out-of-state candidates are required to complete an FBI fingerprint-based background check. Nurses who hold an MSL from another compact state can practice in Washington under that license as long as Washington is not their primary state of residence.
Key Takeaways
- WABON is the licensing authority — Washington’s RNs and LPNs are licensed by the Washington State Board of Nursing, which operates at nursing.wa.gov.
- Washington joined the NLC in 2023 — Nurses can choose a single-state or multistate license (MSL). The MSL is valid in all NLC member jurisdictions and requires that Washington be the nurse’s primary state of residence.
- NCLEX retesting rule changed in 2026 — Candidates who fail the NCLEX four times must complete a WABON-approved prep course before retesting. This rule took effect January 30, 2026.
- Processing takes about 7 business days — For complete applications. Out-of-state candidates needing an FBI fingerprint check may receive a Temporary Practice Permit while the check is being processed.
- Military spouses qualify for expedited processing — spouses and state-registered domestic partners of active-duty service members can submit documentation for faster review of their applications.
Find approved LPN and RN programs in Washington, application links, and licensing resources for your situation.