Business License Cost in Washington (2026): $90/year
Washington State Business License. Local fees $0–$110/year. 1–3 business days to process.
Washington State requires a Business License from the Department of Revenue, renewed annually at $90 as the base fee. Most cities add their own Business License Endorsement fees — Seattle charges $110/year for businesses with $20K+ in gross receipts. Washington has no personal income tax. The state's Business Licensing Service at secure.lni.wa.gov handles most licenses in one application.
State License Fee
$90
per year
Local License Fee
$0–$110
city/county, per year
Processing Time
1+
business days
Washington Business License: Key Facts
| License Name | Washington State Business License |
| Issued By | Washington secretary of state |
| State Fee | $90 |
| Local Fee Range | $0–$110/year |
| Renewal | Annual |
| Processing Time | 1–3 business days |
| State Income Tax | No state income tax |
What You Need to Apply
Before applying for a business license in Washington, have these ready:
- ✓ Business name and structure — whether you're a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation changes which forms you file
- ✓ EIN (Employer Identification Number) — free from IRS.gov, required for most licenses
- ✓ Business address — physical location in Washington or a registered agent address
- ✓ Business description and NAICS code — the license fee may depend on your business category
- ✓ Payment method — credit card or check for the license fee
Washington-Specific Licensing Note
Washington requires a state Business License through the Master License Service. The base fee is $90/year. Many cities add endorsement fees. No state income tax.
Also Starting a Washington LLC?
Forming a Washington LLC costs $200 in state filing fees and takes 1–2 business days. Business licenses and LLC formation are separate — you'll need both to legally operate.
How to Form a Washington LLC →Professional and Industry-Specific Licenses
A general business license isn't the only license you may need. Most regulated professions require separate state-issued licenses regardless of your general business license status:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a business license cost in Washington?
Washington State requires a Business License from the Department of Revenue, renewed annually at $90 as the base fee. Most cities add their own Business License Endorsement fees — Seattle charges $110/year for businesses with $20K+ in gross receipts. Washington has no personal income tax. The state's Business Licensing Service at secure.lni.wa.gov handles most licenses in one application.
Do I need a business license in Washington?
Yes. Washington requires businesses to obtain a Washington State Business License before operating. Washington requires a state Business License through the Master License Service. The base fee is $90/year. Many cities add endorsement fees. No state income tax.
How do I get a business license in Washington?
Apply for a Washington State Business License through the Washington Secretary of State / Department of Revenue. Processing takes 1–3 business days in most cases. You'll need your business name, entity type, EIN, and physical address before applying.
What is the difference between a business license and an LLC in Washington?
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a legal business structure registered with the Secretary of State — it gives you liability protection and separates personal and business assets, costing $200 in Washington. A business license is an operating permit from your state or local government that allows you to legally conduct business in that jurisdiction. Most small business owners need both.
Plan Your Business Costs
Business licenses are one piece of your startup budget. Use these calculators to plan the rest:
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