WA DOH Background Department
WA Department of Health — Credentialing
P.O. Box 47997
Olympia, WA 98504-7997
Phone: (360) 236-4972
Call 7–10 business days after mailing fingerprint card to pay by Visa or MasterCard
Not All Applicants Require Fingerprints
Washington DOH conducts a background check on every applicant using the Washington State Patrol database. However, fingerprint-based FBI checks are primarily required for out-of-state applicants (who are unlikely to appear in the WSP database) and some in-state applicants with criminal history. If fingerprints are required for your application, DOH will contact you directly. Do not submit fingerprints unless instructed.
Fingerprint Processing Fees
| Method | Fee |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state — FD-258 card by mailDOH processing fee only. Local fingerprinting agency fees are separate and vary by provider. | $34.25 |
| Out-of-state — IdentoGO digital (if location available)Additional $39.95 service fee at IdentoGO facilities outside Idaho and Oregon. | $34.25 + service fee |
| In-state — Live Scan at IdentoGO centerIncludes electronic fingerprinting and WA State Patrol + FBI background check processing. | $49.25 |
All fingerprint processing fees are non-refundable. DOH cannot refund overpayments on the $34.25 mail-in fee.
Fingerprint Card Process (Outside Washington)
Out-of-state applicants have two options: digital fingerprinting at an IdentoGO location (if available nearby) or traditional ink-on-card fingerprinting mailed to DOH.
Option A — IdentoGO Digital Fingerprinting
Register at IdentoGO
Visit wa.state.identogo.com and select "Register for Out-of-State Digital Fingerprinting Services." Choose "Washington State Department of Health (DOH)" as the agency. Enter your full credential number — including all letters, dots, and numbers (e.g., DI.DI.00012345).
Schedule & Complete Appointment
If an IdentoGO location is near you, schedule and attend your appointment. Note: an additional $39.95 service fee applies at out-of-state facilities not in Idaho or Oregon.
Option B — FD-258 Ink Card (Mail-in)
Obtain Fingerprints
Visit any fingerprinting agency (local law enforcement office or authorized fingerprint service). Call ahead to confirm they have the standard FBI FD-258 fingerprint card on file, or search for and print the card online — it is widely available. Ensure the technician signs the fingerprint card.
Prepare Your Mailing
Place the completed fingerprint card in a full-size manila envelope to prevent bending. The card must remain flat — it will be scanned by the Washington State Patrol. Include a personal check or money order for $34.25 payable to the Department of Health.
Mail to DOH
Send to:
Washington State Department of Health — Credentialing
P.O.
Box 47997
Olympia, WA 98504-7997
Alternative: Pay by Credit Card
If you prefer not to include payment in the mailing, you may call (360) 236-4972 to pay by Visa or MasterCard 7–10 business days after mailing your fingerprint card.
Live Scan Fingerprint Process (Washington Only)
In-state applicants or those who can travel to Washington complete electronic Live Scan fingerprinting at an IdentoGO center operated by IDEMIA. Live Scan results are transmitted electronically to the Washington State Patrol — no paper mailing required.
Submit Your Application First
You cannot schedule a fingerprint appointment until one business day after submitting your dietitian certification application to WA DOH. Your credential ID can be referenced on the DOH Provider Credential Search.
Schedule via IdentoGO
Visit identogo.com, select "Get Fingerprinted," and schedule your appointment at a Washington State location. You will need your credential number.
Attend Appointment & Pay
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. The $49.25 fee is paid at the appointment. The process typically takes 5–10 minutes.
Results Transmitted Electronically
Fingerprints are sent electronically to the Washington State Patrol, which conducts the state background check. If a national check is required, WSP forwards the prints to the FBI. Results are returned electronically to DOH.
FD-258 Fingerprint Card Field Guide
When completing the FD-258 fingerprint card for WA DOH, certain fields require specific entries while others must be left blank. The following guide reflects WA DOH requirements for dietitian/nutritionist applicants.
Common Reasons for Fingerprint Rejection
Cards are scanned by the WA State Patrol — quality matters. Common rejection reasons include: fingerprints are not legible, highlighter used on image blocks, prints bleed onto blue borders, multiple tabs per fingerprint block, writing in fingerprint blocks (only "amp" or "END" allowed), staples on the card, "Best Prints Possible" stamp present, or prints not oriented straight on the card. If your prints are rejected, DOH will email you at the address on your application — check your spam folder for messages from a doh.wa.gov address.
Processing Tips & Troubleshooting
Check Fingerprint Status
Call the WA Background Department at (360) 236-4973 to check on fingerprint processing status.
Critical: The Background Department does not always communicate directly with the Dietitian program. After confirming your fingerprints are processed, you may need to call the program separately to have them mark your file as complete.
Watch for Email Issues
If there are issues with your fingerprints, DOH will email you from a @doh.wa.gov address to the email on your applicant account.
If you haven't received a response within the expected timeframe, check your spam/junk folder before calling.
Credential Number Lookup
Your credential number can be found on the DOH Provider Credential Search after your application is submitted.
As of May 2025, DOH no longer mails printed certificates — credentials are delivered by email and available via the HELMS portal.
Protect Your Card in Transit
Use a full-size manila envelope. Do not fold, bend, or staple the fingerprint card. The card must be scanned by the WA State Patrol — any physical damage may cause rejection.
Consider using a tracked mailing service so you have proof of delivery.
Application Resources
Common Questions About WA Dietitian Fingerprinting
Is a fingerprint background check required for all Washington dietitian applicants?
Not necessarily. WA DOH runs a background check on every applicant through the Washington State Patrol database. Fingerprint-based FBI checks are primarily required for out-of-state applicants and some in-state applicants with criminal history findings. DOH will contact you if fingerprints are needed — do not submit them proactively unless instructed.
How much does the fingerprint background check cost?
Out-of-state mail-in (FD-258 card): $34.25 for DOH processing, plus whatever your local fingerprinting agency charges. In-state Live Scan at IdentoGO: $49.25 total (includes fingerprinting and background check processing). If using an out-of-state IdentoGO digital location outside Idaho or Oregon, an additional $39.95 service fee applies at the facility.
Can I complete my fingerprints anywhere or only at specific locations?
In-state: you must use an IdentoGO center in Washington for Live Scan electronic fingerprinting. Out-of-state: you can use an IdentoGO location if one is nearby, or have fingerprints taken at any fingerprinting agency (local law enforcement, private fingerprint service) on a standard FD-258 card and mail it to WA DOH.
When can I schedule my IdentoGO appointment?
You cannot schedule a fingerprint appointment until one business day after your certification application has been submitted to WA DOH. Your credential number (needed for scheduling) will appear on the DOH Provider Credential Search once your application is received.
What happens if my fingerprints are rejected?
DOH will email you at the address associated with your applicant account from a @doh.wa.gov address. Check your spam folder if you haven't heard back. For Live Scan rejections, IdentoGO will contact you to reschedule. For mail-in rejections, you will need to obtain new prints on a fresh FD-258 card and resubmit.
Does Washington require continuing education for dietitian certification renewal?
No. Washington has no continuing education requirements for certified dietitians and nutritionists. However, certification must be renewed annually on or before your birthday with the appropriate fee and renewal card. All fees are non-refundable per WAC 246-822-990.
What credential types does Washington issue for dietitians and nutritionists?
Washington issues "certification" (not licensure) under Chapter 18.138 RCW. Protected titles are Certified Dietitian (CD), Certified Nutritionist (CN), and Dietitian (D). Dietitians need a bachelor's degree or higher plus 900 hours of supervised practice and the CDR exam. Nutritionists need a master's or doctorate in a qualifying nutrition field.
Why does the WA Background Department not always communicate with the Dietitian program?
The Background Department and the Dietitian credentialing program operate as separate units within DOH. After confirming with the Background Department at (360) 236-4973 that your fingerprints have been received and processed, you may need to separately contact the credentialing program to notify them so they can update your application file.