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Nurse Practitioner License in Washington

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Nurse Practitioner license in WA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$350

Processing Time

6-10 Weeks

Exam Required

ANCC or AANP Certification Exam

Difficulty Level

High

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Nurse Practitioner license in Washington.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Nurse Practitioner training program in Washington.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 6 required documents for your WA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the ANCC or AANP Certification Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the Washington licensing board and pay the $350 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 6-10 weeks in WA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

Getting licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in Washington starts with meeting the educational prerequisites set by the WA licensing authority. Once you have completed your training, you will need to register for and pass the ANCC or AANP Certification Exam. After passing, submit your application along with all required documents to the Washington state board.

Requirements

To qualify for Nurse Practitioner licensure in Washington, candidates must satisfy several prerequisites. WA mandates completion of an approved training program, successful passage of the ANCC or AANP Certification Exam, and a clean criminal background check. Additional requirements may include proof of residency and professional references as determined by the Washington regulatory authority.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed Nurse Practitioner in Washington starts at $350 for the application fee. WA requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in Washington can add up to $125 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — Nurse Practitioner in Washington

Base License Fee$350
Estimated Total$350

Renewal Process

License renewal for Nurse Practitioner professionals in Washington occurs on a 2-year cycle. WA charges a renewal fee of $250 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in Washington at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — Nurse Practitioner in WA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. Washington requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

Washington takes professional licensing seriously, and the Nurse Practitioner field is no exception. The state board in WA regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Nurse Practitioner in Washington, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The WA licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Nurse Practitioner

0 of 6 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My Washington Nurse Practitioner License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Alabama (AL) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize WA Nurse Practitioner license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Colorado (CO) PartialCO requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Delaware (DE) PartialDE requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
California (CA) PartialCA requires additional exam or paperwork for WA license holders.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize WA Nurse Practitioner license. Full re-application required.

Where to File Locally in Washington

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Olympia

1125 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98504

(360) 236-4700

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Seattle

600 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104

(206) 684-8484

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Spokane

808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201

(509) 625-6250

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tacoma

747 Market St, Tacoma, WA 98402

(253) 591-5000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Vancouver

415 W 6th St, Vancouver, WA 98660

(360) 487-8600

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official Washington Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the Washington state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.