How to Fill Out the Washington DOH RN License Application (With Examples) + FAQs

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) RN license application is the form you submit to the Washington Board of Nursing to become a licensed registered nurse in the state, and you must file it through the online SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal before you can legally work as an RN. Anyone who wants to practice as a registered nurse in Washington files this application, whether you are a brand-new graduate, a nurse moving from another state, or a nurse trained in another country.

The form is governed by Washington’s nursing law in chapter 18.79 RCW and the fee rules in WAC 246-840-990, and getting a single field wrong can stall your start date by weeks. Online applications process in as little as 5 to 12 days once all documents arrive, while paper filings sit longer because staff must hand-enter them, according to processing notes from the Washington Board of Nursing.

Here is what you will learn in this guide:

📋 Which application pathway fits you and how each one differs field by field
🖊️ How to fill out every box on the SAW online application without triggering a hold
👩‍⚕️ Three full walkthroughs using real-life nurse scenarios from start to finish
💵 Exact fees, payment methods, and the documents you must upload within 14 days
⚠️ The most common mistakes that delay licensing and how to avoid each one

What the Form Is and Who Must File It

The Washington DOH RN license application is the official request for a registered nurse credential, processed through the state’s Integrated Regulatory Licensing System (IRLS). It tells the Board of Nursing who you are, where you trained, whether you passed the national exam, and whether you have any legal or disciplinary history. The Board uses these answers to decide if you meet the standards in chapter 18.79 RCW, the Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission statute that protects the public.

Three groups of people file an RN application in Washington, and the pathway you pick changes the fields you see. First, by Examination applicants are new graduates who have not yet taken or passed the NCLEX-RN. Second, by Endorsement (also called reciprocity) applicants already hold an active RN license in another U.S. state. Third, International applicants finished nursing school outside the United States and must prove their education and English skills before the Board reviews them.

Filing is not optional if you want to work. Practicing nursing in Washington without an active license violates chapter 18.79 RCW and can lead to civil penalties and criminal charges. The consequence of skipping the form is simple and harsh: no employer can legally put you on the floor as an RN, and any work you perform could expose you and your employer to discipline.

Washington joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 2024, so the application also asks whether you want a single-state license or a multistate license. A multistate license lets you practice in other compact states without applying again. You can only request a multistate license if Washington is your primary state of residence, which the form verifies through your declared home address.

Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need

Gathering everything first prevents the single biggest cause of delay, which is an incomplete file that sits while staff wait on you. Remember that you have only 14 days after you submit to upload your documents through SAW, and after that window you must email them to nurselicensing@doh.wa.gov. Below is your pre-filing checklist, with the reason each item matters.

Social Security number. Washington requires an SSN to apply for any RN license; without it the system cannot create your record and your application stops cold.
Government photo ID. Your driver’s license or passport confirms your legal name and birth date, and a mismatch with your other documents triggers a manual review.
Nursing school details. You need your program name, location, and graduation date so the Board can confirm you attended an approved program.
NCLEX-RN status (Examination filers). You must know whether you have registered with Pearson VUE and paid the $200 NCLEX fee, because the Board cannot issue a license until you pass.
Out-of-state license number (Endorsement filers). You need your original state license number to order verification, and a wrong number sends the verification to the wrong record.
Nursys verification (Endorsement filers). You must order license verification through Nursys for $30, or have a non-Nursys state mail it directly.
Credential evaluation (International filers). You need a CGFNS or similar education report, because the Board must confirm your foreign schooling matches U.S. standards.
English proficiency proof (International filers). You need passing IELTS or TOEFL scores if your training was not in English, or the Board cannot verify you can practice safely.
Fingerprints and background-check readiness. You need to be ready to complete LiveScan fingerprinting or mail FBI fingerprint cards, since the license cannot finalize until the background check clears.
Payment method. Have a credit card or e-check ready for the application fee, because the system will not submit your form until the fee is paid.

Missing even one item restarts the clock. If staff email you for a missing document and you do not respond, the Board will close your application and you must start over, including paying the fee again.

Where to Get the Form and How to Access It

There is no paper PDF for most filers; Washington wants you to apply through the online portal, which processes faster than mail. You begin at the SecureAccess Washington portal, the single sign-on system the state uses for all agency services. The application itself lives inside the Department of Health “Online Application Portal” service that you add to your SAW account.

To reach the form, create a SAW login, then select Add New Service. Choose I would like to browse a list of services by agency, pick Department of Health, then select Online Application Portal, and click Apply. Once the service is added, you open it and select the registered nurse credential and the correct pathway, which is by Examination, by Endorsement, or the International route.

Use a desktop or laptop computer with Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome, because the Board of Nursing warns that phones and tablets often fail during the application. The official application checklist and processing-time pages also live on the Board’s site, and you should keep them open in a second tab while you work. If you truly cannot file online, you may request a paper application by calling the Board at 360-236-4703, but expect a slower review.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Washington RN License Application Line by Line

This is the heart of the application. Work through each section in the order the portal presents it, and save your progress often so a timeout does not erase your entries.

Pathway Selection: “Application Type”

This field asks which kind of RN license you are requesting: by Examination, by Endorsement/Reciprocity, or International.

To answer it, click the radio button that matches your situation. New graduates who have never held an RN license select by Examination. Nurses with an active license in another U.S. state select by Endorsement/Reciprocity.

For example, Sofia Reyes, a December graduate of a Spokane nursing program who has not yet sat for the NCLEX, selects “by Examination.” A nurse moving from Oregon picks by Endorsement/Reciprocity.

A common edge case is the nurse whose out-of-state license has lapsed. If your prior license is inactive or expired, you may still use the endorsement route, but the Board may require an approved refresher course before approval.

The most common mistake here is picking by Examination when you already hold a license elsewhere. That error routes your file to the wrong review desk, and staff must reassign it, adding days to your wait.

A frequent misconception is that the pathway controls your final license type. It does not; the pathway only controls which documents the Board needs, while single-state versus multistate is a separate question later in the form.

Section 1: Legal Name

This field asks for your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card and government ID.

To answer it, type your first, middle, and last name in the matching boxes, and add any suffix like Jr. in the suffix field. Use upper and lower case as the system allows, and do not use nicknames.

For example, Sofia Reyes enters “Sofia” in First Name, “Maria” in Middle Name, and “Reyes” in Last Name.

A common edge case is a recent name change after marriage or divorce. If your nursing diploma shows your maiden name but your ID shows your married name, list your current legal name here and upload your marriage certificate or court order to connect the two.

The most common mistake is entering a name that does not match your Social Security record. The Board cross-checks names against federal data, and a mismatch places a hold on your file until you prove the discrepancy.

A frequent misconception is that you should type the name printed on your nursing school transcript. You should type your current legal name instead, then document any difference, because the license is issued in your legal name.

Section 2: Other Names Used

This field asks whether you have ever used any other name, such as a maiden name, a prior married name, or an alias.

To answer it, list every other name you have used, including spelling variations. If you have never used another name, leave it blank or mark none as the portal directs.

For example, Sofia Reyes, who has never changed her name, leaves this section blank. A nurse named Janet Coleman, formerly Janet Brooks, lists “Janet Brooks” here.

A common edge case is a hyphenated name you sometimes drop. List both the hyphenated and unhyphenated versions so the background check does not miss records.

The most common mistake is hiding a former name to keep things simple. The FBI check surfaces past names anyway, and an undisclosed alias looks like concealment, which slows or jeopardizes approval.

A frequent misconception is that maiden names do not count as “other names.” They do, and leaving one off can cause your verification or background results to come back incomplete.

Section 3: Date of Birth and Social Security Number

This field asks for your birth date and SSN to confirm your identity and run your background check.

To answer it, enter your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format and type your nine-digit SSN with no dashes. Double-check both before moving on.

For example, Sofia Reyes enters “03/14/2001” as her date of birth and her nine-digit SSN in the matching field.

A common edge case is an applicant without an SSN. Washington requires an SSN for an RN license, so you must obtain one before you can complete the form.

The most common mistake is a transposed SSN digit. One wrong number sends your background check to the wrong person, and the error can take weeks to untangle.

A frequent misconception is that the Board does not really need your SSN. It does; the SSN ties your application to the federal background check and to child-support enforcement records the state must screen.

Section 4: Contact Information and Residency Address

This field asks for your mailing address, residential address, phone number, and email.

To answer it, enter a current street address and a reliable email, since the Board sends fingerprint instructions and document requests by email. Provide your true state of residence in the residential address box.

For example, Sofia Reyes lists her Spokane, Washington street address, her cell number, and her personal email.

A common edge case is having a P.O. Box. You may use a P.O. Box for mailing, but you must still provide a physical residential address, because residency decides whether you qualify for a multistate license.

The most common mistake is entering an email you rarely check. The Board contacts you by email, and a missed message can lead to your application being closed after repeated no-response attempts.

A frequent misconception is that your mailing state sets your compact eligibility. Your residential address does; if you live in Washington, you may request a multistate license, but if you live elsewhere you may only get a single-state license.

Section 5: License Type — Single-State vs. Multistate

This field asks whether you want a single-state Washington license or a multistate (compact) license under the Nurse Licensure Compact.

To answer it, select multistate if Washington is your primary residence and you want to practice in other compact states, or single-state if you live outside Washington or prefer a state-only credential.

For example, Sofia Reyes, who lives in Spokane, selects “multistate” so she can take travel assignments in nearby compact states.

A common edge case is a nurse who lives in Idaho but works in Washington. That nurse must hold the multistate license in Idaho, the home state, and would request a single-state Washington license here.

The most common mistake is requesting a multistate license while living out of state. The Board will deny the multistate request, and you must accept a single-state license instead, which delays your plans.

A frequent misconception is that a multistate license covers every state. It only covers the compact member states, so you still need separate licenses for non-compact states.

Section 6: Nursing Education

This field asks for the name, location, and completion date of the nursing program that qualified you to sit for the NCLEX.

To answer it, enter your program’s official name, its city and state, your degree type (ADN or BSN), and your graduation date. International filers also report the country and upload a credential evaluation.

For example, Sofia Reyes enters her Spokane community college, “Associate Degree in Nursing,” and a graduation date of “12/2025.”

A common edge case is a program that closed after you graduated. List the program as it was named when you attended, and be ready to provide transcripts since the school can no longer verify you directly.

The most common mistake is naming a campus or branch that does not match your transcript. A mismatch makes the Board pause to confirm your education, which adds review time.

A frequent misconception is that any nursing program qualifies. The program must be Board-approved or equivalent, and a non-approved program forces you into a refresher course or denial.

Section 7: Examination Information (NCLEX-RN)

This field asks whether you have taken the NCLEX-RN, where, and the result, or whether you plan to take it.

To answer it, by Examination filers indicate they are registering to take the NCLEX and confirm they have signed up with Pearson VUE. Endorsement filers report the state where they first passed and the date.

For example, Sofia Reyes marks that she has registered for the NCLEX-RN and is awaiting her Authorization to Test.

A common edge case is a filer who failed the NCLEX once. Report the attempt honestly; past failures do not bar you, and you simply retest after the required waiting period.

The most common mistake is forgetting to register separately with Pearson VUE. The DOH application and the NCLEX registration are two different steps, and skipping the Pearson VUE step means you never receive your Authorization to Test.

A frequent misconception is that submitting this form schedules your exam. It does not; you must pay the $200 NCLEX fee to Pearson VUE and wait for the Board to make you eligible before you can book a seat.

Section 8: Personal Data / Background Questions

This field asks a series of yes-or-no questions about criminal history, prior discipline, malpractice, and health conditions that affect safe practice.

To answer it, read each question carefully and answer truthfully. Any yes answer requires you to upload supporting documents, such as court records and a written personal statement explaining what happened.

For example, Marcus Webb, who had a DUI ten years ago, answers “yes” and uploads the court disposition plus a short statement describing his recovery.

A common edge case is a charge that was dismissed or expunged. Disclose it anyway if the question asks, because the FBI check may still show it and nondisclosure looks worse than the event itself.

The most common mistake is answering no to avoid attention. The background check uncovers the truth, and a false answer can be treated as fraud, which threatens your license far more than the original issue.

A frequent misconception is that a yes automatically blocks licensure. It does not; the Board reviews context, but a yes does mean you cannot receive a temporary practice permit while review is pending.

Section 9: Attestation and Electronic Signature

This field asks you to swear that everything you entered is true and to sign electronically.

To answer it, read the attestation, check the box confirming accuracy, and type your full legal name as your electronic signature with the date. This makes your application a sworn legal statement.

For example, Sofia Reyes types “Sofia Maria Reyes” and the date “05/29/2026” to sign.

A common edge case is signing on behalf of someone else. You may not; only the applicant can sign, because the signature attests to personal knowledge of the answers.

The most common mistake is rushing the signature without rechecking earlier fields. Once you submit, corrections require contacting the Board, which slows everything down.

A frequent misconception is that an electronic signature is less binding than ink. It is fully binding, and a false statement under this attestation can support discipline or criminal charges.

Section 10: Fee Payment

This field asks you to pay the application fee to submit the form.

To answer it, enter your credit card or e-check details at checkout. The RN application fee is set under WAC 246-840-990 and is commonly cited at about $135 to $138 for endorsement, so confirm the current amount shown on screen before paying.

For example, Sofia Reyes pays the displayed RN application fee by credit card and saves the receipt.

A common edge case is a declined card. The form will not submit until payment clears, so have a backup payment method ready.

The most common mistake is closing the browser before the payment confirmation appears. If the fee does not post, your application is not submitted, and the 14-day document window never starts.

A frequent misconception is that the application fee covers the NCLEX or Nursys verification. It does not; the $200 NCLEX fee and the $30 Nursys fee are separate charges paid to other organizations.

Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios

Below are three named nurses walked through the application from start to finish. Each table shows what that filer enters in the key sections.

Scenario 1: Sofia Reyes — New Graduate Applying by Examination

Sofia just finished her ADN in Spokane and needs her first RN license to start her hospital job.

Form Section	What Sofia Enters
Application Type	By Examination
Legal Name	Sofia Maria Reyes
Other Names Used	None
Date of Birth / SSN	03/14/2001 and her nine-digit SSN
Residential Address	Her Spokane, WA home address
License Type	Multistate (Washington resident)
Nursing Education	Spokane community college, ADN, 12/2025
Examination Info	Registered for NCLEX-RN, awaiting ATT
Background Questions	All No
Fee	RN application fee paid by credit card

Scenario 2: Marcus Webb — Out-of-State RN Applying by Endorsement

Marcus is an experienced RN moving from Oregon to take a Seattle position.

Form Section	What Marcus Enters
Application Type	By Endorsement/Reciprocity
Legal Name	Marcus Allen Webb
Date of Birth / SSN	07/22/1990 and his nine-digit SSN
Residential Address	His new Seattle, WA address
License Type	Multistate (now a WA resident)
Original License	Oregon RN license number
Verification	Ordered through Nursys for $30
Examination Info	Passed NCLEX in Oregon, 2013
Background Questions	Yes to DUI, with court docs and statement uploaded
Fee	RN endorsement fee paid by e-check

Scenario 3: Priya Nair — Internationally Educated Nurse

Priya trained in the Philippines and wants to practice in Washington.

Form Section	What Priya Enters
Application Type	International
Legal Name	Priya Suresh Nair
Other Names Used	None
Date of Birth / SSN	11/05/1994 and her SSN
Residential Address	Her Tacoma, WA address
Nursing Education	Manila program, BSN, with CGFNS report uploaded
English Proficiency	IELTS scores uploaded
Examination Info	Registered for NCLEX-RN
Background Questions	All No
Fee	RN application fee paid by credit card

How to File the Completed Form

Washington offers one main channel and one backup, and the channel you choose affects how fast you get licensed.

Online (recommended). File through the SecureAccess Washington portal using the Department of Health Online Application Portal service. The fee is roughly $135 to $138 for RN endorsement under WAC 246-840-990, paid by credit card or e-check. Online files process in about 5 to 12 days after all documents arrive, and your proof of filing is the on-screen confirmation and emailed receipt you should save.

By mail (backup). Call the Board at 360-236-4703 to request a paper application, then mail it to the Washington Board of Nursing, 111 Israel Road SE, MS 47864, Tumwater, WA 98501. Pay by check or money order as instructed, and expect a slower review because staff must hand-enter your data. Your proof of filing is the certified-mail receipt you should keep.

After you submit online, upload your supporting documents within 14 days through SAW. If you miss that window, email the documents to nurselicensing@doh.wa.gov, and check your status anytime through the provider credential search. Endorsement filers must also complete Nursys verification for $30, and Examination filers must separately register and pay the $200 NCLEX fee with Pearson VUE.

What Happens After You File

Once your fee posts, the Board moves your file through six tracked steps. Step 1 is intake, where staff receive your application and fee within one to three days. Step 2 verifies your information and, for out-of-state addresses, emails you FBI fingerprint instructions.

Step 3 runs your criminal background check, and Step 4 sends your file to the matching review desk, whether Examination, Endorsement, or International. If anything is missing, staff email you, and that pause adds time; if you do not respond after several tries, the Board closes your file and you start over. Step 5 is final review once all requirements are met.

Step 6 is issuance. The Board may grant a Temporary Practice Permit while your FBI background check is still pending, as long as you answered no to every background question. Once the FBI results clear, your full license is issued, and a one-time paper license arrives by mail about 7 to 10 days after activation, per the Board of Nursing.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form

Picking the wrong pathway. Choosing Examination when you hold an out-of-state license routes your file to the wrong desk and delays review.
Name that does not match your SSN. A mismatch with federal records places an automatic hold on your application.
Skipping former names. An undisclosed maiden name makes your background results come back incomplete.
Transposing your SSN. A single wrong digit sends your background check to the wrong person and takes weeks to fix.
Using a rarely checked email. Missed Board emails can lead to your file being closed for no response.
Answering background questions falsely. A false no can be treated as fraud and threaten your license entirely.
Forgetting to register with Pearson VUE. Without the separate NCLEX registration, you never receive your Authorization to Test.
Missing the 14-day document window. Late uploads must be emailed and can stall your review.
Requesting multistate while living out of state. The Board denies the request and forces a single-state license.
Closing the browser before payment confirms. An unposted fee means your application was never submitted.
Listing an unapproved nursing program. This can force a refresher course or outright denial.
Letting the application time out without saving. A timeout can erase your entries and make you start over.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

Do gather every document first, because a complete file moves faster through review.
Do use a desktop with Chrome or Edge, since phones and tablets often crash the portal.
Do answer background questions honestly, because the FBI check finds the truth anyway.
Do save your payment receipt, so you have proof your application was submitted.
Do check your email daily, since the Board sends fingerprint and document requests there.
Do order Nursys verification early, because waiting on it is a common bottleneck for endorsement filers.

Don’t:

Don’t use a nickname, because your license must match your legal name.
Don’t hide a former name, since it surfaces in the background check and looks like concealment.
Don’t guess your SSN, because one wrong digit derails your entire screening.
Don’t assume the form schedules your NCLEX, since Pearson VUE registration is a separate step.
Don’t ignore the 14-day window, because late documents slow your file.
Don’t request multistate if you live elsewhere, since the Board will reject it.

Filing on Your Own vs. With Help

Most nurses file this application themselves, but some use an agency recruiter or a licensing service. Here is how the two approaches compare.

Pros of filing on your own:

You save money, because you avoid any service or recruiter fees.
You control the timeline, since you submit the moment your documents are ready.
You learn the system, which helps at renewal time every year.
You keep your data private, sharing your SSN with no third party.
You catch your own errors, because you read every field yourself.

Cons of filing on your own:

You handle every step alone, which can overwhelm a stressed new grad.
You may misread a field, since no expert reviews your answers.
You chase your own verifications, like Nursys and transcripts.
You absorb delays personally, with no one to follow up for you.
You manage the background check yourself, including fingerprint logistics.

FAQs

How long does the Washington RN license take? Yes, it is fast for online filers, often 5 to 12 days after all documents and the background check are complete, though endorsement and international files can take longer.

Do I have to apply online? No, but online is strongly preferred because paper applications process slower while staff hand-enter your data; call 360-236-4703 to request paper.

Can I work before my license is issued? Yes, if the Board grants a Temporary Practice Permit while your FBI background check is pending, but only when you answered no to all background questions.

Do I write my maiden name or married name in the legal name box? No, you do not use your maiden name there; enter your current legal name and list your maiden name under “other names used.”

Do I need a Social Security number to apply? Yes, Washington requires an SSN for any RN license, and the system cannot create your record without it.

Should I disclose a dismissed criminal charge? Yes, disclose it if the question asks, because the FBI check may show it and nondisclosure looks worse than the original issue.

Does the application fee include the NCLEX fee? No, the $200 NCLEX fee is paid separately to Pearson VUE, and the $30 Nursys verification is also separate.

Can I get a multistate license if I live in Oregon? No, your multistate license must come from your home state; if you live in Oregon you can only get a single-state Washington license.

What if I miss the 14-day document upload window? No, you do not lose your application, but you must email the documents to nurselicensing@doh.wa.gov instead of uploading them in SAW.

Do I select “by Examination” if I already have a license in another state? No, you select “by Endorsement/Reciprocity,” because Examination is only for nurses who have not yet passed the NCLEX.

Can someone else sign the application for me? No, only you can sign, because the electronic signature is a sworn statement based on your personal knowledge.

Will a past NCLEX failure block my license? No, a prior failure does not bar you; you simply retest after the required waiting period and report it honestly.

Do internationally educated nurses still take the NCLEX? Yes, international filers must pass the NCLEX-RN, plus submit a credential evaluation and, if needed, English proficiency scores.

Does a multistate license cover every U.S. state? No, it only covers Nurse Licensure Compact member states, so you still need separate licenses for non-compact states.

Related reading