Renewing through the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON)
Renewal applications, fees, and continuing-education requirements are handled by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON). These are board-set and change over time, so we point you to the official source rather than list figures that could go stale. See the general compact license renewal guide for how the compact fits in.
The law that governs this in Washington
Renewing a license issued by Washington happens under Washington’s own nurse practice act — the same act that defines what practice means here — administered by the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON). That act is RCW ch. 18.79 (Nursing Care).
The compact itself is separate law. Washington adopted it at Substitute Senate Bill 5499 (2023), which is what allows a multistate license issued elsewhere to reach Washington at all — the practice act still decides what you may do once it does.
Finding your expiration date
Nursys QuickConfirm shows your license type, status, and expiration date — the fastest way to confirm when you need to renew and whether you hold a single-state or multistate license.
Renewal and your compact privilege
If you hold a multistate Washington license, keeping it renewed and in good standing is what keeps your compact privilege active in other states. Let it lapse and the privilege lapses with it. You renew only in your primary state of residence, not in every state you practice.
Can renewing in Washington get you a multistate license?
Yes — if Washington is genuinely your primary state of residence and you meet the compact’s uniform licensure requirements. The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) has issued multistate licenses since January 31, 2024. If your Washington license was issued before that date it was single-state when granted, so renewal is the natural moment to ask about upgrading — it does not convert on its own.