Nurse License Fees

Fees pay for licensing and regulating nursing in Washington state.

All nurse license fees are non-refundable.

Recent Updates

• Multistate license fees went into effect Jan 31, 2024
• WCN surcharge increased on July 24, 2023.
• New nurse license fees went into effect Dec 1, 2022*

*Fees increased to cover the cost of:

• New licensing system.
• Staffing to process applications within the 7-day timeline required by the legislature.
• Staffing to address the long-term care crisis.

Fees Amounts

Single-State
Initial Application

Single-State
Late Renewal
(less than 1 year late)
Total

Late Renewal
(less than 2 year late)
Total

$25 for all license types.

Please see Verify a License before paying.

$20 for ARNP, LPN, & RN.

*Duplicate licenses are issued in rare instances, please contact us first. We only print a copy if absolutely necessary. For example: The nurse needs a current copy to travel outside of the country.

Fee Information

Fees and surcharges on nurse license fees are mandated by the Washington State Legislature. These fees can't be changed or removed without the legislature’s approval.

• The application fee is set by by the Washington State Legislature.
• Health Evidence Resource for Washington State (HEAL-WA) is an online evidence-based library for health professionals in Washington State provided by the University of Washington.
  • All registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are charged a $16.00 HEAL-WA fee.
  • All registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are charged a $8.00 WCN nursing surcharge.

  Fee laws and rules:

  • License fees for professions, occupations, and businesses (RCW 43.70.250)
  • CR-103, Permanent Rule, WAC 246-840-990 Fees and Renewal Cycle (PDF)
  • Fee Changes Explanatory Statement (PDF)

  More Information

  • Nurse license process
  • Application processing times
  • Verify a License