Requirements and fees
The city of Lakewood 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.
Note: The Starlite Market Place located at 8327 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98499 will be closed effective May 31, 2019. City licenses will continue to be issued for vendors up until that date, and the city will not refund these licenses.
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.
If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Lakewood Municipal Code 18A.70.250. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.
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:
|
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
|
$0 through $2,000 |
No license required |
|
Above $2,000 |
$60 |
Your business may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the city directly.
Apply for a city license
| State tax registration | $0 |
| Registering your business name as a trade name | $5 |
| Business license application fee | Variable fee |
Online
Online assistance
Setting up your business licensing and tax account
How to add a city license endorsement
By mail
Complete the following and mail to:
Business Licensing Service
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
Business License Application and City Addendum