Health Professions Renewals Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my expired credential online?

Credentials expired for more than one renewal cycle cannot be renewed online. They may require an expired reissuance application, which is on your profession webpage. However, most professions have been set up for late online renewals. 

See our online renewal page to complete your online renewal process.

How do I renew my credential?

You may renew your credential in one of three ways:

• Renew online
• Mail your renewal
• Renew in person at our Tumwater office.

Your renewal must be postmarked or received by midnight of the expiration date, or it is considered late. We will assess a late fee. You may renew your credential up to 90 days before it expires. You should receive a courtesy renewal reminder six to eight weeks before the credential expires. If you do not receive the notice within four weeks of your expiration date, please call 360-236-4700 or email us for help.

Starting in May 2025, professionals with an email registered with the Department of Health will receive their renewal notifications by email.  

How long will it take to process my renewal?

• By mail: It will take about two weeks to update. This includes mailing time.
• In person: If you deliver the payment in person to the front counter, it will take about three to seven business days. This saves mail time, and you will receive verification during the visit. 
  • Our goal is to process all renewals sent by mail or submitted in person within seven business days after we receive them. This includes processing of the payment and review of any renewal-related documentation.
• Online: Credential expiration and last renewal dates are updated immediately upon completion of the online transaction (submission of your application and completion of payment).

How do I know if I have continuing education hours due?

• The date your continuing education is due is listed under the fees on your courtesy renewal card.
• Your profession's webpage lists the hours of required continuing education. You may also look on the provider/facility search webpage to see when your continuing education hours are due.

If you have questions about your continuing education, please call 360-236-4700 or email us for help.

How do I request a duplicate of my credential?

• Check the fee page for your profession to find the correct payment. Then send a check or money order payable to the Department of Health. Please note that you are requesting a duplicate credential, and remember to include your credential number.
• If it's within 90 days of your expiration date, you may renew your credential and receive an updated copy.
• You can also download your credential from your HELMS user portal. 

How do I update my mailing address?

In order to serve you better, we must have your current mailing address in our system.  The U.S. Postal Service does not forward Department of Health mail, so it is your responsibility to inform the Customer Service Office of an address change.

The quickest way to update your contact information is through your HELMS portal account. From any page, you can click on your name in the top right-hand corner of your screen to go to your account settings and contact information to request a change to your personal information. 

We cannot accept contact information updates over the phone.

Alternatively, you can complete and submit the contact information change form.  

How do I change my name on my credential?

You can update your name through the HELMS portal by going to the top right-hand corner where your profile is located and choose to change your information. You will be asked to upload supporting documentation such as your certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your name change.  You may also include this request when submitting your renewal by mail or in person. If you plan on renewing online, we must have your current name in our system prior to renewal. You can also mail, email, or fax a copy of your supporting documentation to the Office of Customer Service.  

If I am active military, how do I request military status?

• Military service members retain their credentials during active duty status and are allowed to practice throughout the state.
• We will place the service member on active military status when he or she provides a copy of their service orders to our Customer Service Office. Active Military status credential holders must send a current copy of their orders to the Customer Service Office each year before the credential expires.
• We do not charge renewal fees to credential holders in active military status.
• If the credential holder does not submit current orders on the renewal, the credential expires.
• Military service members have a six-month period to update their credential after discharge.
• A military status is changed to active when:
  • A copy of the discharge papers (DD214) is provided.
  • The renewal fee is paid.
• Continuing education hours, if applicable, are not required upon return to active status.
• Regular renewal fees and continuing education requirements apply after the first post-discharge update.
• If the credential holder does not renew within six months after discharge, the credential expires. If the credential holder later asks to renew the credential, the regular process applies, including penalties.

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