License requirements by state
What each board asks for at initial licensure and at renewal, step by step, for RN, APRN and prescribing credentials.
Informational guidance only. Confirm current requirements with the appropriate licensing authority before applying, renewing or practicing. Read the disclaimer
Washington: APRN, initial licensure
Prepare the state-specific education, certification, application and practice documents below. Separate prescribing approvals appear under Prescriptive Authority and State Rx / CS.
NP application checklist
Hold Washington RN licensure or a valid RN multistate license. Apply through HELMS and pay the fee. Arrange direct official degree transcript and national-certification verification. Upload personal-data explanations and supporting records when applicable; complete fingerprinting if requested. First-time ARNP applicants more than one year after graduation need the board-approved supervised-practice/interim-permit pathway.
- Timing
- Before initial state authorization
- Conditions
- Standard NP application. Additional documents apply to international education, reentry, discipline, name changes and other nonstandard routes.
NP practice and prescribing
ARNPs are licensed independent practitioners and may diagnose and manage acute, chronic and complex conditions within their preparation. Prescribing medication requires granted prescriptive authority.
- Timing
- During practice
- Conditions
- The scope includes ordering diagnostics, treatment, referrals and managing care; independence does not remove limits of education, training and experience.
Coverage and conditions
- Use the checklist for the standard NP route. International education, reentry, military pathways, older educational exceptions and disciplinary history can require additional board documents. Submit the board’s current application; this site does not submit it for you.
Maintained by The Multistate NP from board sources and updated on review. Confirm against the board’s current application before you file. National certification and federal DEA requirements are separate.