Paperless Licensing Frequently Asked Questions

What's the same?

• All nurses must be licensed to practice in Washington.
• All nursing employers must verify current licensure of nurses in Washington.
• Provider Credential Search is the main source of verifying nursing licenses in Washington at: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/
• All nursing licenses are included on Provider Credential Search.
• Courtesy renewal cards mailed 8 - 10 weeks before your birthday.
• Return license renewal card with correct fee prior to birthday to speed up renewal process.
• Provider Credential Search updated as license renewed.

What's different?

• As of April 1, 2010, nurses in Washington no longer receive a blue paper copy of the renewal

Why do this?

• Decreases the chances of fraudulent licenses
• Reduces the amount of paper = Going Green!
• Most employers verify current licensure using Provider Credential Search now.
• Employers who call for verification are referred to Provider Credential Search.
• The savings in postage, paper, and envelopes is being redirected toward activities that protect the public.

How will this work?

• Nurses continue to receive a renewal notice 8 to 10 weeks before birthdays.
• Return your renewal card and payment as soon as possible to speed up the renewal process.
• Check on line to assure license renewed. Renewals take approximately 2 weeks to process.

What's Next?

• On line applications: need funding to proceed.
• Credit and debit card payments available at our customer service counter.
• Fee study and feasibility study will be conducted in 2010-2011.