How Do I Get a Business License in Washington State?
For those wishing to open a business in Washington State, a business license is required if your grosses are more than $12,000 a year, you sell a taxable product or you plan on hiring employees within the next 90 days. The process to apply for a license takes some business preparation.
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Instructions
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Choose the type of business you plan on running. Whether it be a grocery store or a furniture store, specific types of licenses are needed for each type of business. Be sure to note which ones apply to your specific area of business, otherwise you may find yourself back at the beginning.
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Study the rules regarding the county you wish to do business in. Some counties in Washington have different rules and regulations that may have a direct effect on your licensing needs.
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Create a business plan that specifies whether or not you will be the sole proprietor or if your business will be a limited liability corporation. At the same time, decide if you will have employees.
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Fill out the Master Business Application. This is the main form you will need for your Washington business license. Three ways are available to fill and turn in your form. You can fill it out online, send it in by mail, or turn it into your local business licensing office. The application should take at the most 30 minutes to finish. You may find the business application online at the Washington Department of Licensing website (see Resources) or from your local licensing office. Office locations can be found online (see Resources).
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Pay the $15 application fee, as of 2010. You may do this online with a credit card, with a check if you send it via mail or with a check or credit card if you go in person. It may take awhile for you to receive your license after you turn in the application. The quickest rate of return comes with turning in your application online. Once you receive your Master Business License, you will also receive your Unified Business Identifier (UBI). This nine-digit number is your business license number and is needed for all business-related matters with the state.
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Check and be sure that you do not need other licenses or permits to run your business. The Department of Licensing has numerous guides that help business owners in finding the proper licenses needed.
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