“Washington business license” is one of the most searched compliance queries in that state.
“Washington business license” is one of the most searched compliance queries in that state. A Washington Business License Application (BLA) / state registration is required if your business needs city/county/state endorsements, operates under a name different from your full legal name, plans to hire employees within 90 days, sells products or services requiring sales tax collection, has a gross income of $12,000 or more per year, must pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, is a buyer/processor of specialty wood products, or meets nexus thresholds.
If your entity is a WA domestic corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. Then, use the Business Licensing Wizard to identify necessary endorsements and agencies.
File the Business License Application (BLA) online via My DOR (recommended) or by mail. Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, with city/state endorsements potentially adding 2-3 weeks.
Mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks. The BLA itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Once processed, you'll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number used across multiple state agencies. You can use your UBI as soon as it's issued, though some licenses require posting before opening.
Application processing fees vary, and additional fees apply for any state/city endorsements. Licenses issued through the Business Licensing Service with state or city endorsements require annual renewal.
The Business Licensing Service sends a courtesy renewal reminder one month before expiration, and penalties apply for late renewals. To add endorsements later, submit a BLA along with required supplemental forms and fees online via My DOR.
Many cities utilize FileLocal, a one-stop portal, for issuing city business licenses and collecting local B&O taxes. FileLocal supports numerous large cities, including Auburn, Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Poulsbo, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma.
Businesses operating in these jurisdictions can use FileLocal to apply/register. Some cities also allow applications for local endorsements through the statewide Business Licensing Wizard.
Domestic corporations and LLCs must form and register with the WA Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before submitting the Business License Application. The SOS website offers forms, online filing, and guidance on post-registration compliance, such as annual reports, updating information, and withdrawal/dissolution.
For liquor and cannabis, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides an online portal for permits and licenses (e.g., banquet permits, retailer/producer licenses), tax/fee reporting, and regulatory guidance.
Many occupations require professional licensing through the Department of Licensing or other regulatory boards; the DOR notes hundreds of state endorsements, which can be identified using the Business Licensing Wizard.
If you plan to hire employees, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) will send information regarding employer reporting and insurance (workers’ compensation, unemployment).
Construction contractors and some trades are regulated and must register with L&I, potentially having bonding/insurance requirements; L&I should be consulted for specific rules. After registration, the Department of Revenue will provide information on sales tax, Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and other tax obligations.
New accounts are typically set up for quarterly reporting, though frequency can change. Personal property listings, if applicable, must be filed with the county assessor by April 30.
Do not skip Secretary of State filings for domestic corporations/LLCs, as these must be completed first. Utilize the Business Licensing Wizard for a tailored checklist of endorsements and agencies.
Expect additional time (at least 2-3 weeks) if your business requires city endorsements or agency approvals beyond the BLA. Keep your UBI handy, as it's used across agencies.
Remember employer registrations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance if hiring employees. Check for local city licenses (FileLocal or city websites) and industry-specific licenses (LCB, DOL, L&I) early in the planning process.
A Washington Business License Application (BLA) / state registration is required if your business needs city/county/state endorsements, operates under a name different from your full legal name, plans to hire employees within 90 days, sells products or services requiring sales tax collection, has a gross income of $12,000 or more per year, must pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, is a buyer/processor of specialty wood products, or meets nexus thresholds.
If your entity is a WA domestic corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. Then, use the Business Licensing Wizard to identify necessary endorsements and agencies.
File the Business License Application (BLA) online via My DOR (recommended) or by mail. Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, with city/state endorsements potentially adding 2-3 weeks.
Mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks. The BLA itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Once processed, you'll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number used across multiple state agencies. You can use your UBI as soon as it's issued, though some licenses require posting before opening.
Application processing fees vary, and additional fees apply for any state/city endorsements. Licenses issued through the Business Licensing Service with state or city endorsements require annual renewal.
The Business Licensing Service sends a courtesy renewal reminder one month before expiration, and penalties apply for late renewals. To add endorsements later, submit a BLA along with required supplemental forms and fees online via My DOR.
Many cities utilize FileLocal, a one-stop portal, for issuing city business licenses and collecting local B&O taxes. FileLocal supports numerous large cities, including Auburn, Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Poulsbo, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma.
Businesses operating in these jurisdictions can use FileLocal to apply/register. Some cities also allow applications for local endorsements through the statewide Business Licensing Wizard.
Domestic corporations and LLCs must form and register with the WA Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before submitting the Business License Application. The SOS website offers forms, online filing, and guidance on post-registration compliance, such as annual reports, updating information, and withdrawal/dissolution.
For liquor and cannabis, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides an online portal for permits and licenses (e.g., banquet permits, retailer/producer licenses), tax/fee reporting, and regulatory guidance.
Many occupations require professional licensing through the Department of Licensing or other regulatory boards; the DOR notes hundreds of state endorsements, which can be identified using the Business Licensing Wizard.
If you plan to hire employees, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) will send information regarding employer reporting and insurance (workers’ compensation, unemployment).
Construction contractors and some trades are regulated and must register with L&I, potentially having bonding/insurance requirements; L&I should be consulted for specific rules. After registration, the Department of Revenue will provide information on sales tax, Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and other tax obligations.
New accounts are typically set up for quarterly reporting, though frequency can change. Personal property listings, if applicable, must be filed with the county assessor by April 30.
Do not skip Secretary of State filings for domestic corporations/LLCs, as these must be completed first. Utilize the Business Licensing Wizard for a tailored checklist of endorsements and agencies.
Expect additional time (at least 2-3 weeks) if your business requires city endorsements or agency approvals beyond the BLA. Keep your UBI handy, as it's used across agencies.
Remember employer registrations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance if hiring employees. Check for local city licenses (FileLocal or city websites) and industry-specific licenses (LCB, DOL, L&I) early in the planning process. “Washington business license” is one of the most searched compliance queries in that state.
A Washington Business License Application (BLA) / state registration is required if your business needs city/county/state endorsements, operates under a name different from your full legal name, plans to hire employees within 90 days, sells products or services requiring sales tax collection, has a gross income of $12,000 or more per year, must pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, is a buyer/processor of specialty wood products, or meets nexus thresholds.
If your entity is a WA domestic corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. Then, use the Business Licensing Wizard to identify necessary endorsements and agencies.
File the Business License Application (BLA) online via My DOR (recommended) or by mail. Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, with city/state endorsements potentially adding 2-3 weeks.
Mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks. The BLA itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Once processed, you'll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number used across multiple state agencies. You can use your UBI as soon as it's issued, though some licenses require posting before opening.
Application processing fees vary, and additional fees apply for any state/city endorsements. Licenses issued through the Business Licensing Service with state or city endorsements require annual renewal.
The Business Licensing Service sends a courtesy renewal reminder one month before expiration, and penalties apply for late renewals. To add endorsements later, submit a BLA along with required supplemental forms and fees online via My DOR.
Many cities utilize FileLocal, a one-stop portal, for issuing city business licenses and collecting local B&O taxes. FileLocal supports numerous large cities, including Auburn, Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Poulsbo, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma.
Businesses operating in these jurisdictions can use FileLocal to apply/register. Some cities also allow applications for local endorsements through the statewide Business Licensing Wizard.
Domestic corporations and LLCs must form and register with the WA Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before submitting the Business License Application. The SOS website offers forms, online filing, and guidance on post-registration compliance, such as annual reports, updating information, and withdrawal/dissolution.
For liquor and cannabis, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides an online portal for permits and licenses (e.g., banquet permits, retailer/producer licenses), tax/fee reporting, and regulatory guidance.
Many occupations require professional licensing through the Department of Licensing or other regulatory boards; the DOR notes hundreds of state endorsements, which can be identified using the Business Licensing Wizard.
If you plan to hire employees, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) will send information regarding employer reporting and insurance (workers’ compensation, unemployment).
Construction contractors and some trades are regulated and must register with L&I, potentially having bonding/insurance requirements; L&I should be consulted for specific rules. After registration, the Department of Revenue will provide information on sales tax, Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and other tax obligations.
New accounts are typically set up for quarterly reporting, though frequency can change. Personal property listings, if applicable, must be filed with the county assessor by April 30.
Do not skip Secretary of State filings for domestic corporations/LLCs, as these must be completed first. Utilize the Business Licensing Wizard for a tailored checklist of endorsements and agencies.
Expect additional time (at least 2-3 weeks) if your business requires city endorsements or agency approvals beyond the BLA. Keep your UBI handy, as it's used across agencies.
Remember employer registrations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance if hiring employees. Check for local city licenses (FileLocal or city websites) and industry-specific licenses (LCB, DOL, L&I) early in the planning process.
A Washington Business License Application (BLA) / state registration is required if your business needs city/county/state endorsements, operates under a name different from your full legal name, plans to hire employees within 90 days, sells products or services requiring sales tax collection, has a gross income of $12,000 or more per year, must pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, is a buyer/processor of specialty wood products, or meets nexus thresholds.
If your entity is a WA domestic corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. Then, use the Business Licensing Wizard to identify necessary endorsements and agencies.
File the Business License Application (BLA) online via My DOR (recommended) or by mail. Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, with city/state endorsements potentially adding 2-3 weeks.
Mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks. The BLA itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Once processed, you'll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number used across multiple state agencies. You can use your UBI as soon as it's issued, though some licenses require posting before opening.
Application processing fees vary, and additional fees apply for any state/city endorsements. Licenses issued through the Business Licensing Service with state or city endorsements require annual renewal.
The Business Licensing Service sends a courtesy renewal reminder one month before expiration, and penalties apply for late renewals. To add endorsements later, submit a BLA along with required supplemental forms and fees online via My DOR.
Many cities utilize FileLocal, a one-stop portal, for issuing city business licenses and collecting local B&O taxes. FileLocal supports numerous large cities, including Auburn, Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Poulsbo, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma.
Businesses operating in these jurisdictions can use FileLocal to apply/register. Some cities also allow applications for local endorsements through the statewide Business Licensing Wizard.
Domestic corporations and LLCs must form and register with the WA Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before submitting the Business License Application. The SOS website offers forms, online filing, and guidance on post-registration compliance, such as annual reports, updating information, and withdrawal/dissolution.
For liquor and cannabis, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides an online portal for permits and licenses (e.g., banquet permits, retailer/producer licenses), tax/fee reporting, and regulatory guidance.
Many occupations require professional licensing through the Department of Licensing or other regulatory boards; the DOR notes hundreds of state endorsements, which can be identified using the Business Licensing Wizard.
If you plan to hire employees, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) will send information regarding employer reporting and insurance (workers’ compensation, unemployment).
Construction contractors and some trades are regulated and must register with L&I, potentially having bonding/insurance requirements; L&I should be consulted for specific rules. After registration, the Department of Revenue will provide information on sales tax, Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and other tax obligations.
New accounts are typically set up for quarterly reporting, though frequency can change. Personal property listings, if applicable, must be filed with the county assessor by April 30.
Do not skip Secretary of State filings for domestic corporations/LLCs, as these must be completed first. Utilize the Business Licensing Wizard for a tailored checklist of endorsements and agencies.
Expect additional time (at least 2-3 weeks) if your business requires city endorsements or agency approvals beyond the BLA. Keep your UBI handy, as it's used across agencies.
Remember employer registrations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance if hiring employees. Check for local city licenses (FileLocal or city websites) and industry-specific licenses (LCB, DOL, L&I) early in the planning process.
“Washington business license” is one of the most searched compliance queries in that state. A Washington Business License Application (BLA) / state registration is required if your business needs city/county/state endorsements, operates under a name different from your full legal name, plans to hire employees within 90 days, sells products or services requiring sales tax collection, has a gross income of $12,000 or more per year, must pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, is a buyer/processor of specialty wood products, or meets nexus thresholds.
If your entity is a WA domestic corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. Then, use the Business Licensing Wizard to identify necessary endorsements and agencies.
File the Business License Application (BLA) online via My DOR (recommended) or by mail. Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, with city/state endorsements potentially adding 2-3 weeks.
Mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks. The BLA itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Once processed, you'll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number used across multiple state agencies. You can use your UBI as soon as it's issued, though some licenses require posting before opening.
Application processing fees vary, and additional fees apply for any state/city endorsements. Licenses issued through the Business Licensing Service with state or city endorsements require annual renewal.
The Business Licensing Service sends a courtesy renewal reminder one month before expiration, and penalties apply for late renewals. To add endorsements later, submit a BLA along with required supplemental forms and fees online via My DOR.
Many cities utilize FileLocal, a one-stop portal, for issuing city business licenses and collecting local B&O taxes. FileLocal supports numerous large cities, including Auburn, Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Poulsbo, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma.
Businesses operating in these jurisdictions can use FileLocal to apply/register. Some cities also allow applications for local endorsements through the statewide Business Licensing Wizard.
Domestic corporations and LLCs must form and register with the WA Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before submitting the Business License Application. The SOS website offers forms, online filing, and guidance on post-registration compliance, such as annual reports, updating information, and withdrawal/dissolution.
For liquor and cannabis, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides an online portal for permits and licenses (e.g., banquet permits, retailer/producer licenses), tax/fee reporting, and regulatory guidance.
Many occupations require professional licensing through the Department of Licensing or other regulatory boards; the DOR notes hundreds of state endorsements, which can be identified using the Business Licensing Wizard.
If you plan to hire employees, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) will send information regarding employer reporting and insurance (workers’ compensation, unemployment).
Construction contractors and some trades are regulated and must register with L&I, potentially having bonding/insurance requirements; L&I should be consulted for specific rules. After registration, the Department of Revenue will provide information on sales tax, Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and other tax obligations.
New accounts are typically set up for quarterly reporting, though frequency can change. Personal property listings, if applicable, must be filed with the county assessor by April 30.
Do not skip Secretary of State filings for domestic corporations/LLCs, as these must be completed first. Utilize the Business Licensing Wizard for a tailored checklist of endorsements and agencies.
Expect additional time (at least 2-3 weeks) if your business requires city endorsements or agency approvals beyond the BLA. Keep your UBI handy, as it's used across agencies.
Remember employer registrations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance if hiring employees. Check for local city licenses (FileLocal or city websites) and industry-specific licenses (LCB, DOL, L&I) early in the planning process.
A Washington Business License Application (BLA) / state registration is required if your business needs city/county/state endorsements, operates under a name different from your full legal name, plans to hire employees within 90 days, sells products or services requiring sales tax collection, has a gross income of $12,000 or more per year, must pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, is a buyer/processor of specialty wood products, or meets nexus thresholds.
If your entity is a WA domestic corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. Then, use the Business Licensing Wizard to identify necessary endorsements and agencies.
File the Business License Application (BLA) online via My DOR (recommended) or by mail. Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, with city/state endorsements potentially adding 2-3 weeks.
Mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks. The BLA itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Once processed, you'll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number used across multiple state agencies. You can use your UBI as soon as it's issued, though some licenses require posting before opening.
Application processing fees vary, and additional fees apply for any state/city endorsements. Licenses issued through the Business Licensing Service with state or city endorsements require annual renewal.
The Business Licensing Service sends a courtesy renewal reminder one month before expiration, and penalties apply for late renewals. To add endorsements later, submit a BLA along with required supplemental forms and fees online via My DOR.
Many cities utilize FileLocal, a one-stop portal, for issuing city business licenses and collecting local B&O taxes. FileLocal supports numerous large cities, including Auburn, Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Poulsbo, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma.
Businesses operating in these jurisdictions can use FileLocal to apply/register. Some cities also allow applications for local endorsements through the statewide Business Licensing Wizard.
Domestic corporations and LLCs must form and register with the WA Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before submitting the Business License Application. The SOS website offers forms, online filing, and guidance on post-registration compliance, such as annual reports, updating information, and withdrawal/dissolution.
For liquor and cannabis, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides an online portal for permits and licenses (e.g., banquet permits, retailer/producer licenses), tax/fee reporting, and regulatory guidance.
Many occupations require professional licensing through the Department of Licensing or other regulatory boards; the DOR notes hundreds of state endorsements, which can be identified using the Business Licensing Wizard.
If you plan to hire employees, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) will send information regarding employer reporting and insurance (workers’ compensation, unemployment).
Construction contractors and some trades are regulated and must register with L&I, potentially having bonding/insurance requirements; L&I should be consulted for specific rules. After registration, the Department of Revenue will provide information on sales tax, Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and other tax obligations.
New accounts are typically set up for quarterly reporting, though frequency can change. Personal property listings, if applicable, must be filed with the county assessor by April 30.
Do not skip Secretary of State filings for domestic corporations/LLCs, as these must be completed first. Utilize the Business Licensing Wizard for a tailored checklist of endorsements and agencies.
Expect additional time (at least 2-3 weeks) if your business requires city endorsements or agency approvals beyond the BLA. Keep your UBI handy, as it's used across agencies.
Remember employer registrations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance if hiring employees. Check for local city licenses (FileLocal or city websites) and industry-specific licenses (LCB, DOL, L&I) early in the planning process. “Washington business license” is one of the most searched compliance queries in that state.
A Washington Business License Application (BLA) / state registration is required if your business needs city/county/state endorsements, operates under a name different from your full legal name, plans to hire employees within 90 days, sells products or services requiring sales tax collection, has a gross income of $12,000 or more per year, must pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, is a buyer/processor of specialty wood products, or meets nexus thresholds.
If your entity is a WA domestic corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. Then, use the Business Licensing Wizard to identify necessary endorsements and agencies.
File the Business License Application (BLA) online via My DOR (recommended) or by mail. Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, with city/state endorsements potentially adding 2-3 weeks.
Mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks. The BLA itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Once processed, you'll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number used across multiple state agencies. You can use your UBI as soon as it's issued, though some licenses require posting before opening.
Application processing fees vary, and additional fees apply for any state/city endorsements. Licenses issued through the Business Licensing Service with state or city endorsements require annual renewal.
The Business Licensing Service sends a courtesy renewal reminder one month before expiration, and penalties apply for late renewals. To add endorsements later, submit a BLA along with required supplemental forms and fees online via My DOR.
Many cities utilize FileLocal, a one-stop portal, for issuing city business licenses and collecting local B&O taxes. FileLocal supports numerous large cities, including Auburn, Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Poulsbo, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma.
Businesses operating in these jurisdictions can use FileLocal to apply/register. Some cities also allow applications for local endorsements through the statewide Business Licensing Wizard.
Domestic corporations and LLCs must form and register with the WA Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before submitting the Business License Application. The SOS website offers forms, online filing, and guidance on post-registration compliance, such as annual reports, updating information, and withdrawal/dissolution.
For liquor and cannabis, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides an online portal for permits and licenses (e.g., banquet permits, retailer/producer licenses), tax/fee reporting, and regulatory guidance.
Many occupations require professional licensing through the Department of Licensing or other regulatory boards; the DOR notes hundreds of state endorsements, which can be identified using the Business Licensing Wizard.
If you plan to hire employees, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) will send information regarding employer reporting and insurance (workers’ compensation, unemployment).
Construction contractors and some trades are regulated and must register with L&I, potentially having bonding/insurance requirements; L&I should be consulted for specific rules. After registration, the Department of Revenue will provide information on sales tax, Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and other tax obligations.
New accounts are typically set up for quarterly reporting, though frequency can change. Personal property listings, if applicable, must be filed with the county assessor by April 30.
Do not skip Secretary of State filings for domestic corporations/LLCs, as these must be completed first. Utilize the Business Licensing Wizard for a tailored checklist of endorsements and agencies.
Expect additional time (at least 2-3 weeks) if your business requires city endorsements or agency approvals beyond the BLA. Keep your UBI handy, as it's used across agencies.
Remember employer registrations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance if hiring employees. Check for local city licenses (FileLocal or city websites) and industry-specific licenses (LCB, DOL, L&I) early in the planning process.
A Washington Business License Application (BLA) / state registration is required if your business needs city/county/state endorsements, operates under a name different from your full legal name, plans to hire employees within 90 days, sells products or services requiring sales tax collection, has a gross income of $12,000 or more per year, must pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue, is a buyer/processor of specialty wood products, or meets nexus thresholds.
If your entity is a WA domestic corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, you must first file with the Washington Secretary of State. Then, use the Business Licensing Wizard to identify necessary endorsements and agencies.
File the Business License Application (BLA) online via My DOR (recommended) or by mail. Online applications typically process in about 10 business days, with city/state endorsements potentially adding 2-3 weeks.
Mailed applications can take up to 6 weeks. The BLA itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Once processed, you'll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number used across multiple state agencies. You can use your UBI as soon as it's issued, though some licenses require posting before opening.
Application processing fees vary, and additional fees apply for any state/city endorsements. Licenses issued through the Business Licensing Service with state or city endorsements require annual renewal.
The Business Licensing Service sends a courtesy renewal reminder one month before expiration, and penalties apply for late renewals. To add endorsements later, submit a BLA along with required supplemental forms and fees online via My DOR.
Many cities utilize FileLocal, a one-stop portal, for issuing city business licenses and collecting local B&O taxes. FileLocal supports numerous large cities, including Auburn, Bellevue, Des Moines, Everett, Kent, Lake Forest Park, Poulsbo, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, and Tacoma.
Businesses operating in these jurisdictions can use FileLocal to apply/register. Some cities also allow applications for local endorsements through the statewide Business Licensing Wizard.
Domestic corporations and LLCs must form and register with the WA Secretary of State (Corporations Division) before submitting the Business License Application. The SOS website offers forms, online filing, and guidance on post-registration compliance, such as annual reports, updating information, and withdrawal/dissolution.
For liquor and cannabis, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) provides an online portal for permits and licenses (e.g., banquet permits, retailer/producer licenses), tax/fee reporting, and regulatory guidance.
Many occupations require professional licensing through the Department of Licensing or other regulatory boards; the DOR notes hundreds of state endorsements, which can be identified using the Business Licensing Wizard.
If you plan to hire employees, the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and the Employment Security Department (ESD) will send information regarding employer reporting and insurance (workers’ compensation, unemployment).
Construction contractors and some trades are regulated and must register with L&I, potentially having bonding/insurance requirements; L&I should be consulted for specific rules. After registration, the Department of Revenue will provide information on sales tax, Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, and other tax obligations.
New accounts are typically set up for quarterly reporting, though frequency can change. Personal property listings, if applicable, must be filed with the county assessor by April 30.
Do not skip Secretary of State filings for domestic corporations/LLCs, as these must be completed first. Utilize the Business Licensing Wizard for a tailored checklist of endorsements and agencies.
Expect additional time (at least 2-3 weeks) if your business requires city endorsements or agency approvals beyond the BLA. Keep your UBI handy, as it's used across agencies.
Remember employer registrations, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance if hiring employees. Check for local city licenses (FileLocal or city websites) and industry-specific licenses (LCB, DOL, L&I) early in the planning process.
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