Requirements and fees
The city of Lynnwood 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.
License fee is determined by the number of employees who work within the city limits of Lynnwood.
Method for calculating employees
Count the number of part-time and full-time employees separately and multiply each number by their respective fees.
Employee definition: Any individual person employed at any business enterprise who performs any part of his duties within the city, except casual laborers not employed in the usual course of business. A sole proprietor is not an "employee." All officers, agents, dealers, franchises, etc., of a corporation or business trust, and all but one partner of partnership (except limited partners), are "employees" within the definition.
Origination fee:
License fee: |
$125 |
Employee fee: |
$48.50 fee per part-time employee (14 or less hours per week |
Renewal fee:
License fee: |
$100 |
Employee fee: |
$48.50 fee per part-time employee (14 or less hours per week |
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
If your business is in a residence within the city, you must comply with Lynnwood Municipal Code 5.06.090. For more information on home occupation requirements, contact the city directly.
Origination fee: $30
Renewal fee: $30
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:
Origination fee:
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
$0 through $2,000 |
No license required |
Above $2,000 |
$125 |
Renewal fee:
Reported gross annual income |
License fee |
$0 through $2,000 |
No license required |
Above $2,000 |
$100 |
Businesses may be exempt from the city licensing fee if they comply with Lynnwood Municipal Code 5.04.050. The business will apply for a General Business license; the city will review the application to determine if your location qualifies for a Fee-exempt license. It will be up to the city to refund any extra general business fees upon approval.
Businesses exempt from city licensing
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 |
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 Addendum
Business Licensing Service
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034