Use Provider Credential Search to find your license number if you don’t have it available.

Use a desktop computer – mobile and tablet users have experienced error messages.

NOTE: Do not use the old DOH portal, it is no longer operational.

You will need to log in or create your SAW account. If you need help finding your existing SAW account or creating a new one, click the link to the PDF of instructions below:

• How to Create a SAW Account for Online Application (PDF)

1. Click the Add a New Service Button
2. Add by Agency
3. Click Department of Health
4. Add the “Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)” service to your SAW account

In HELMS, you will be prompted to locate your existing DOH credential/account and required to verify and update your contact information.

Download the complete Online Guide to Using Your HELMS Portal (PDF)

Apply for a New Credential

1. If you are applying for a new credential, click "Start application."

Renew Your License

1. Find your credential at the bottom
2. Click the 3 dots (...) on the right and choose "Renew"

Reactivate an Expired Credential

1. Find the expired credential you want to reactivate under “All Credentials” at the bottom
2. Click on the 3 dots (...)
3. Choose "Expired Reactivation"

Submit your demographic data in compliance with state law.

Under RCW 18.130.042., all licensed health care professionals in Washington are required to provide demographic and workforce data during initial licensure and renewal.

A new tab will open to take you to the survey page. To return to the HELMS page, close the Demographic Survey Tab.

For a copy of your payment receipt, navigate to your HELMS portal homepage.

1. Choose "Payments"
2. Then choose "History"
3. Click "Download Receipt"

Renewal notices will be emailed, and no longer automatically printed and mailed out.

Physician and Surgeon

If you need a verification of your Washington Physician and Surgeon license sent to another state medical board, there are two options.

1. The Washington State Medical Commission is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Veridoc, Inc. to provide immediate verification of licensure for our physician.  Veridoc sends verifications to other state medical boards. Go to www.veridoc.org and follow the instructions to create and send verification. Veridoc sends verifications immediately. The fee is $67.00.
2. You can also visit the Department of Health (DOH) Provider Credential Search to print verification of a Physician and surgeon (MD) license. Instructions for printing a verification can be found here.

Physician Assistant

If you need a verification of your Physician Assistant license, please use the Provider Credential Search. Instructions for printing a verification can be found here.

The Washington Medical Commission is no longer providing email or paper license verifications for Physician Assistants. You may access your verification on the Provider Credential Search and send it directly to the state medical board you are applying with or they may obtain that verification from the website.

International Verification

To request a verification letter to be sent to an out of country entity, you will need to mail us a request with the fee of $50.00. The request should include your name and license number along with a note asking for a verification to be sent to that entity and the address or email address where it should be sent. Please send this with your check or money order to:

Department of Health
PO Box 1099
Olympia WA 98507-1099

Please allow 5-7 business days to process your request after it has been received.

Return to the HELMS Portal Homepage to check the status column next to your credentials anytime.