How to Transfer Your RN License to Washington (2026)

Washington Nursing Compact Status and Licensing Body

Transferring your Registered Nurse (RN) license to Washington requires working with the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON), which operates under the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). If you hold an active RN license in another US jurisdiction, you will apply for a Washington license through the endorsement process.

Washington is an active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you currently hold an active multi-state RN license issued by another compact state and your primary state of residence (PSOR) remains that compact state, you can practice in Washington under your existing multi-state license without obtaining a separate Washington credential right away. However, once you relocate to Washington and establish it as your new primary state of residence, you must apply for a Washington multi-state or single-state license by endorsement.

If you are relocating from a non-compact state, you must complete the standard endorsement application through WABON before you begin practicing in a non-federal facility within the state.

RN License by Endorsement: Essential Requirements

To transfer your RN license smoothly, you must submit specific documentation to WABON. Gathering these items before starting your online application speeds up processing considerably.

• Active State Credential: You must hold a current, active RN license in good standing from another US state or territory.
• NURSYS License Verification: Verification of your original license by examination and your current active license must be submitted. Most states use the electronic NURSYS verification system. If your licensing state does not participate in NURSYS, you must request a paper verification form directly from that state board.
• Education Verification: WABON requires proof of graduation from a board-approved nursing program. Transcripts are generally retrieved through NURSYS or sent directly from your nursing school if NURSYS lacks your educational data.
• FBI Fingerprint Background Check: All endorsement applicants must complete a state and federal criminal background check. If you are already in Washington, live scan fingerprinting is available. If you are applying from out of state, WABON will mail you a physical fingerprint card (FD-258) after you submit your application online.
• Suicide Prevention Training: Washington state law requires all registered nurses to complete a one-time, 6-hour approved suicide prevention training course. You can complete this course online before or shortly after arriving in the state, but it must meet WABON requirements for full licensure.
• Proof of Residence: If you are applying for a Washington multi-state compact license, you must provide documentation proving Washington is your Primary State of Residence (PSOR), such as a Washington driver's license, voter registration, or W-2 form.

Step-by-Step Application Process and Fees

Washington processes all health professional applications through an online portal. Following these exact steps helps avoid application stalls.

• Step 1: Create a SAW Account: Set up a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) user account. SAW is the single sign-on portal for Washington state agencies. Once created, add the Department of Health (DOH) Online Application System service to your account profile.
• Step 2: Submit the Endorsement Application: Complete the online RN endorsement application form within the DOH portal. Select whether you are applying for a single-state license or a multi-state compact license.
• Step 3: Pay the Application Fees: The standard RN endorsement application fee in Washington is typically between $135 and $150. There is also an additional fingerprint processing fee, usually around $35 to $50. Fees are subject to updates, so confirm exact totals directly on the WABON site during application submission.
• Step 4: Request Verification via NURSYS: Log into NURSYS online, pay the verification fee (currently $30 per state board), and designate Washington State Board of Nursing as the recipient.
• Step 5: Complete Fingerprinting: Send in your completed fingerprint card or complete your live scan appointment promptly upon receiving instructions from DOH. Background processing is the single longest step in the timeline.

The total processing timeline for a standard endorsement application generally ranges from 2 to 6 weeks. Delays usually stem from slow fingerprint processing or missing verification forms from non-NURSYS states.

Temporary Practice Permits

If you need to start working in Washington before your full endorsement application finishes processing, you can request a Temporary Practice Permit. This permit allows you to work as an RN while WABON awaits the results of your background check.

To qualify for a temporary practice permit, you must have submitted a complete endorsement application, paid all requisite fees, submitted your fingerprints, and provided proof of an active license without pending discipline from another state. Temporary permits are typically issued within 1 to 2 weeks after initial processing and remain valid for up to 180 days or until your permanent license is issued.

Financial Facts: Wages, Taxes, and Living Costs

Moving your nursing career to Washington involves specific financial differences compared to most other US states. Understanding the tax structure ensures accurate budget planning.

• No State Income Tax on Wages: Washington does not collect state income tax on earned wages. Your entire paycheck is free from state-level income tax deductions, increasing your net take-home pay compared to income-taxing states.
• Capital Gains and LTC Tax: While there is no income tax on wages, Washington levies a 7 percent tax on certain high-value capital gains. Additionally, Washington imposes a mandatory payroll deduction for the WA Cares Fund (0.58 percent of gross earnings) to fund a state long-term care benefit.
• Relocation Incentive Programs: There are no statewide government programs that pay individuals or nurses cash grants simply to move to Washington. Any relocation bonuses or sign-on incentives must come directly from individual hospital systems or healthcare employers.
• Regional Cost Variations: RN wages in the Puget Sound area (Seattle, Tacoma, Everett) are among the highest in the country, but housing costs are significantly elevated. Inland hospitals in regions like Spokane, the Tri-Cities, or Yakima offer competitive wages alongside lower regional living expenses.

What People Get Wrong

• Delaying the fingerprint card return: Waiting weeks to mail back your fingerprint card pauses your application completely. Mail it immediately using tracked postage.
• Assuming compact status lasts indefinitely without changing PSOR: Once you move permanently to Washington, your home state compact license is no longer valid for practicing in Washington after the primary state residence transition period expires. You must officially apply for a WA credential.
• Skipping the mandatory suicide prevention training: Washington requires a specific 6-hour training module that is not standard in most other states. Failing to take an approved course delays your final license approval.
• Confusing the application portals: Trying to apply through third-party sites or outdated paper forms delays process timing. You must register through SecureAccess Washington (SAW).

Start Your Washington Nursing Move

Before finalizing your move, explore the Washington page on Workmerica. You will find links to the state nursing board registry, local wage structures, tax details, and active RN openings across Washington hospitals and clinics. Creating a free profile places your credentials directly in front of Washington healthcare employers currently seeking nurses relocating from out of state.