Business licensing

Apply for a new business license
Print a business license
Renew a business license
Print a receipt for renewal
Hire employees (adults and minors)
Add a city license endorsement
Add a state endorsement
Register a trade name
Cancel a trade name
Update owner or officer (governing people) information
Add optional coverage for owners
Add a new location
Update mailing address
Change a business location address
Close business license location
Hire domestic employees

Print a copy of a business license

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
On your Business Licensing and Tax Home page, select the Accounts tab.
Click the License link next to your business.
Under the Endorsements tab, select View Business License.
Your business license will appear in a new window. You can print your license from your web browser. Close the page to return to My DOR.

Your business license will appear in a new window. You can print your license from your web browser. Close the page to return to My DOR.

Renew a business license

You will receive a renewal notice about six weeks before your license expires. To avoid penalties, file your renewal by the expiration date. A renewal is considered filed when we receive all fees.

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
On your Business Licensing and Tax Home page, under the Alerts section, click the Renewal Due link.
If you are renewing by mail, refer to your Renewal Notice for instructions on how to request a paper form. Allow 10 business days to receive the form.
On the Location Information page, review the information, and then click Next.
Review the City License Endorsement page, and click Next.
Review the Trade Names page. You have the option of adding or canceling a trade name. Click the Next button.
On the Endorsement/Fee Overview page, review the fees and click Next.
On the Select Payment Method page, choose your payment method by clicking the appropriate button. For this example, we will select ACH Debit/E-check option. Click the Next button.
Fill in all required fields. Click the Next button.
Review the information on the Summary page. Click the Submit button.
On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation number by clicking the Print Confirmation button.
Click the OK button.
The License Renewal Due alert should be removed (cleared) from your account.

Print a receipt for a renewal

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
On your Business Licensing and Tax Home page, select the Accounts tab.
Click the License link next to your business.
Select the Submissions tab.
If your renewal has been submitted, but not processed, a link will be located under the Submitted section. If your renewal has been processed, the link will be located under the Processed section. Click the YYYY: License Renewal link.
In the I want to menu, click Print Submission.
The renewal receipt will open in a new browser window. Use your browser menu to print a copy.

Hire employees (adults and minors)

If you want to hire employees for your business for the first time, you must apply and pay the appropriate fees. Learn more about hiring employees and minor work permits.

If you are already an employer and plan to hire more employees at the same location, you do NOT need to apply with us again. However, you must report newly hired employees to the Dept. of Social and Health Services within 20 days of hire. You can report online at New Hire Reporting.

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, in the Business Licensing section, click Renew or update your business license.
If you have:
1. One business, skip to step 5.
2. More than one business:
  1. On the Select Customer page, select the business where you want to hire employees, and then click Next.
  2. On the Select Account page, select the license account, and then click Confirm.
On your License Account page, in the I Want To menu, click the Add Employees/Minors link.
On the Online Business License Application page, verify that a check mark appears next to Hire employees within 90 days in the Purpose of Application section. Click Next.
Enter the Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN) for the business if you have it.
If you would like language assistance with any follow-up communications from other Washington State agencies, answer Yes, and select your language.
Select Next to continue.
Additional information requirements will display based on your ownership structure. Fill in all required fields, and then click Next.
On the Optional Coverage page, answer the questions about workers’ compensation coverage, and then click Next.
On the Hire Employees page:
•  Enter the first date of employment (or estimate if unknown) for the first employee. The quickest way is to key in the date using either the DD/MM/YYYY or DD-MM-YYYY format. You can also select the date from the calendar.
•  Enter the date that the first wages to an employee will be paid. The quickest way is to key in the date using either the DD/MM/YYYY or DD-MM-YYYY format.
•  Enter the number of employees that you plan to hire.
•  Enter the estimated number of hours that all employees will work in a three-month period. You can multiple the number of employees by 480 hours to get the total estimated hours for employees working 40 hours per week.
•  Describe the primary job responsibilities and duties of the employees.
•  Click Next to continue.
On the Hire Minors page, answer whether you will be hiring minors.
• If yes, then you’ll be presented with additional questions. Complete the requested information and click Next to continue.
• If no, click Next to continue.
On the Contractor Information page, answer whether you will be hiring any independent contractors. Learn more about the difference between independent contractors and employees.
Click Next to continue.
Review the total fees, and then click Next.
Choose your preferred payment type:
• If you choose ACH Debit/E-Check, bank account information is shown. Enter information in all required fields. Click the Submit button.
• If you choose Credit Card, credit card information is shown. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Credit Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
Confirm the amount by entering your payment amount in the Confirm Amount field. Click the Next button.
On the Summary page, review the information and click the Submit button.
On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation number by clicking the Print Confirmation button.
Click the OK button.

Add a city license endorsement

If you are traveling to conduct business in another city, you most likely will need a city endorsement (license). We process applications for many cities in Washington. If your city is one of our partners, you can add a city endorsement to your business license.

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
From the Business Licensing and Tax Home page, select the Accounts tab.
Click the License link next to your business.
Select the Endorsements tab.
On the Endorsements tab, select the Add New Endorsements link.
On the Online Business License Application page, verify that a check mark appears next to Add city endorsements in the Purpose of Application section. Click Next.
Enter the Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN) for the business if you have it.
If you would like language assistance with any follow-up communications from other Washington State agencies, answer Yes, and select your language.
Select Next to continue.
Select Yes to review the list of available cities. If a city is not listed, you must contact them directly to determine their licensing requirements.
Check each city where you will be doing business. If a city is not listed, you will need to follow up with them directly.
Click Next to continue.
For each city, answer the requested information including first date of business, estimated gross revenue, and number of employees.
Click Next to continue.
Answer whether you are applying for a nonprofit city license in any of the cities that are traveling to conduct business.
If Yes, upload a copy of the IRS tax exemption certificate for your business. Click Next to continue.
If No, click Next to continue.
Answer Yes or No to the required questions.
If you answer Yes to some of the questions, additional rows may display requesting more information.
Click Next to continue.
Review the total fees, and then click Next.
Choose your preferred payment type:
• If you choose ACH Debit/E-Check, bank account information is shown. Enter information in all required fields. Click the Submit button.
• If you choose Credit Card, credit card information is shown. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Credit Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
Confirm the amount by entering your payment amount in the Confirm Amount field. Click the Next button.
On the Summary page, review the information and click the Submit button.
On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation number by clicking the Print Confirmation button.
Click the OK button.

Add a state endorsement

Based on your business activity, you may need additional state endorsements (specialty endorsements) on your business license.
Learn more about state endorsements and fees

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
From the Business Licensing and Tax Home page, select the Accounts tab.
Click the License link next to your business.
Select the Endorsements tab.
On the Endorsements tab, select the Add New Endorsements link.
On the Online Business License Application page, verify that a check mark appears next to Add state endorsements in the Purpose of Application section. Click Next.
Enter the Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN) for the business if you have it.
If you would like language assistance with any follow-up communications from other Washington State agencies, answer Yes, and select your language.
Select Next to continue.
Check the box next to the state endorsement(s) and click Next.
Based on your selection, you will be presented with the specific endorsement forms. Complete the requested information.
When you have completed the state endorsement forms, review the total fees, and then click Next.
Choose your preferred payment type:
• If you choose ACH Debit/E-Check, bank account information is shown. Enter information in all required fields. Click the Submit button.
• If you choose Credit Card, credit card information is shown. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Credit Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
Confirm the amount by entering your payment amount in the Confirm Amount field. Click the Next button.
On the Summary page, review the information and click the Submit button.
On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation number by clicking the Print Confirmation button.
Click the OK button.

Register a trade name

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
On your Business Licensing and Tax Home page, select the Accounts tab.
Click the License link next to your business.
Click Names & Addresses tab.
Under the Customer Trade Names header, click the Add link.
The Trade Name application should have the Register trade name checked; make sure the information is correct. Click the Next button.
Enter the Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN) for the business if you have it.
If you need language assistance, please indicate in the box, and then click Next.
If you are changing the Primary Business Name of your business, please select Yes button, and then click Next. If you are keeping the Primary Business Name, select No, and then click Next.
Under the Register Trade Name section, enter the trade name you wish to add, and then click Next.
The Fee Amount Due will display; click the Next button.
If you would like to cancel any trade names, check the name and then click Next. If not, click Next.
Review the total fees, and then click Next.
Choose your preferred payment type:
• If you choose ACH Debit/E-Check, bank account information is shown. Enter information in all required fields. Click the Submit button.
• If you choose Credit Card, credit card information is shown. Enter your email address. Click the Enter Credit Card Information button to be redirected to a third party vendor to complete the transaction.
Confirm the amount by entering your payment amount in the Confirm Amount field. Click the Next button.
On the Summary page, review the information and click the Submit button.
On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation number by clicking the Print Confirmation button.
Click the OK button.

Cancel (Delete) a trade name

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
On your Business Licensing and Tax Home page, select the Accounts tab.
Click the License link next to your business.
Click the Names & Addresses tab.
Under the Customer Trade Names section, click Delete.
Select the Trade Name you would like to delete, click Submit.
Once you have your confirmation number, click the OK button.

Update owner (governing people) information

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get Started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
From your My DOR Business Licensing and Taxes Home page, in the I want to menu, select + View more.
On the More Options page, scroll down to the Manage Business Licenses section and click Governing People.
Select your business and click the Confirm button.
On the Governing People page, click the person’s name you want to update an existing governing person or click Add a Governing Person.
In the Add Governing Person window, enter or update the person’s information.
Click the OK or the Add button when completed.
The Governing People page now includes the updated information. Click the Next button.
On the Summary page, click the Submit button.
On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation number by clicking the Print Confirmation (This Page) button.
Click the OK button.

Add optional coverage for owners

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
From your My DOR Business Licensing and Taxes Home page, in the I want to menu, select + View more.
On the More Options page, scroll down to the Manage Business Licenses section and click Add optional coverage.
Select the business or enter the UBI if your business is not listed. Click Next to continue.
Select the business location and click Next to continue.
Verify that you want to add optional coverage for owners. If you want to make additional updates to your business license, you can check those options on this page. Click Confirm to continue.
Review your selections and click Next to continue.
Enter the Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN) for the business if you have it.
If you would like language assistance with any follow-up communications from other Washington State agencies, answer Yes, and select your language.
Select Next to continue.
Verify and add any requested information on the following screens. Based on your business structure and our data on file, you may be asked to enter or verify additional information.
On the Optional Coverage for Owners and Officers page, select Yes if want to add coverage for owners or other types of excluded employment types. The Dept. of Labor and Industries will reach out to you with additional information about the application.
Review your total fees, and then click Next. If you need to make any changes, you can use the navigation bar at the left access each section and page of the online application.
On the Select Payment Method page, choose your payment method by clicking the appropriate button. For this example, we will select the ACH Debit/E-check option. Click the Next button.
Fill in all required fields and click Next.
Review the information on the Summary page. Click the Submit button.
On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation number by clicking the Print Confirmation button.
Click the OK button.

Add a new business location

Click the Log in button.
Enter your SAW user ID and password, and click the Log in button.
On the My DOR Services page, click Get started from your Business Licensing and Tax Home.
From the Business Licensing and Tax Home page, under the I Want To menu, select Apply for or update Business License.
On the Get Started page, select Update an existing business license, and click Next.
On the Select a Business page, select the business that will be opening a new location, and then click Next.
On the Select Location page, select Open a new physical location, and then click Next.
Review the information that may be requested as part of your application to open a new location. Click Confirm.

Section 1: About your business

Answer whether the business will hire employees in the next 90 days. If you plan to hire employees after 90 days, you can come back and update this business license when you are ready.
Enter the Federal Employer Identification number (FEIN) for the business if you have it. You will need a (FEIN) to withhold taxes for any employees.
If you would like language assistance with any follow-up communications from other Washington State agencies, answer Yes, and select your language.
Select Next to continue.
Answer whether you want a separate tax return for this location. Click Next to continue.
Based on your business structure, you may be asked to verify or add owner information. After you add the requested information, click Next to continue.

Business names and registering a trade name

Enter the Doing business as name (DBA) for the business. By having a DBA name, it's possible to do business using a name other than the legal name. This name will also be searchable in the Department of Revenue’s Business Lookup tool.
Click Next to continue.
The DBA name entered will default as a trade name to register in Washington state. A trade name is any name used in the course of business that doesn’t include the full legal name of all the owners of the business.
If you would like to cancel any trade names, check the name and then click Next. If not, click Next.

Optional coverage for owners and officers

Determine whether you want to add optional insurance coverage of owners and officers. If yes, then the Department of Labor and Industries will contact you and provide more information and next steps to apply.
Click Next to continue.

Section 2: Location

Physical Business and Mailing Address

Answer whether the business location is the same as the home address.
• If Yes, the home address will auto-populate.
• If No, enter the business location. This cannot be a PO Box or private mailbox (PMB). You must select the Verify button to confirm the address.
Click Next to continue.
Answer whether the mailing address for this business is the same as the business location (physical address).
• If Yes, the business location address will auto-populate.
• If No, enter the mailing business location. You must select the Verify button to confirm the address.
Click Next to continue.

Business information

Enter the first date of business in Washington. The quickest way is to key in the date using either the DD/MM/YYYY or DD-MM-YYYY format. You can also select the date from the calendar.
Select the range that best estimates the gross annual income in Washington. Gross annual income represents the amount of money the business will earn in one year from all sources before taxes.
Enter the Business contact phone number and email address.
Click Next to continue.

Additional business questions

This page includes questions about any relationship to a previous or existing business.

Answer Yes or No to the required questions.
If you answer Yes to any of the questions, additional rows will display requesting more information.
If you know the bank name and branch for your business, please enter in the Bank name and Bank Branch fields.
Click Next to continue.

City selection/additional locations

Answer whether you will you be traveling to other cities in Washington (other than your primary business location). Home cleaning, landscaping, and construction contractors are common examples of businesses that may travel to offer services or products in additional cities.

If Yes, you most likely will need a city license endorsement for each city. You may be able to apply online for a city license with this application. City licenses available with this application display after you select yes. If a city is not listed, you must contact them directly to determine their licensing requirements.

Check each city where you will be doing business. If a city is not listed, you will need to follow up with them directly.
Click Next to continue.
For each city, answer the requested information including first date of business, estimated gross revenue, and number of employees.
Click Next to continue.

If No, click Next to continue. Skip to Physical location questions.

Nonprofit city license

Answer whether you are applying for a nonprofit city license in any of the cities that are traveling to conduct business.

If Yes, upload a copy of the IRS tax exemption certificate for your business. Click Next to continue.
If No, click Next to continue.

Additional city questions

Answer Yes or No to the required questions.
If you answer Yes to some of the questions, additional rows may display requesting more information.
Click Next to continue.

Physical location questions

For many cities in Washington State, you can apply for a city license as part of state business license application.

If the city license where your business is located is not available through our application, you will need to follow-up with them directly. Your business license application will skip these pages and go directly to the Business Activity section.

If you can apply for a city license as part of this application, you will be presented with questions about the physical location of your business. These questions are specific to the city where your business is physically located. Be prepared to answer questions about the first date of business in the location, estimated annual revenue, and whether this location will have employees. You will also be presented with questions about the characteristics of the property, including automated smoke detection and alarm monitoring services.

When you have completed each page of questions, click Next to continue.

Business activity

Depending on your business activities, there may be additional state (specialty) endorsements required with your business license. By selecting the description(s) that best describes your business activities, we can help determine if there are additional state endorsements needed. State endorsement information will appear later in the application.

Type the keyword or words that best describes the primary business activity or activities for this business in Washington state and press ENTER.
Select the description(s) that best match your keywords (click the word Select next to the description). Selected descriptions will appear to the right of the description box. If you cannot find a match based on your keyword, check None of the activities listed above describes the business.
Click Next to continue.
Check the category or categories for your business activity. This information is required as part of the tax registration for this business.
If you want to share additional information regarding the activities or services of your business, select Yes when asked. You may be required to add this information if you indicated that none of the descriptions in the keyword search matched the primary activities of your business.
Click Next to continue.

Section 3: Hiring employees

If you answered that the business intends to hire employees (adults and/or minors), you will be presented with additional questions in this section. By completing this Business License application, you will be registered for workers’ compensation at the Department of Labor and Industries and unemployment insurance at the Employment Security Department.

Be prepared to enter the following information:

Enter the first date of employment (or estimate if unknown) for the first employee. The quickest way is to key in the date using either the DD/MM/YYYY or DD-MM-YYYY format. You can also select the date from the calendar.
Enter the date that the first wages to an employee will be paid. The quickest way is to key in the date using either the DD/MM/YYYY or DD-MM-YYYY format.
Enter the number of employees that you plan to hire.
Enter the estimated number of hours that all employees will work in a three-month period. You can multiple the number of employees by 480 hours to get the total estimated hours for employees working 40 hours per week.
Describe the primary job responsibilities and duties of the employees.
Click Next to continue.
Answer whether you will be hiring minors.
• If Yes, then you’ll be presented with additional questions. Complete the requested information and click Next to continue.
• If No, click Next to continue.
Answer whether you will be hiring any independent contractors. Learn more about the difference between independent contractors and employees.
Click Next to continue.

Section 4: State endorsements

Based on the activities you selected, your business may need additional state endorsements (specialty endorsements) on the business license. Additional state endorsement forms that you can complete with the online business license application will be presented in this section.

Learn more about state endorsements and fees

Section 5: Review and pay

Review your total fees, and then click Next. If you need to make any changes, you can use the navigation bar at the left access each section and page of the online application.
On the Select Payment Method page, choose your payment method by clicking the appropriate button. For this example, we will select the ACH Debit/E-check option. Click the Next button.
Fill in all required fields and click Next.
Review the information on the Summary page. Click the Submit button.
On the Confirmation page, you can print your confirmation number by clicking the Print Confirmation button.
Click the OK button.

Business Relief During COVID-19 Pandemic