Washington Has Joined, but the Compact Is Not Open
Compact status checked 2026-10-08 against swcompact.org
Washington has enacted the Social Work Licensure Compact (March 19, 2024). When the Compact opens, a social worker whose home state is Washington will be able to apply for one multistate license that covers every member state, and members' multistate licensees will be able to practice here. That has not happened yet: as of October 2026 the Commission was still building its data system and had issued no multistate licenses. Until it does, practicing here takes a Washington license.
Compact status moves: more states join each session, and the Commission expects to open multistate licensing around 2027. This page reflects our last check, not a live feed, so confirm a state's status before relying on it.
Practicing in Washington Today
A Washington license for now
A multistate license only once the Commission opens applications (expected 2027, not confirmed)
When it opens: a home-state license in good standing, at the level the Compact covers
What Catches Social Workers Out
Enacted is not open. Clients located here still need you to hold the full license until the Commission issues multistate licenses
Your future multistate license will hang on your home state, which is where you live, not where you were first licensed
Need to see Washington clients now? That takes a Washington license (the LICSW for clinical practice), and we file it end to end.
Endorsement or full application, ASWB score transfer, verifications from your other boards, supervisor attestations, and board follow-up until it issues.
View full pricingFor the license itself (the LICSW, its tiers, exams, hours and endorsement route) see the Washington license guide.
Washington Social Work License
Until the Compact opens, a Washington license (the LICSW for clinical practice) is the only way to practice there.
View the Washington Licensing GuideWhat Working with Us Costs
Transparent, a la carte service fees. Board, ASWB and fingerprinting fees are paid directly to those organizations. Our concierge fee is separate and is the only thing you pay us.
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