Washington State Business License Requirements For An LLC 2026 – Free Guide

Operating your business lawfully within Washington State requires you to secure the proper permits and licenses. Doing so ensures state compliance, prevents potential penalties, and increases your business’s credibility. Once this is completed, you can operate efficiently within the state, taking advantage of the many benefits it offers.

One of the important licenses to get is the Washington State business license. This is an official state authorization that your business can operate lawfully. I’ve detailed the main steps to follow when applying for one, including the different requirements and rules to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Washington State Business License Overview

A Washington business license, also known as a state business license, allows your LLC to legally operate within the state. It is an official authorization issued by the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) that confirms the state is aware of your business activities and that your LLC is registered for required state regulations.

The term “business license” in Washington can be confusing because the application functions as a bulk registration rather than a single license.

When you submit a Business License Application with the DOR, you may register for multiple licenses, permits, and accounts at the same time. The table below outlines the registrations that may be completed through the Washington Business License Application.

You must submit a Business License Application with the DOR if your LLC meets any of the following conditions:

• Your LLC is required to pay taxes or fees to the Department of Revenue.
• Your LLC earns $12,000 or more in gross annual income.
• Your LLC requires state, city, or county endorsements.
• You plan to hire employees within the next 90 days.
• Your LLC operates under a trade name rather than its legal name.
• Your LLC sells taxable products or services.
• Your LLC buys or processes specialty wood products.
• Your business meets Washington nexus reporting thresholds.

In this article, I focus only on how to file your Washington Business License with the Department of Revenue using two methods:

• The MyDOR online portal.
• Filing by mail using the Business License Application form (BLS 700 028).

City and specialty licenses are covered briefly later to help you understand additional licensing requirements your LLC may need to satisfy.

1. When Should You Obtain Washington Business Licenses?

I recommend that you apply for your required business licenses as early as you have a Washington Certificate of Formation to ensure smooth business operations and avoid potential legal or financial issues. This is important because it:

• Allows your business to remain compliant with state and local regulations.
• Protects you from enforcement actions and costly penalties or fines.
• Prevents delays in business formation and expansion.

Your business may face fines, legal action, or forced closure from state and local authorities if you fail to obtain the necessary licenses.

2. How Much Is A Business License In Washington State?

The total cost of your Washington business license application depends on your business type and location. The initial processing fee when first opening your business and filing your application is $50.

• Additional fees apply to each city, county, or specialty license required.
• You must renew applicable state, county, or specialty endorsements for each location annually. This incurs a $5 processing fee.
• All renewals are due by the stated expiration date. If you submit after this, you’ll face a large penalty fee. This is equal to half of the endorsement fee or up to $150 (Whichever is less).

How To Get A Business License In Washington State

Applying for your Washington State Business License can be done online (MyDOR portal) or by mail (Business license application form).

• Filing your business license application online normally takes around 10 business days to process. It may take an additional 2 to 3 weeks to be approved and received if your LLC requires city or state endorsements.
• Completing the Business license Application form by mail usually takes around 6 weeks to process. This method is much more complicated than the online filing process. Therefore, I recommend filing online unless you have no other choice.

You have two options if you still need assistance after reading my article:

1. This document has some helpful information: Washington Department of Revenue: Apply for a new business license (see “Corporation or Limited Liability Company“).
2. Call the Business Licensing Department at 360-705-6741 to ask questions. Their operating hours are 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. PT (Monday to Friday).

1. Online Application

You can file your online Business License Application using the My Department of Revenue (MyDOR) portal.

You’ll first need to create a SAW (Secure Access Washington) account to create and log in to MyDOR. Once completed, you’ll be able to use your SAW username and password to access multiple state agency applications in Washington.

a. Find Your LLC’s UBI Number

First, find your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number, given when initially forming your LLC. This can be found at the top right corner of your LLC’s Certificate of Formation.

Alternatively, you can use the Advanced Business Search tool to find your LLC name. Your UBI will be listed in your online record.

b. Create A SAW Account

Follow these steps to create a SAW account:

1. Navigate to the SAW Sign Up page.
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Create a user ID and password.
4. Agree to the terms and click “Register.”
5. Go to your email and find the activation code sent by the state.

c. Log In To MyDOR And Start Your Business License Application

Once your account is created, you should be taken to the MyDOR Services page.

1. Click the green “Get Started” button.
2. Click “Apply for a Business License” in the “Licensing Services” box.
3. Select “Start a Business in WA state.”
4. Enter your LLC’s UBI number.

d. Fill In Your Information

With your account created, the next step is to fill in your relevant personal and business information:

• Key LLC Business Details (Ownership, location, and business activities).
• Licenses, Trade Names, and Endorsements (If you want to register and indicate that your LLC has employees).

Once you’ve completed the required information, you need to review, sign, and submit your application.

e. Approval Of Your Business License And “Adding Access” In MyDOR

Once your Business License Application is submitted, your filing will be reviewed by the Department of Revenue. Once accepted, they will:

• Register your LLC with the Department of Revenue for taxes (Technically known as a “Tax Registration Endorsement.”)
• Grant a State Business License.
• Grant a City Business License (If your city is partnered with the DOR).
• Grant a Specialty Business License (If applicable).
• Grant the use of a Trade Name (If applicable).

You should then receive two items in the mail within 7-10 business days:

1. An approved state business license.
2. A filing frequency letter.

f. What Is Listed On The Approved State Business License?

Your approved state business license is an official LLC certificate that allows you to legally operate in Washington. It includes information such as:

• LLC name.
• LLC address.
• UBI Number.
• Governing People.
• Specialty Endorsement (If applicable).
• City Endorsements (If partnered with the DOR).
• Trade Names (If applicable).

Note: You won’t receive a separate City Business License or Specialty Business License when receiving your approved State Business License (If applicable). These endorsements are already listed on your main license.

g. Filing Frequency Letter

The filing frequency letter is sent by the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR) to inform your LLC of your filing frequency obligations (e.g., monthly or quarterly).

This also applies when filing your Excise Tax Return. This is a “Combined filing” return, which includes your Sales & Use Tax, Business and Occupation Tax (B&O), and other applicable LLC taxes.

h. “Adding Access” To MyDOR

Once your license is approved, you need to “Add access” to MyDOR. This connects your license information with your MyDOR account.

Follow these steps to add access:

1. Log in to your MyDOR account.
2. Click “Get Started.”
3. Select “Add Access to Account.” This is under the access box.
4. Enter your Letter ID.
5. Follow the given prompts to complete the process.

Once you’ve been given access, 3 new tabs will be loaded (Summary, Action Items, and Other Options). This confirms that you’ve been given full administrative access to your MyDOR account.

2. Filing By Mail

Visit the Business Licensing Wizard to apply for your Washington State Business License by mail.

Start by answering some questions about your business operations. Once completed, you’ll be able to download the Business License Application (BLS 700-028) form.

Mail the completed form to the following address. All checks should be made payable to the Department of Revenue.

BUSINESS LICENSING SERVICE
P.O. box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Your Business License Application form has six sections that need to be filled out. Each one collects specific information regarding your LLC and its business operations.

In the next section, I’ll walk you through each step, providing a detailed overview of what each one covers and how to complete it. Follow my guidance to complete your filing correctly.

This is a quick overview of each section:

• Section 1. Purpose of application: Explain why you’re submitting the form (Opening, reopening, or updating your business details).
• Section 2. Endorsements and fees: State your licenses, endorsements, and trade names to calculate the applicable fees.
• Section 3. Owner information: Provide your business ownership, structure, and contact details. This should include your FEIN or EIN if you have one.
• Section 4. Location/Business information: Describe where your business is located, the type of operations, and your estimated income.
• Section 5. Employment/Elective coverage: State your employee information, including whether you want to get unemployment or workers’ compensation coverage.
  Section 6. Signature: Check and certify that all provided information is true and accurate. Sign the form to complete your application.

a. Section 1: Purpose Of Application

Section 1 requires you to tell the state why you’re submitting a business license application. Only check boxes that apply to your current business situation.

This section allows the state to identify your LLC’s main business activity and any changes you’re making. Make sure that you’re as accurate as possible in this section. It determines the additional sections and endorsements that need to be completed.

Check each section that applies to your LLC:

• Open/Reopen business: You’re starting a new LLC or reopening one that was previously closed.
• Open additional location: Your existing LLC is expanding to a new physical location.
• Add endorsement to existing location: You need to add another license type (City or specialty license) to an address already on record.
• Register trade name/Change trade name: You’re adding or changing your LLC’s “Doing Business As” name.
• Business has or will have employees: You currently have or plan to hire employees. Checking this section ensures that your business is registered with the Labor & Industries and Employment Security Department.
• Business has or will have employees under age 18: Check this if you intend to employ minors.
• Change location: If your LLC has moved. Enter your previous and new addresses in the fields provided.
• Hire persons to work in or around your home: Your business operates from home, and you hire people to work onsite.

When finished, double-check your selections and proceed to Section 2.

b. Section 2: Endorsements And Fees

This section determines if you need additional registrations or licenses alongside the Washington State Business License.

Here’s how to fill it:

• Industrial insurance (Worker’s compensation): Check this box if your LLC has or will have employees. This automatically registers your business with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries. They’ll contact you at a later date with setup instructions.
• Unemployment insurance: Check this box as well if your LLC has or will have employees. This automatically registers your business with the Washington Employment Security Department. They’ll reach out at a later date to guide you through the next steps.
• New trade name: Enter the correct name if your LLC will operate under a different name than its official legal name. This registers your trade name (DBA) and costs $5 per additional name.
• List additional trade names or other endorsements: List any additional DBAs or licenses that you need to apply for in this section. Check the official listings for fees and descriptions for different endorsements. Use the Business Licensing Wizard tool to narrow your search.
• Processing fee: Enter the correct amount in this field before calculating the “Total Amount Due.” New Business License applications have a mandatory $50 fee. Renewing or updating an existing license costs $5.

When finished, total your fees at the bottom and continue to Section 3.

c. Section 3: Owner Information

Section 3 looks at who owns and operates your business. While most fields are straightforward, it’s one of the most detailed parts of your business license application form.

Follow my guidance below when filling out each field:

• Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN): Enter your FEIN or EIN if you already have one. This helps the Department of Revenue to identify your business if you require assistance at a later date. If you don’t have one, read my guide on How To Get An EIN For Your Washington LLC. This section is optional but highly recommended.
• Ownership structure: Select “Limited Liability Company (LLC).” Don’t select other business structures unless your business is legally registered under that classification.
• Business open date: The first date that your Washington LLC began operating. Provide an estimated start date if you’re unsure.
• Primary business name: Write your official LLC name exactly as it appears on your Certificate of Formation.
• Business mailing and physical location address: Provide your mailing address for state correspondence and your physical business location. Your provided address determines if you need additional licenses. Do not use a P.O. box or virtual office address for this section. If you operate entirely online, enter your home address. Use your office address if your business has an office.
• List all owners and spouses: Enter the titles, names, and Social Security Numbers of all LLC members and officers. This only needs to be done once if you’re the sole owner. You can include or exclude your spouse if you’re a married owner.

Double-check that you’ve completed all required fields accurately. Continue to Section 4 when everything is correct.

d. Section 4: Location And Business Information

Section 4 looks at where your LLC operates, who works for it, and your business structure. This helps the state determine your licensing needs and tax responsibilities.

These are the key fields that need filling:

• Employees and representatives: Select “Yes” and provide a Washington Address if your LLC operates outside Washington but has employees or representatives working in the state. The address is used to confirm in-state activity, not for mailing.
• Independent contractors: Check “Yes” if you hire independent contractors or freelancers. This determines if you need to comply with additional tax or insurance requirements. Check the definition of “Independent Contractors” here.
• Estimated annual income: Select your projected gross income in Washington from the different options. This helps determine your tax and endorsement obligations.
• Description of services: Briefly describe your main products and services. Make sure you’re specific in this section (for example, use “Online Fitness Coaching” instead of “Services.”
• Affiliated entities: Provide the Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number if your LLC is owned by or affiliated with another business.
• Business structure change: Provide your previous UBI number if you changed your business structure (For example, from a Sole Proprietorship to an LLC) to close the old account. Click “Yes” if you want to cancel previous trade names.

Once you’ve completed this section, continue to Section 5.

e. Section 5: Employment/Elective Coverage

In this section, you must provide details regarding your LLC’s employment plans and coverage elections. This determines whether you’ll be registered for employment-related accounts such as unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation. You’ll need to state whether you plan to hire any employees or minors within the next 90 days.

These are the key fields to focus on:

• Date of first employment (a): Enter the date that you plan to hire your first employees/when wages will be first paid. This is used to establish your employment account start date. Provide an expected start date if you’re hiring within 90 days.
• Minors under 18: You must list the number of minors by age group and describe their duties if you employ anyone under 18. Use this guide on hiring minors to confirm allowed job types and any additional requirements.

Continue to Section 6 once this part is completed. Here, you’ll review and sign your Business License before submitting.

f. Section 6: Signature

Once you’ve completed the above steps, the final section certifies that the required information you’ve submitted in your Business License Application is accurate and complete. This must be signed by an authorized individual (LLC member, manager, or officer). If you don’t sign it, your application will not be processed.

Follow these steps to complete this last section:

1. Provide your signature and date: The person authorized to represent your LLC must sign and date the application. This confirms that all details provided are correct and that you understand that false statements can lead to rejection.
2. Application prepared by: Provide the name, title, and phone number of the authorized person if they’ve completed the application on your behalf.
3. What language: Check “Yes” if you need language assistance. Specify your preferred language in the provided box.

Once this section is complete, your application is ready for submission.

Why You Need A Business License In Washington LLC?

Using the Washington Business Licensing Service for your application process also gives you:

• A Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number that identifies your LLC across state agencies.
• Automatic data sharing across Washington agencies. This connects your business to tax regulation, labor, and regulatory compliance systems.
• Access to add extra state endorsements. These include things such as “rental car,” food service,” and “contractor.”

Operating without your required licenses can result in serious administrative and financial penalties depending on your business industry and location. This is even though the RCW 19.02 (The Washington Business License Act) doesn’t criminalize failure to register your LLC.

If you don’t comply with state regulations, you could:

• Be denied or refused license issuance or renewal under RCW 19.02.100. This applies if you lack a valid tax registration or if you’re delinquent in fees.
• Have your endorsements revoked or withheld if you fail to meet industry-specific requirements.
• Be fined or have a closure order issued by the local city or county governments under municipal codes.
• Be charged a delinquency fee of up to $150 or 50% of the renewal fee. This is according to RCW 19.02.085.
• Lose your legal protections and business insurance that depend on valid licensing.

City Business License

Washington towns and cities are both referred to as “Cities” for licensing purposes. Furthermore, “City,” “City Endorsement,” “Business License,” and “City General Business License” refer to the same requirement.

The official term used in Washington is “City Endorsement.” However, I’ve used “City Business License” to keep things clear and simple. You must renew this annually to stay compliant according to local regulations.

You have three types of cities when it comes to business licensing in Washington:

1. FileLocal partnered cities: Use the FileLocal portal to apply for and manage your business license.
2. Department of Revenue (DOR) partnered cities: Apply and renew your business license through the state’s business licensing service.
3. Unpartnered cities: Business licenses are handled separately. Contact the city directly to apply or renew your license.

The Washington DOR has an online Business Licensing Wizard tool that helps determine whether your city is partnered with DOR, which determines if you can apply through MyDOR above.

1. Department Of Revenue And FileLocal Combined Licensing Systems

Washington state law RCW 35.90 requires all cities to use a “Combined licensing system.” This helps simplify how each business applies for or renews its city business licenses.

Most Washington cities partner with the Washington Department of Revenue (DOR). This allows them to apply for their city business license and Washington State Business License together. Make sure that you check the list of participating cities on the DOR website to see if yours is eligible.

Alternatively, you can use FileLocal if your city isn’t partnered with the DOR. This is another combined licensing system created by several large cities in the Puget Sound region. Here you can apply for city licenses, file taxes, and make online payments.

Cities using FileLocal:

• Bellevue.
• Des Moines.
• Everett.
• Lake Forest Park.
• Renton.
• Seattle.
• Shoreline.
• Tacoma.

a. If Your LLC Is Located In A City That Uses FileLocal

You can’t apply for a city business license using the standard Washington business license application if your LLC operates or your home address is in a FileLocal city. You’ll need to complete a business license application for state registration instead. Alongside this, you’ll also need to create a FileLocal account and register for your City Business License.

You can create your account and apply directly at FileLocal’s website.

b. If Your City Or Town Isn’t Partnered With DOR Or FileLocal

You need to contact your town or city office directly if your town or city isn’t listed on the City License Endorsement page of the Washington Department of Revenue or the Tax Office Contact Information page on Filelocal. When doing this, you have to ask them if you require a City Business License and how to apply.

You can find the contact information for every city and town in Washington here.

c. Determining Which City Your Business Location Falls Under

Your city business license location is determined by the city where your LLC conducts its main business. For example, if your LLC owns a Seattle fitness club, you’re considered to be doing business in Seattle. In this case, you’ll need to obtain a Seattle business license.

d. If Your LLC Does Business In Multiple Cities

The state of Washington requires you to obtain a business license for each city in which you actively conduct business if your LLC operates in more than one city. You’ll need to check local requirements, as each city has its own licensing and renewal fees.

e. Using Your Registered Agent’s Address As Your Business Address

If you’ve hired a Registered Agent, you should be using their official business address to protect your privacy and maintain state compliance. This is the address stated on your Certificate of Formation. If this is the case, you can continue using their address on your business license application.

For example, if you’re a home-based consultancy business, you can use your Registered Agent’s address to keep your residential location private.

f. For Online Or Home-Based Businesses

If you manage your business from home or operate mainly online, your LLC is considered to be doing business in the city where your home is located. Again, you can use your Registered Agent’s address or a virtual office address if you prefer your home address kept off the public record.

If your online business employs staff and has an office, your LLC is considered to be doing its main business operations in your city office location.

g. If You Live In Another State But Have An LLC In Washington

You only need a Washington state business license if your LLC is registered in Washington but operates entirely out of the state. You don’t require a city business license under current regulations. List your out-of-state physical address when completing your Business License Application.

h. If You Are A Non-US Resident With A Washington LLC

If you’re a non-resident with a Washington LLC, you only need a state business license, not a City business license as well. Select your home country from the physical business address dropdown menu when completing your business license application process. This means that your home address will be listed as your physical business location.

i. Addresses That Are Not Allowed In The Washington Business License Application

If your LLC doesn’t have a dedicated business location, you can list your home address, virtual office address, or your commercial Registered Agent’s address. However, you cannot use a P.O. box. 

Specialty Business License

While the technical term is “Specialty endorsement,” I’ve referred to it as the “Specialty business license” to make things easier.

You need to obtain this license if you engage in specific business activities regulated for consumer protection or public safety.

Certain specialty business licenses are grouped in the same business license application. This is different from the city business license, which is always grouped.

• Check the specific one in the List of state endorsement industries. You’ll need to pay additional fees when registering these licenses.
• Contact the respective state agency directly for further instructions.

Refer to the WA State Department of Licensing: List of Licenses for a full list of all business activities requiring a state license. They typically cost between $20 and $250 annually. This depends on the industry and must be renewed each year.

I’ve compiled a table showing the industries requiring state endorsements and licenses in Washington. Find your industry and read across the table to find the issuing agency.

Trade Name (DBA) Registration

A Doing Business As (DBA) name is officially called a Trade Name in the state of Washington. You need to register your trade name with the state if you want your LLC to operate using a different name from its true and legal one.

In Washington, you must register it directly in the business license application. This is different from other states, where Trade Names are filed with the Secretary of State.

• You may register unlimited trade names, with each one costing $5.
• This allows you to maintain one legal entity while operating under different business names.

Do You Need A Federal Business License?

Most Washington LLCs don’t need a federal business license. If your LLC operates in an industry regulated by a federal agency, you may be required to obtain a permit or license.

Common industries requiring a Federal License include agriculture, transportation, broadcasting, alcohol, and firearms. The U.S. Small Business Administration’s website has published a full list of federally regulated industries and their issuing agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions