Getting a Washington nursing license by endorsement

Reviewed by Keegan, RN · ER & NICU travel nurse

Endorsement timeline, fees & requirements · Verified 2026-06-18

About 7 business days to process a complete application; some take longer for missing information or higher volumes.

Washington endorsement at a glance

What the board publishes

Board-sourced

How it works: Washington licenses an already-licensed out-of-state RN by endorsement rather than by exam; you need an active license to apply by endorsement.
Processing time: About 7 business days to process a complete application; some take longer for missing information or higher volumes.
Work while waiting: Yes. The board issues a Temporary Practice Permit once all requirements are met, pending the FBI background check, letting you work while it completes and the permanent license issues.
Requirements: Nursys verification of the initial US license, an FBI fingerprint background check (out-of-state or multistate applicants are emailed fingerprint instructions), and no transcripts unless requested. No state jurisprudence exam and no HIV/AIDS education requirement for endorsement.
Fees: $138 single-state or $203 multistate initial application (both include the $16 HEAL-WA and $8 Center for Nursing surcharges).
Compact rules: Washington is not a compact state, so an out-of-state license, including a multistate license, does not cover Washington. You must obtain a Washington license by endorsement (single-state, or multistate only after meeting Washington's compact requirements).
Military spouse: Military spouses may apply for an expedited single-state license with a copy of military orders and a marriage certificate, and may get a 180-day Temporary Practice Permit, typically within 7 days. A no-fee federal military portability license is also available.

Source: Washington State Board of Nursing, apply for a license and fees, last checked 2026-06-18. Fees and timelines change; confirm with the board before you rely on a date.

Steps to endorse into Washington

1Check whether you even need Washington endorsement: if your primary residence stays in another compact state, your multistate license may already cover you.
2Verify every nursing license you have held through Nursys (or the board's paper verification form for non-Nursys states).
3Complete the required criminal background check and fingerprinting.
4Submit the Washington State Board of Nursing endorsement application and fee, plus any transcripts, state coursework, or jurisprudence exam the board requires.
5Apply for a temporary or interim permit if the state offers one and you need to work before the permanent license issues.

Start at the source: Washington State Board of Nursing or the online licensing portal. Not sure if you even need to endorse? The compact eligibility quiz sorts compact privilege from a required license in two minutes.

Washington endorsement FAQ

How long does it take to get a Washington nursing license by endorsement?: About 7 business days to process a complete application; some take longer for missing information or higher volumes.
Can I work in Washington while my endorsement application is processing?: Yes. The board issues a Temporary Practice Permit once all requirements are met, pending the FBI background check, letting you work while it completes and the permanent license issues.
Do I need a Washington license if I already hold a compact multistate license?: Washington is not a compact state, so an out-of-state license, including a multistate license, does not cover Washington. You must obtain a Washington license by endorsement (single-state, or multistate only after meeting Washington's compact requirements).
How much does Washington endorsement cost?: $138 single-state or $203 multistate initial application (both include the $16 HEAL-WA and $8 Center for Nursing surcharges).

Related guides

Washington license renewal requirements

Do I qualify for a compact multistate license?

Build a personalized license-transfer checklist

More for Washington nurses

New state, new renewal clock

Once your Washington license issues, the CE and renewal rules reset to Washington's. RenewRN tracks the new deadline and CE requirements for you, free.

Start Tracking · Free

Washington endorsement at a glance

What the board publishes

Board-sourced

How it works: Washington licenses an already-licensed out-of-state RN by endorsement rather than by exam; you need an active license to apply by endorsement.
Processing time: About 7 business days to process a complete application; some take longer for missing information or higher volumes.
Work while waiting: Yes. The board issues a Temporary Practice Permit once all requirements are met, pending the FBI background check, letting you work while it completes and the permanent license issues.
Requirements: Nursys verification of the initial US license, an FBI fingerprint background check (out-of-state or multistate applicants are emailed fingerprint instructions), and no transcripts unless requested. No state jurisprudence exam and no HIV/AIDS education requirement for endorsement.
Fees: $138 single-state or $203 multistate initial application (both include the $16 HEAL-WA and $8 Center for Nursing surcharges).
Compact rules: Washington is not a compact state, so an out-of-state license, including a multistate license, does not cover Washington. You must obtain a Washington license by endorsement (single-state, or multistate only after meeting Washington's compact requirements).
Military spouse: Military spouses may apply for an expedited single-state license with a copy of military orders and a marriage certificate, and may get a 180-day Temporary Practice Permit, typically within 7 days. A no-fee federal military portability license is also available.

Source: Washington State Board of Nursing, apply for a license and fees, last checked 2026-06-18. Fees and timelines change; confirm with the board before you rely on a date.

Steps to endorse into Washington

1Check whether you even need Washington endorsement: if your primary residence stays in another compact state, your multistate license may already cover you.

2Verify every nursing license you have held through Nursys (or the board's paper verification form for non-Nursys states).

3Complete the required criminal background check and fingerprinting.

4Submit the Washington State Board of Nursing endorsement application and fee, plus any transcripts, state coursework, or jurisprudence exam the board requires.

5Apply for a temporary or interim permit if the state offers one and you need to work before the permanent license issues.

Washington endorsement FAQ

How long does it take to get a Washington nursing license by endorsement?

About 7 business days to process a complete application; some take longer for missing information or higher volumes.

Can I work in Washington while my endorsement application is processing?

Yes. The board issues a Temporary Practice Permit once all requirements are met, pending the FBI background check, letting you work while it completes and the permanent license issues.

Do I need a Washington license if I already hold a compact multistate license?

Washington is not a compact state, so an out-of-state license, including a multistate license, does not cover Washington. You must obtain a Washington license by endorsement (single-state, or multistate only after meeting Washington's compact requirements).

How much does Washington endorsement cost?

$138 single-state or $203 multistate initial application (both include the $16 HEAL-WA and $8 Center for Nursing surcharges).