HELMS is the new way to apply, renew, and manage your credential

The Department of Health (DOH) now uses the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) for health professional and facility licensing. HELMS is a modern, self-service online portal that moves many licensing tasks from paper and mail to secure online services.

What HELMS is

HELMS is a modernized electronic licensing system. It is replacing the older Integrated Licensing and Regulatory System (ILRS) and other legacy applications that could not keep up with customer needs for online services.

HELMS is being implemented in three phases:

• Release 1 (April 2024): Enhanced online functionality for providers.
  
  
• Release 2 (April 29, 2025): Credentialing for all health professionals and expanded user portal functions.
  
  
• Release 2.5 (August 26, 2025): Facility online applications, enhancements, and system upgrades.
  
  
• Release 3 (Winter 2026): Integration of enforcement functions for investigations and adjudication.

What changed for you

Printed certificates and paper renewal notices stopped for most professionals.

As of May 1, 2025, printed certificates and paper renewal notices are no longer mailed to licensed professionals. Notices will be sent by email, and you can access your approved certificate (license/certification/registration) through HELMS. (Facilities and people without an email on file will still receive mail.)

Renewals or Apply Online

HELMS gives you more self-service options

Once you have a HELMS account, you can do common licensing tasks online, such as:

• Check your credential status anytime by logging in
• Complete applications, renewals, and requests online
• Upload documents and download your credential
• Pay licensing fees online
• Request an out-of-state verification

What you should do now

Make sure your contact information is current

Keeping your information up to date is vital so you continue to receive notices and relevant updates.

How to access HELMS the first time

You will access HELMS through Secure Access Washington (SAW).

Step 1: Create (or sign in to) your SAW account

• Go to the SAW site and select "Sign up" (or sign in if you already have a SAW account).
  
  
• SAW sends a confirmation email. You must use the link in that email to activate your account.
  
  
• If you have SAW website problems, contact WATech at 855-928-3241 or support@watech.wa.gov.

Step 2: Add HELMS as a service in SAW

After you sign in to SAW:

• Select "Add a New Service."
• Select "Department of Health."
• Find "Health Professional and Facility Licensing (HELMS)" and select "Apply."

Step 3: Verify your identity and link your credential

When you open HELMS for the first time, the system prompts you to verify your identity and locate your account.

Step-by-step instructions are here: Online Instructions

Helpful tips:

• Use your full legal name.
  
  
• If your address changed recently, you may need to enter a former address (especially if it changed within the last 1–2 years) so the identity questions match your public record information.
  
  
• You will enter identifying details on the "Locate Your Account" page (last name, date of birth, and Social Security number fields).

Important: If you don't have enough information in the public record to verify your identity and you are not currently credentialed, you may need to submit a paper application because you may not be able to access HELMS.

Applying in HELMS

Keep your draft application active

After 14 days of inactivity, a draft application will be deleted. To prevent deletion, log back into HELMS through SAW and choose "Resume" within 14 days.

Details: Online Instructions

Understand payment options and fees

Payment details for online applications:

• Credit/debit card payments include a 2.5% convenience fee (added to your credential fee).
  
  
• There is no convenience fee for electronic check (ACH) payments submitted with paper applications.

After you pay, you can return to your HELMS home page to upload documents, download your receipt, and view/print your application.

Renewals

Because renewal notices are now primarily emailed to licensed professionals (starting May 1, 2025), it's worth doing a quick "renewal readiness" check:

• Confirm the email address in your HELMS profile is current.
• Log in early so you can resolve SAW/identity issues before a deadline.

For employers and organizations

HELMS is designed to streamline licensing transactions, including features that help organizations manage multiple credentials:

• HELMS supports bulk license payments for employers of multiple providers.
• HELMS allows providers to delegate licensing transactions to others.
• A Payment PIN Overview (PDF) document is provided for employers paying in bulk.

Where to get help

Technical issues with SAW

• WATech: 855-928-3241 or support@watech.wa.gov

Questions about online applications and HELMS

The Health Systems Quality Assurance (HSQA) Call Center:

360-236-4700, press option 1 for assistance with health profession or facility applications, then press 1 again for technical assistance with the online application system.

Online Instructions

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed state holidays)