Online Application Frequently Asked Questions

Check your profession's main webpage for online application information. 

What types of payments are accepted online?

The online service accepts VISA, MasterCard, and ACH (electronic check) payments. Payment must be made with U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. financial institution. In order for the system to work, make sure your address on the payment information screen matches the address your financial institution has on file for you.
Credit card payments will incur a 2.5% convenience fee. The amount will be charged in addition to your fee(s). There is no convenience fee for ACH payments. 

Will I receive a receipt for my payment?

Yes, you'll be able to print a receipt once your payment has been approved. Please print it for your records. 

How do I know you received my application?

When applying online, after you submit your application and payment, you will receive a confirmation email. You can also view your application’s status in your HELMS user portal under all applications, and your credential number will be listed on our Provider Credential Search tool. Include your credential number every time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork. You'll also receive a confirmation email with important information from agency staff. 

How do I check the status of my application?

You may check Provider Credential Search for the status or view the status in your HELMS user portal. While your application is being processed, and/or we're awaiting additional information, the status shows as "Pending." Once the credential is issued, the status will change to "Active." You'll be notified by email of additional documentation you must provide.

If you have any questions, contact our customer service staff at 360-236-4700.

Will I receive a paper credential?

Once your application is approved, you'll either receive your credential document by U.S. mail or, for professionals that have an email address registered with the Department of Health, you'll be able to download it from your HELMS user portal. Mailed certificates usually arrive 7 to 10 days after your credential shows as "Active" on Provider Credential Search. 

If you'd like to request a paper credential, please contact the Office of Customer Service.

Why am I required to create a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account?

The Department of Health's Health Enforcement and Licensing System (HELMS) can only be accessed through the SAW Web portal. We've placed HELMS in the SAW portal to shield the application and the information it collects against harmful Internet activity. Before you can access HELMS, you must create a SAW account with a user ID and password at SecureAccess.wa.gov. 

What if I already have a Secure Access Washington (SAW) account?

Then simply log into your SAW account. If you haven't already added the "Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)" service to your SAW account, search "HELMS" in the directory and add the "service" to your account. This will direct you to the HELMS user portal, and the process of matching any previous licensing information will begin. 

Whom shall I contact if I am having problems setting up my Secure Access Washington (SAW) account?

You may contact the SAW support center at 888-241-7597 or 360-753-2454, or email servicedesk@cts.wa.gov.

Whom shall I contact if something happens during my online application or renewal?

Contact our Customer Service Office if you experience any problems or would like to provide us with feedback about the process. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

How may I be assured my personal information will be safe while using your online application site?

Please review the Secure Access Washington Privacy Notice.

May I reapply online if my credential has expired?

Yes, if your license has expired, you can apply for reissuance using HELMS.  

Why is there a convenience fee?

While the online service is more convenient for our customers, it doesn't reduce agency costs. Convenience fees help offset the cost of providing online payments and services.

Helpful Online Application Tips

  • Once you start the payment process, your transaction is not complete until you actually receive the payment receipt. This receipt must say "Approved" to finish the process. If you see any other message, your application may not be properly submitted. Contact our Customer Service Office at 360-236-4700 for assistance. 
  • All fees are non-refundable

Note: System maintenance is periodically performed on Thursdays from 5:45 p.m. to midnight. If the system is unavailable, please check back later. 

Please be advised that the Washington State Department of Health requires that only the applicant or licensee may complete an attestation for an application, or for continuing education. This is a legal attestation. Completion of the attestation by anyone other than the applicant may constitute a reportable felony offense. The Department of Health can take action against people for perjury or for making a false statement they know to be false. 

For further information, please reference: 

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