Washington License Overview
Compact / eNLCYes — Compact
Endorsement Fee$88
Typical Timing30-60 days
NursysYes
Temporary LicenseYes
Board Phone(360) 236-4700
How Long Does It Take?
Typical timing: 30-60 days.
TGL Recruiter tip: Processing estimates change with fingerprint delays, missing documents, and application volume. Confirm the current timeline with the Board before promising a start date — and always start early.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
✓ Washington is an eNLC compact state. Nurses holding a multistate license from a compact primary state may practice in Washington without a separate license.
Permanent License — Endorsement
- Apply online through the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission (NCQAC) portal and pay the $88 fee.
- Request license verification via Nursys. Washington participates in Nursys.
- Complete a fingerprint-based background check — Washington uses an authorized Livescan vendor. Out-of-state applicants may submit FBI fingerprint cards.
- Processing typically takes 30–60 days.
Temporary License
- Washington issues a temporary practice permit valid for 90 days.
- Request the temporary permit with your endorsement application through the NCQAC portal.
TGL Recruiter tip: Start the licensing process as early as possible — especially for non-compact states, which can take 8–12 weeks. Your TGL recruiter will track your application status and help you time your assignment start date.
Fees
Endorsement fee is $88. Temporary permit is included. Biennial renewal is $88. Background check fees are separate.
Fees change. Always verify current amounts at the official Washington Board of Nursing website before applying.
License Renewal
Washington RN licenses renew biennially. Renewal requires no continuing education (verify current requirements). Renewal fee is $88.
Important Notes for Travel Nurses
- Washington is a compact (eNLC) state — nurses with a multistate license from a compact home state may practice without endorsement.
- Seattle-area health systems (UW Medicine, Swedish, Providence) and rural Washington hospitals are common travel nurse placements.
- The NCQAC online license lookup is used by facilities for verification.
Last reviewed by TGL MedStaff: September 2026 —
Licensing requirements change. Always verify with the
Washington Board of Nursing.
