Credentialing Requirements

Note on reactivation

A reactivation application form is necessary when you have let your registration or certification lapse for one year or longer. If you have let it lapse for three years or more, you will need to complete the reactivation application form and re-train and re-test with Department of Social and Health Services unless you are current on the OBRA register in another state. The reactivation process will renew your license up to your next birth date.

Quick notes on test results and training

Maintain your original certificates indicating completion of training and diploma. Keep them in a safe place. You may need them in the future. If you lose them, you will need to contact the training department, not the Department of Health.

You do not need to wait until you have the state test results to send in your application to the Department of Health. The sooner you submit your application, the better. It takes a couple of days to update the information on the computer. We can then quickly match your test results to your application and get you certified faster.

Before submitting your application, please double check to ensure you have completed all of the information. Any incomplete areas will delay processing. If you answer "YES" to any of the personal data questions, please include information for the Department of Health to assess the circumstances.

Your license will be issued AFTER the Department of Health has received the test results and posted them. This processing time takes approximately two to four weeks from the time it is received by Department of Social and Health Services. Unofficial test results are not accepted. If you receive your test results in the mail, this is not a valid license. Your valid license will be sent approximately two weeks after we receive the results so please wait at least three weeks after testing before calling the office, as frequent telephone calls will only delay our processing time.

Renewal process

When due? Your license (Registration or Certification) must be renewed annually on your birthdate. Renewals must be postmarked on or before your birthdate to be considered on time. Renewals postmarked after your birthdate (even one day late) are considered late and cannot be renewed until the late fee is received.

Didn't Receive Renewal Notice? Renewal notices are computer generated and sent 4-6 weeks prior to your birthdate. If you didn't receive the complementary renewal notice you are still responsible for renewing your license prior to your birthdate. See Fee Schedule for current Nursing Assistant Fees.

You can easily renew your license by sending in your fee, a certified check or money order made payable to "Department of Health" and a letter indicating your complete name, your social security number, your address if it has changed and your license number. Send to:
Department of Health
Health Professions Quality Assurance
PO Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507

How long does the renewal process take? It takes approximately 3-4 weeks to renew your license and get your new license back to you in the mail. Please plan accordingly so that you will have your license back in your hands before the expiration. Most facilities will not allow you to work without your renewed license in hand.

It takes approximately a week for your check to be received and clear banking. Once we have your check it takes approximately 3-4 days to process and then 7-10 days to return to you in the mail.

How can I renew in person? We would appreciate your help in renewing by mail, when possible, as it involves less processing time for the staff. However, if you need to come into the office in person our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 - 4:30 p.m.

Address / name changes

Address Changes: Submit address changes to staff. Indicate your full name, your license number and your new address. Mail to:

Department of Health, Customer Service Center
PO Box 47865
Olympia, WA 98504

When submitting address changes along with your renewal payment, please send to:

PO Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507

Name Changes: Submit a copy of your name change document such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court name change document. You may mail to:

Department of Health, Customer Service Center
PO Box 47865
Olympia, WA 98504.

Upon receipt we will update the computer data base. If you also wish to receive a new license with your new name there is a $10.00 new license fee. Submit your check or money order payable to "Department of Health" and send to:

In your letter include the complete spelling of your name as you wish it to appear on your license. Also include your address, social security number and license number. Or, you can wait and submit your name change information along with your next renewal.