Washington Dental License Renewal
Updated August 2026
Fees, deadlines, and what's required to renew a dental license in Washington.
Washington dental license fees are set out in WAC 246-817-990. Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other licensing activities are non-refundable, per WAC 246-12-340.
Dentist fees
| Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original application, by examination | $500.00 |
| Original application, without examination (application + license) | $1,000.00 total ($500.00 + $500.00) |
| Faculty license application | $500.00 |
| Resident license application | $115.00 |
| Active license renewal | $435.00* |
| Late renewal penalty | $185.00 |
| Inactive license renewal | $195.00* |
| Inactive late renewal penalty | $50.00 |
| Retired active license renewal | $220.00* |
| Retired active late renewal penalty | $75.00 |
| Expired license reissuance | $300.00 |
| Duplicate license | $15.00 |
| Certification letter | $25.00 |
* Includes the $70.00 Washington Physician Health Program surcharge.
Anesthesia / sedation permit fees
| Fee type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial application | $150.00 |
| Renewal (three-year cycle) | $160.00 |
| Late renewal penalty | $80.00 |
| Expired permit reissuance | $50.00 |
There is no application or renewal fee for the pediatric sedation endorsement.
Renewal cycle
Dentist licenses renew annually and expire on the credential holder's birthday. Renewal may be submitted within 90 days of the expiration date; any renewal postmarked or presented after midnight on the expiration date is late. Mailed renewals take about two weeks to process, and CE attestation must be included to complete the renewal. Practicing on an expired license is not permitted. Expired credentials may be reactivated using separate application forms depending on whether the license has been expired less than three years or more than three years.
Helpful Resources
Washington Board of Dentistry
Board contact information, licensing requirements, and complaint procedures.
Learn more →Washington State Dental Association
Membership, contact details, and how the state dental association supports licensed dentists.
Learn more →License Requirements
See the exams, education, and application steps required to become a licensed dentist or dental hygienist in every state.
Learn more →CE Requirements
See how many continuing education hours are required to renew your license in each state, and which courses qualify.
Learn more →How to Verify a License
Verify a dentist's or hygienist's license status using each state board's official lookup tool.
Learn more →How to File a Complaint
Step-by-step guidance on filing a complaint against a dentist or hygienist with your state dental board.
Learn more →Disciplinary Actions
How state dental boards investigate and discipline dentists, and how to check a practitioner's public record.
Learn more →Dental Specialties
The 12 recognized dental specialties explained, from orthodontics to oral surgery, and how specialty licensing works.
Learn more →This page is your Washington renewal starting point
Fees and deadlines above cover what it takes to renew, but continuing education specifics and complaint procedures live on the board's main page. Before you renew, verify your license status is current and in good standing using the tool above.