Apply for a state business license

More Information:

Washington State Business Resource Guide

• Get your customized guide sheet with the Business Licensing Wizard
• Regulatory Improvement Survey
• License and Tax Information for Cities and Towns (access.wa.gov)

Opening a business? Making changes to an existing business? You'll probably need to file a Business License Application.

When to file an application

• Get a state business license or Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number.
• Get a new city license or specialty license (such as a liquor license).
• Change ownership of a business.
• Change business locations or add a new location.
• Register or change a trade name.
• Hire employees (including minors and workers in the home).
• Change your unemployment insurance or industrial insurance coverage.
  

If your business structure will be one of the following, you must file with the Washington Secretary of State before filing the Business License Application:

• Washington (Domestic) Corporation
• Washington (Domestic) Partnership
• Washington (Domestic) Liability Company
• Washington (Domestic) Limited Liability Partnership

Apply online- Processed within 10 business days

1. Log in to My DOR. If you don’t have a user ID, click Sign up.
2. After you log in, click Get Started next to Business Licensing.
3. Click File New Business License Application in the I want to ...menu. Follow the prompts to complete your application.



You can pay using an E-check (no fee) or a major credit card (2.5 percent processing fee).

Learn more about using My DOR.

Apply by mail - Processed within six weeks

1. Complete theBusiness License Application and any supplemental forms. To find out which supplemental forms you'll need, see the Business Licensing Wizard.
2. Mail your completed application, supplemental forms, and payment for fees to the address on the form.

See also:

• State tax registration
• Add or change trade names
• Add employees
• Minor work permit
• What are my next steps?