Washington Nursing License
How to get your Washington nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Washington State Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Washington, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Washington licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $138 single-state / $203 multistate |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $138/year single-state / $158/year multistate |
| Continuing education | 8 CE hours/year (2 health equity) + 96 practice hours/year; one-time 6-hour suicide-prevention training |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Washington joined the NLC in 2023 and has issued multistate licenses since January 2024. Renewal is annual on your birthday ($138 single-state / $158 multistate). Continued competency requires 8 CE hours per year (2 in health equity) plus 96 active-practice hours per year, and a one-time 6-hour suicide-prevention training. The board site is nursing.wa.gov (operating under the Department of Health).
Official resources
- Washington State Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
Washington nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Washington?
- Yes. Washington is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Washington without a separate application.
- How much does a Washington nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Washington is $138 single-state / $203 multistate, and renewal is $138/year single-state / $158/year multistate.
- How many continuing-education hours does Washington require?
- Washington requires 8 CE hours/year (2 health equity) + 96 practice hours/year; one-time 6-hour suicide-prevention training for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Washington nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.