Port Townsend city endorsement

Requirements and fees

General business license
Variable

The city of Port Townsend requires a license for all businesses located within city limits, or conducting business within city limits. If you are not sure if you will do business within the city limits, contact the city directly before you apply.

If you will have more than one business located on a single property, you must complete a separate application for each business.

Fees are based on either the previous year’s gross receipts (minus deductions allowed under the Port Townsend Municipal Code 5.04A.100) or on the business’s estimated gross receipts for the license year earned within the city limits of Port Townsend.

Origination fee:

Reported gross annual income License fee
$0 through $19,999 $33
Above $19,999 through $99,999 $78
Above $99,999 + $78

Fees include a one-time $3 records retention fee for new business applications.

Renewal fee:

Reported gross annual income License fee
$0 through $19,999 $30
Above $19,999 through $99,999 $75
Above $99,999 + $75
Nonprofit businesses
$0

If you are a nonprofit business, you may be exempt from city fees. To qualify you must submit a copy of your business’ IRS 501(c) certificate with your application.

Origination fee: $0

Renewal fee:  $0

Home businesses

If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Port Townsend Municipal Code 17.56. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.

Non-resident businesses
Variable

If your business is physically located outside city limits, but conducts business within city limits, your license fee is determined by gross annual income earned within this city’s limits:

Fees are based on either the previous year’s gross receipts (minus deductions allowed under the Port Townsend Municipal Code 5.04A.100) or on the business’s estimated gross receipts for the license year earned within the city limits of Port Townsend.

Origination fee:

Reported gross annual income License fee
$0 through $2,000 $0
Above $2,000 through $19,999 $33
Above $19,999 through $99,999 $78
Above $99,999 + $78

Fees include a one-time $3 records retention fee for new business applications.

Renewal fee:

Reported gross annual income License fee
$0 through $2,000 $0
Above $2,000 through $19,999 $30
Above $19,999 through $99,999 $75
Above $99,999 + $75
Businesses exempt from city licensing

Your business may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the city directly.

Average approval time

City approval time not available. Contact the city directly for more information.

Apply for a city license

State tax registration $0
Registering your business name as a trade name $5
Business license application fee Variable

Online

Need help?
Setting up your business licensing and tax account
How to add a city license endorsement


By mail

Complete the following and mail to:

Business License Application and City and County Addendum

Business Licensing Service
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034