Starting a business in Washington? One of the most common points of confusion is understanding the difference between forming your business and getting the licenses you need to operate it.
If you’re creating a formal business entity such as an LLC, corporation, limited partnership, or nonprofit corporation, you’ll first need to register your business with the Washington Secretary of State. This process legally creates your business entity and establishes it as a separate legal organization.
Once your entity is formed, you’ll typically need to apply for a Washington Business License through the Washington Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor, you may not need to register with the Secretary of State, but you may still need a Washington Business License and other required permits.
Think of it this way: forming your business creates the company, while business licenses and permits give you permission to legally operate it.
Who Needs a Washington Business License?
Most businesses operating in Washington are required to register through the Business Licensing Service if they:
- Earn $12,000 or more in annual gross income
- Hire employees
- Collect sales tax
- Operate under a trade name (DBA)
- Need state or local endorsements or permits
- Purchase an existing business
- Register an out of state business that will conduct business in Washington
When you purchase our Registered Agent service or Business Formation service, you will have the option to add our Business License Research service. Our licensing specialists research your business activities, industry, and location to determine which licenses, permits, and registrations may be required for your business. Instead of spending hours navigating state, county, and local requirements on your own, you’ll receive a customized report outlining the licenses you may need and where to obtain them.
The best part? Our Business License Research is free if you opt in with your Registered Agent Service or Business Formation Service. Just check the box next to “Business License Research” when you sign up, and we’ll start tracking down which licenses you need.
What Else Does Your Business Need?
Many business owners are surprised to learn that obtaining a Washington Business License is only one piece of the compliance puzzle.
Depending on your business activities and location, you may also need:
- City business licenses
- County permits
- Professional or occupational licenses
- Health permits
- Contractor registrations
- Industry-specific state licenses
- Federal licenses or registrations
Requirements can vary significantly from one business to the next, even within the same industry.
Business License Research Service
Whether you’re still deciding on an LLC or corporation, have recently formed your business, or are ready to start operating, understanding your licensing requirements can be challenging.
Our Business License Research service helps simplify the process, at no extra charge. We research your business activities, industry, and locations to identify the licenses, permits, registrations, and endorsements that may apply to your business.
You’ll receive a customized licensing report outlining the requirements at the federal, state, county, and local levels, helping you avoid missed filings and compliance issues.
Opt in to this service when you sign up for our Registered Agent service or Business Formation service by checking the box next to “Business License Service.”
Starting a business is exciting. We’ll help make sure you’re set up properly from day one, both as a legal entity and as a licensed business.