How to Get a Business License in Washington State

There are many different types of businesses, and each one is required to have a license in order to operate legally in Washington State. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain the proper business license for your company.

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Introduction

businesses operating in Washington State must have a Business License. You can get your business license from the Department of Revenue or the Business Licensing Service. The cost of a business license depends on the type of business you have and the location of your business. You can find more information on how to get a business license in Washington State here.

Step One: Determine if You Need a Business License

The first step in getting a business license in Washington State is to determine if you need one. If you will be operating your business as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you generally will not need to obtain a business license, unless your business falls under a specific category that requires one. These categories include:

-Sales of intoxicating liquor
-Auto dealer
-Pawnbroker
-Game farm
-Logging
-Pollution control

Step Two: Register Your Business with the State

After you have chosen your business structure and obtained any necessary permits, you will need to register your business with the state of Washington. You can do this online through the state’s Business Licensing Service.

To register your business, you will need to provide:
-The business name
-The business address
-The names of the owners, officers, and directors
-The type of business activity
-The date the business started or will start
-The Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the business

You will also need to pay a filing fee. The fee is based on the type of business you are registering. After you have submitted your information and payment, the state will issue you a Business License Certificate.

Step Three: Get a Business License from the County

The third step to getting your business license in Washington State is to get a business license from the county. Depending on the county, you may be able to apply for your business license online. If not, you will need to visit the county office and apply in person.

When you apply for your business license, you will need to provide some basic information about your business, such as the business name, address, and type of business. You will also need to pay a fee. The fee for a Washington State Business License is $30.

Step Four: Get a Business License from the City

After you have your business license from the state, you will need to get a business license from the city in which your business is located. The city will have its own process and fee for getting a business license. In some cities, you can get your business license online, while in others you will need to go to city hall or another government office to apply for and pick up your license.

Be sure to check with the city in which your business is located to find out what the requirements are for getting a business license. Once you have all of the necessary paperwork and fees, you will be ready to start operating your business in Washington state!

Step Five: Get a Specialty License

The final step to getting your business license in Washington State is to obtain any specialty licenses that may be required for your particular business. Specialty licenses are those that are specific to the type of business you are running, and they vary widely in both cost and complexity.

There are three main types of specialty licenses: professional licenses, trade licenses, and regulatory licenses. Professional licenses are required for businesses that provide certain services, such as legal or medical services. Trade licenses are required for businesses that engage in certain trades, such as construction or auto repair. Regulatory licenses are required for businesses that sell certain products, such as alcohol or firearms.

The best way to find out if you need a specialty license for your business is to contact the Small Business Administration (SBA) at (800) U-ASK-SBA. The SBA can help you determine which licenses you need and how to obtain them.

Step Six: Get a Reseller Permit

If you plan to sell any taxable products in Washington State, you will need to get a reseller permit. This permit allows you to buy products from wholesalers without paying sales tax. To get a reseller permit, you must first register your business with the Department of Revenue. You can register online, by mail, or in person.

Once you have registered your business, you can apply for a reseller permit online, by mail, or in person. To apply online, log in to your My DOR account and select “Apply for a License.” If you do not have a My DOR account, you can create one for free.

If you prefer to apply by mail or in person, you can download an application form from the Department of Revenue website. Once you have completed the form, submit it to the address listed on the form.

Step Seven: Get a License to Sell Alcohol

In order to sell alcohol in Washington State, you will need to obtain a license from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). The type of license you will need depends on the type of business you are operating. For example, if you are operating a restaurant, you will need a different license than if you are operating a grocery store.

There are three basic types of alcohol licenses in Washington State:
-Retailer licenses, which allow businesses to sell alcohol to consumers for off-premises consumption
-Server licenses, which allow businesses to sell alcohol to customers for on-premises consumption
-Manufacturer licenses, which allow businesses to produce alcohol

Step Eight: Get a License to Sell Tobacco

If your business will be selling tobacco products, you must get a license from the Washington State Department of Revenue. You can get this license by mail or online.

To get the license online, go to the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service website and select “Tobacco Products Retailer License.” If you are not already registered with the site, you will need to create an account.

Once you have registered and logged in, follow the instructions to complete and submit the online application. You will be asked to provide information about your business, such as the business address, mailing address, and owner information. You will also be asked to provide a description of your business activity.

After you have submitted the online application, you will be prompted to pay the $100 licensing fee with a credit or debit card. Once payment has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation and your license will be mailed to you within 5-7 business days.

Conclusion

Washington state offers a few different types of business licenses, depending on the type of business you plan to operate. If you’re not sure which license is right for your business, you can contact the Business Licensing Service at 1-800-451-7985.

To get started, you’ll need to submit an application and pay the required fees. Once your application is approved, you’ll be issued a business license. You must renew your license every year, and you may need to update your information if your business changes.

If you have any questions about getting a business license in Washington state, feel free to contact us for help.