State Guide

Washington Business License

This guide covers Washington's general business license requirements — state-level registration, local city and county licenses, fees, and renewal timelines.

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Overview

Washington State requires virtually every business to obtain a Business License from the Department of Revenue through the Business Licensing Service (BLS). The license is renewable annually.

Washington's system is unique: city and county endorsements are added to the state Business License through the same BLS system. You can obtain state and local endorsements in one application.

Washington State Business License

Primary agencyWashington State Department of Revenue
Legal authorityRCW Chapter 19.02
Key noteWashington requires a state Business License for almost all businesses ($90 base). Local city endorsements added through the same system.

Initial Registration

Filing methodOnline at Washington Business Licensing Service (BLS)
Agency fee$90 base fee plus $5 per additional city endorsement

Registration Renewal

Filing methodAnnual renewal at BLS portal
Agency fee$90 base annually; $5 per city endorsement
Due dateAnniversary date of original registration

Local General Business Licenses

Washington city endorsements are obtained through the same BLS system as the state license, simplifying the process for most businesses.

Counties

Adams CountyAsotin CountyBenton CountyChelan CountyClallam CountyClark CountyColumbia CountyCowlitz CountyDouglas CountyFerry CountyFranklin CountyGarfield CountyGrant CountyGrays Harbor CountyIsland CountyJefferson CountyKing CountyKitsap CountyKittitas CountyKlickitat CountyLewis CountyLincoln CountyMason CountyOkanogan CountyPacific CountyPend Oreille CountyPierce CountySan Juan CountySkagit CountySkamania CountySnohomish CountySpokane CountyStevens CountyThurston CountyWahkiakum CountyWalla Walla CountyWhatcom CountyWhitman CountyYakima County

Cities & Townships

AberdeenAirway HeightsAnacortesArlingtonAuburnBainbridge IslandBattle GroundBellevueBellinghamBonney LakeBothellBremertonBurienCamasCentraliaCheneyCovingtonDes MoinesEdgewoodEdmondsEllensburgEnumclawEverettFederal WayFerndaleFifeGig HarborIssaquahKelsoKennewickKentKirklandLaceyLake Forest ParkLake StevensLakewoodLiberty LakeLongviewLynnwoodMaple ValleyMarysvilleMercer IslandMill CreekMoses LakeMount VernonMountlake TerraceMukilteoNewcastleOak HarborOlympiaPascoPort OrchardPort TownsendPoulsboPullmanPuyallupRedmondRentonRichlandRidgefieldSammamishSeaTacSeattleSheltonShorelineSnohomishSnoqualmieSpokaneSpokane ValleySumnerSunnysideTacomaTukwilaTumwaterUniversity PlaceVancouverWalla WallaWashougalWenatcheeWoodinvilleYakimaYelm

EntityEngine does not provide tax, financial, or legal advice. Requirements change — always verify with the issuing agency. Confirm with Washington State Department of Revenue →

Frequently Asked Questions

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