Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed a bill allowing individuals to obtain a professional license, commercial license, certificate, permit or registration regardless of immigration or citizenship status on March 13.
Under House Bill 1889, a state agency cannot deny an application for a license or certification, including dentist and dental hygienist licenses, based solely on immigration or citizenship status.
Those applying for licenses can use an individual taxpayer identification number instead of a Social Security number on an application.
The law stipulates that individuals applying for licenses must still adhere to professional standards and pass required qualification exams.
The new standard does not apply to licenses that are connected to interstate compacts.
The bill goes into effect July 1.