This article provides an easy-to-follow guide on Out of State instructions for obtaining a fingerprint-based background check to satisfy the requirements of the Washington Department of Health for nursing. The information in this article has been compiled and elaborated on from the following sources 01FEB2023:
Washington State's Board of Nursing NCQAC | Washington State Nursing Licensing
Washington Department of Health| Fingerprint-based Federal Background Check
Washington Department of Health | Fingerprint Background Check Information
ALL nurses looking to obtain a license, renew a license, or apply for reciprocity of a license will be REQUIRED to submit fingerprints to the Washington Department of Health, which the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation will examine.
With that in mind, as an application being subjected to a national fingerprint check for noncriminal purposes, you have certain rights that will protect your information, including the guarantee that the results of the criminal record check will ONLY be used for authorized purposes.
Where to get WSPH fingerprinting within Washington State
The following locations are Washington State approved fingerprinting locations within the State of Washington:
WSPA | 1443302 East Law Lane, Kennewick, Washington 99337 | Contact
WSPA | 2700 116th Street North East, Marysville, Washington 98271-9425 | Contact
SCS | 121 North East Camano Drive, Camano, Washington 98282 | Contact
PD | 2220 Main Street, Ferndale, Washington 98248 | Contact
PD | 111 West Main Street, Everson, Washington 98247 | Contact
PD | 203 19th Street, Lynden, Washington 98264 | Contact
Where to get WSPH fingerprinting out of WA State
Suppose you are moving to Washington from Colorado and you cannot visit one of the previous physical locations in Washington State. In that case, an applicant may mail an ink fingerprint card to meet the Washington Department of Health requirements.
If you're lucky enough to near Colorado Springs you can get fingerprinted on an FD258 ink fingerprinting card to mail in to WSPH to satisfy the requirements of a fingerprint-based background check.
"The easiest method is booking an appointment at Colorado Springs Fingerprinting to complete your FD-258 card. Additionally, booking service for two ink fingerprinting cards ensures the Washington State Patrol and Washington Department of Health has a second copy of fingerprints in case one of the cards is rejected. Nonetheless, below is a document you may reference at Colorado Springs Fingerprinting to assist with filling out your FD-258.
Filling out the FD-258 Fingerprinting Card
FD-258 cards are commonly rejected due to a poor-quality card or improperly inking your fingerprint onto the paper; make sure to have your fingerprints taken from a reliable source of experts, such as Colorado Spring Fingerprinting.
Colorado Spring Fingerprinting is always in stock with high-quality fingerprinting cards, which can be used to satisfy the Washington State Department of Health fingerprint requirements for nurses. If your fingerprints are rejected Colorado Springs Fingerprinting will re-roll your prints for free.
Mandatory Information to be included on your fingerprint card:
Full legal name (including aliases).
Complete mailing address
Citizenship
Date of Birth
Personal Demographic (sex, race, height, weight, eye color, hair color, place of birth)
Signature in the designated section
NOTE** DO NOT fold the completed fingerprint card when mailing it in.
For prompt and accurate processing of your fingerprint card:
Print clearly in black ink.
Stay in the blocks. Do not go over the blue lines.
Ensure your name on the card and the name on your application is identical.
Do not staple the card.
Do not fold the fingerprint card.
Below is an example of the card you will use. The [RED] highlights boxes are not to be filled out. Leave Blank
The [YELLOW] highlighted boxes contain your credential number. In the top yellow box enter the number. In the bottom yellow box (arrow adjacent) is where you will enter the prefix of your credential number
(Prefixes: ARNP.AP, RN.RN, LPN.LP, NTEC.NS).
All the remaining boxes must be completed. Omission of any will cause your cards to be returned to you.
This information was compiled by referencing the Washington Department of Health and NCQAC department websites in February 2023. Check the links and references provided to you by your employer/credentialing agency to ensure complete and current details as the information, processes and prices may have changed.
Helpful Abbreviations pertinent to filling out the FD-258
Mailing your FD258 Fingerprint Card to Washington State Department of Health
Once you complete your fingerprint card(s), use a full size manila envelope to return the completed card and a check or money order for $34.25 along with your "Form and Instructions for Fingerprint-based Federal Background Check" letter. Make your check payable to the "Department of Health" mail to:
Washington State Department of Health- Credentialing
PO Box 47997
Olympia, WA 98504-7997
If you would like to pay with a Visa or MasterCard, please contact WA DoH office approximately two weeks after sending to them. All payments are non-refundable per WAC 246-12-340. After the DoH receives your payment and fingerprint card they will scan the card and send it to the Washington State Patrol, which will forward your fingerprint card to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If there is a problem with your prints, they’ll notify you and may provide you with an additional card or cards.
This information was compiled by referencing the Washington Department of Health and NCQAC department websites in February 2023. Check the links and references provided to you by your employer/credentialing agency to ensure complete and current details as the information, processes and prices may have changed.
Booking an appointment online is super simple and fast in Colorado Springs at ColoradoSpringsFingerprinting.com to get fingerprinted for out of State licensing on an FD-258 card or other State/Agency-specific fingerprinting card.