Washington Dietitian License
Dietitian and Nutritionist Credentialing Program
Total Fee
$81
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO by IDEMIA
Temp License
Not available
N/A
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must show a baccalaureate or higher degree in human nutrition, dietetics, or food management, sent directly from the institution.
- CDR Verification — Proof of current registration status with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. CDR Website
- Supervised Experience Verification — Evidence of completion of 900 hours of continuous pre-professional experience or a coordinated undergraduate program (typically covered by CDR status).
- Out-of-State Credential Verification — If you hold or have held a license in another state, that jurisdiction must complete and submit a verification form directly to Washington DOH. Verification Form (in PDF)
How to Apply
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Obtain National CDR Registration ▾Complete an ACEND-accredited education program (Master's degree required as of 2024), finish a supervised practice program (internship), and pass the national registration examination for dietitians.
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Create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) Account ▾Register for a SAW account, which is the gateway for all Washington state online services. Add the 'Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)' service to your account.
Login to SAW -
Submit Online Application ▾Complete the online application through the HELMS portal. You must personally read and attest to the legal notices. Pay the non-refundable application fee of $81.
Application Instructions -
Submit Required Documentation ▾Request official transcripts from your educational institution and verification of your current registration status from the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to be sent directly to the Department of Health.
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Complete Background Check ▾The Department of Health conducts a background check on all applicants. If you have lived out-of-state or have a criminal history, you may be contacted to provide fingerprints via IdentoGO.
Fingerprint Info -
Verify and Print Credential ▾Once approved, your status will change to 'Active' in the Provider Credential Search. You can then download and print your certificate through the HELMS portal.
Search Credentials
Total Fee
$81
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Washington allows certification without examination for dietitians licensed or certified in another jurisdiction, provided the DOH determines that the other state's requirements are equivalent to or exceed Washington's. Applicants must provide a letter from their previous state confirming no outstanding disciplinary orders, plus verification of current CDR registration status.
Steps
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Verify Out-of-State License ▾Request that every state where you currently hold or have previously held a dietitian license send an official verification directly to the Washington Department of Health.
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Submit Washington Application ▾Apply via the HELMS portal or paper form, indicating you are applying based on equivalent requirements in another jurisdiction.
Apply Online -
Provide CDR Proof ▾Submit verification of your current national registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Total Fee
$61
Renewal Cycle
Annual (on birthday) + No state CE requirement
Compact
No
Board
Dietitian and Nutritionist Credentialing Program
Keeping Your License Active
Washington Dietitian licenses renew Annual (on birthday) + No state CE requirement. Contact the Dietitian and Nutritionist Credentialing Program for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $81 |
| Endorsement application | $81 |
| Fingerprint check | $45.05 - $49.00 (includes $33 FBI fee + ~$12-$16 vendor service fee) |
| Temporary permit | N/A |
| Renewal | 61.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Waiting for other state boards to send license verifications is a frequent cause of delay. Start this process early.
Incomplete Application Attestations
▾
Failure to answer all personal data questions or sign legal attestations will result in the application being returned.
Transcript Delivery Issues
▾
Transcripts must come directly from the school; those submitted by the applicant are considered unofficial.
Questions
Is a state license mandatory to practice as a dietitian in Washington?
▾
Certification is required if you wish to use the protected titles 'Certified Dietitian' or 'C.D.' Many employers and insurance payers require this certification for employment and billing.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements?
▾
Washington requires 2 hours of health equity CE every four years. There are no other state-specific annual CE hour requirements, though you must maintain your national CDR registration which requires 75 hours every five years.
Is AIDS training still required for licensure?
▾
No. The Washington State Legislature repealed the HIV/AIDS education and training requirement for health professionals effective June 11, 2020.
How much does it cost to get certified?
▾
The initial application fee is $81, which includes a $16 fee for access to the HEALWA online library. The annual renewal fee is $61.
Board Info
Dietitian and Nutritionist Credentialing Program
Phone(360) 236-4700