Washington § 18.17.040 - Obtaining a new home state license based on a privilege to practice.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 18.17.040 — Obtaining a new home state license based on a privilege to practice., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18.17.040. Obtaining a new home state license based on a privilege to practice.

(1) A licensed professional counselor may hold a home state license, which allows for a privilege to practice in other member states, in only one member state at a time.
(2) If a licensed professional counselor changes primary state of residence by moving between two member states:
(a) The licensed professional counselor shall file an application for obtaining a new home state license based on a privilege to practice, pay all applicable fees, and notify the current and new home state in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the commission.
(b) Upon receipt of an application for obtaining a new home state license by virtue of a privilege to practice, the new home state shall verify that the licensed professional counselor meets the pertinent criteria outlined in RCW 18.17.030 via the data system, without need for primary source verification except for:
(i) A federal bureau of investigation fingerprint based criminal background check if not previously performed or updated pursuant to applicable rules adopted by the commission in accordance with Public Law 92-544;
(ii) Other criminal background check as required by the new home state; and
(iii) Completion of any requisite jurisprudence requirements of the new home state.
(c) The former home state shall convert the former home state license into a privilege to practice once the new home state has activated the new home state license in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the commission.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this compact, if the licensed professional counselor cannot meet the criteria in RCW 18.17.030, the new home state may apply its requirements for issuing a new single state license.
(e) The licensed professional counselor shall pay all applicable fees to the new home state in order to be issued a new home state license.
(3) If a licensed professional counselor changes primary state of residence by moving from a member state to a nonmember state, or from a nonmember state to a member state, the state criteria shall apply for issuance of a single state license in the new state.
(4) Nothing in this compact shall interfere with a licensee's ability to hold a single state license in multiple states, however for the purposes of this compact, a licensee shall have only one home state license.
(5) Nothing in this compact shall affect the requirements established by a member state for the issuance of a single state license.
[ 2023 c 58 s 5.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 18.17.040

What does Revised Code of Washington § 18.17.040 cover?

Section 18.17.040 ("Obtaining a new home state license based on a privilege to practice.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 18.17.040?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 18.17.040" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 18.17.040 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.