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Washington LLC · Step 7 of 8 · Check current official instructions

Washington LLC Business License & Permits (2026)

Washington Business License requirements depend on DOR registration triggers and your activities. Check processing fees, endorsements and local approvals separately.

Ahmad AdilWritten by Ahmad Adil, LLC School · Check current official instructions
WA BUSINESS LICENSES
Quick Answer

Apply through My DOR when a DOR trigger applies: required city/state endorsement, use of a name other than the full legal name, hiring within 90 days, taxable sales/services, annual gross income of $12,000 or more, another DOR tax/fee obligation, or specialty-wood buying/processing. Form the LLC with the SOS first. The application is separate from local/activity approvals and does not by itself establish exemption from B&O reporting. The nonrefundable application processing fee is $50 to open/reopen the first business location, $10 for other purposes not separately listed, or $5 for an endorsement renewal. Adding a location or a city nonresident endorsement to an existing location has a $0 processing fee. Applicable endorsement/trade-name charges are additional.

Step 7 — Fast Facts
Statewide Business License
DOR triggers determine requirement
Where
WA Dept. of Revenue
Sets up B&O tax account?
Yes — same registration
State sales tax rate
6.5% + local
Combined average rate
Use actual item/destination rate
Separate local city license
Required by many cities
Your Washington LLC — 8 Steps
0Overview1Name Search2Registered Agent3Certificate of Formation4Operating Agreement5EIN Number6Annual Report7Business Licenses8LLC Taxes

The Statewide Business License

Apply through My DOR when a DOR trigger applies: required city/state endorsement, use of a name other than the full legal name, hiring within 90 days, taxable sales/services, annual gross income of $12,000 or more, another DOR tax/fee obligation, or specialty-wood buying/processing. Form the LLC with the SOS first. The application is separate from local/activity approvals and does not by itself establish exemption from B&O reporting.

Find Your Likely Stack

Washington License Finder

Business type · your likely license & registration stack

Educational estimate — requirements vary by city and industry. Confirm with the Department of Revenue and your local city clerk.

Local City Licenses (Layered on Top)

Many Washington cities — including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Bellingham, and others — require their own separate local business license, in addition to the statewide license. Some of these cities also impose their own local B&O tax, entirely separate from the state B&O tax, with different rates and thresholds. If you're operating in or near one of Washington's larger cities, budget time to check that city's specific requirements directly — don't assume the statewide license covers everything.

Sales Tax Collection

  • State rate — 6.5%: bundled into your Business License application if you're selling taxable goods.
  • Local add-ons: push the combined average to around 9.37%, among the higher combined rates nationally.
  • Economic nexus: $100,000 in gross Washington receipts triggers registration requirements for remote sellers — the same threshold that applies to B&O tax nexus.

Check the state registration criteria, required endorsements, city licensing and any separate city B&O obligation. The nonrefundable application processing fee is $50 to open/reopen the first business location, $10 for other purposes not separately listed, or $5 for an endorsement renewal. Adding a location or a city nonresident endorsement to an existing location has a $0 processing fee. Applicable endorsement/trade-name charges are additional.

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Final Step · Step 8 of 8
Master Washington LLC Taxes
No income tax, but the real B&O gross receipts tax.
Step 8: Taxes

Registration criteria and processing fees

Apply through My DOR when a DOR trigger applies: required city/state endorsement, use of a name other than the full legal name, hiring within 90 days, taxable sales/services, annual gross income of $12,000 or more, another DOR tax/fee obligation, or specialty-wood buying/processing. Form the LLC with the SOS first. The application is separate from local/activity approvals and does not by itself establish exemption from B&O reporting. The nonrefundable application processing fee is $50 to open/reopen the first business location, $10 for other purposes not separately listed, or $5 for an endorsement renewal. Adding a location or a city nonresident endorsement to an existing location has a $0 processing fee. Applicable endorsement/trade-name charges are additional. An out-of-state business without physical presence generally has economic nexus when Washington gross receipts exceed $100,000 in the current or prior calendar year. Physical presence can independently trigger obligations. Marketplace collection, direct sales, state B&O and local licensing require separate review.

Official requirements and instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington LLC — FAQ

Does Washington require a general business license?
Apply through My DOR when a DOR trigger applies: required city/state endorsement, use of a name other than the full legal name, hiring within 90 days, taxable sales/services, annual gross income of $12,000 or more, another DOR tax/fee obligation, or specialty-wood buying/processing. Form the LLC with the SOS first. The application is separate from local/activity approvals and does not by itself establish exemption from B&O reporting.
What does the Washington Business License cost?
The nonrefundable application processing fee is $50 to open/reopen the first business location, $10 for other purposes not separately listed, or $5 for an endorsement renewal. Adding a location or a city nonresident endorsement to an existing location has a $0 processing fee. Applicable endorsement/trade-name charges are additional.
Do Washington cities require their own separate business license?
Many do, yes — Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Bellingham, and other cities require their own local business license in addition to the statewide one, and some impose their own local B&O tax as well.
What sales tax does a Washington LLC collect?
The state rate is 6.5%; use the current item and destination rate for applicable local additions. A statewide average is not the customer’s collection rate.
Does the Washington Business License application include sales tax registration?
The Business License Application registers applicable tax activities. Confirm the correct sales/use-tax accounts and endorsements for the activity; registration does not establish every item is taxable.
What professions need state licenses in Washington?
Regulated fields like contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, accountants, and healthcare providers require licensing through the relevant state board. The license attaches to the activity, so verify your board's rules before operating.
Does Washington have economic nexus for remote sellers?
Yes — $100,000 in gross Washington receipts creates registration obligations for both sales tax and B&O tax purposes, even without a physical presence in the state.
Ahmad Adil, founder of LLC School
About the Author
Ahmad Adil

Ahmad Adil is the founder and CEO of LLC School. For filing and ongoing compliance, confirm the requirements with the responsible state agency. This is educational information, not legal or tax advice.

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