Nursing License from Washington to Iowa: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Iowa Board of Nursing ↗
Yes — both Washington and Iowa are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Washington is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Iowa now; if you are moving your residence to Iowa, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Iowa your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
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Verdict
Compact multistate — already covered
This is the move the compact was built for. Both Washington and Iowa are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in Iowa while living in Washington — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to Iowa means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into Iowa and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Washington → Iowa
| Washington (current) | Iowa (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $138–$203 ($138 single-state / $203 multistate initial application; FBI fingerprint fee paid separately) | $119 (board collects $169 total: $119 endorsement application + $50 criminal history background check) |
| Processing time | 1–3 weeks (about 7 business days for a complete application; multistate-license review 2-3 weeks; temporary practice permit issued once requirements are met pending the FBI background check) | ~8 weeks (board endorsement instructions state up to 8 weeks depending on application volume and receipt of fingerprint cards, waiver and transcript) |
| Licensing authority | Washington State Board of Nursing | Iowa Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Iowa sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm your current license is an active multistate license in good standing (check it in the verification system).
- If you are moving your primary residence to Iowa: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Iowa Board of Nursing when you move.
- Declare Iowa as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Iowa's fingerprint/background check requirement if requested.
- Keep practicing — your multistate privilege remains valid during the transition (do not let the old license lapse before the new one issues).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Iowa accept a Washington nursing license?
Yes — both Washington and Iowa are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Washington is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Iowa now; if you are moving your residence to Iowa, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Iowa your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Washington to Iowa?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
If you are only working across the border, nothing. If you are relocating your residence to Iowa: $119 (board collects $169 total: $119 endorsement application + $50 criminal history background check) (board collects $169 total: $119 endorsement application + $50 criminal history background check).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (~8 weeks (board endorsement instructions state up to 8 weeks depending on application volume and receipt of fingerprint cards, waiver and transcript)).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Iowa DIAL — Apply for a Nursing License by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Iowa DIAL — Nursing Licensure Fees and Fee Waivers ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WABON — RN License requirements (licensed in another US state) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WABON — Nurse license fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- WABON — RN and LPN Multistate License information ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]