Optometrist / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Optometrist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Examines eyes for vision defects and prescribes corrective lenses.

What the Washington data shows for Optometrists

To practice as an optometrist in Washington, the state licensing board requires 4,811 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NBEO Exam Series. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Washington's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Optometry (OD)".

Budget $420 to get started, plus $339 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 40 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

On reciprocity, optometrists should know: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
24/100
Optometrist · Washington

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
4,811 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$420
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$170/yr
$339 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
20.0 hrs/yr
40 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
4,811 hours
Exam Requirement
NBEO Exam Series
Required
Initial License Fee
$420
Renewal Fee
$339
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
40 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Optometrist All Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Optometrist in Washington? ▼
In Washington, the license path calls for 4811 education/training hours, a passing score on NBEO Exam Series, and a $420 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as an Optometrist in Washington? ▼
Washington licenses optometrists who complete its requirements (4811 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Washington licensing board.
Can I transfer my Optometrist license to Washington from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for optometrists nationally works like this: Not part of compact — state-by-state endorsement. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Washington. Verify the specifics with the Washington licensing board.
Does Washington require a background check for Optometrist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the optometrist licensing process in Washington. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Optometrist in Washington? ▼
To stay licensed as an optometrist in Washington, plan on 40 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $339.

Related Guides

What to do with this optometrist license

Optometrist in Washington, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an optometrist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Washington's optometrist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Optometrist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state optometrist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Washington's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Washington overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Washington licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.