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Starting October 1: Some business services are now subject to retail sales tax, as required by state law, ESSB 5814. When you buy these services, vendors should add sales tax to your bill. If you sell these services, you should begin collecting retail sales tax. Learn more about Services newly subject to retail sales tax.
Registrations and filings required for businesses - Department of Licensing
- Appraisal Management Company License
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Purpose
To allow an appraisal management company to contract with Washington appraisers for appraisal services in Washington State.
How to submit
Create an account and apply online OR submit a completed application, fees and any required attachments to the address provided on the form.
Appraisal Management Company Application
Appraisal Management Company $100,000 Surety Bond
Appraisal Management Company Owner Registration
How to get your license: Appraisal management companiesProcessing time
Up to 30 business days from date received.
Fees
$2,200 - New license non refundable fee
$600 - License renewal non refundable feeLicense renewals
License valid for one year.
- Auction Company License
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Purpose
To allow a business to manage, arrange, and sponsor the sale of goods and/or real estate at auction.
How to submit
Create an account and apply online OR submit a completed application, fees, and any required attachments to the address provided on the form.
Processing time
Up to 14 business days from date received.
Fees
$55
License renewals
License valid for one year.
- Authority to Operate a Cemetery
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Purpose
To authorize a business to operate a cemetery.
How to submit
- Contact the city or county where the property is located to see if it can be used as a cemetery.
- Dedicate the cemetery property.
- Be sure you’ve met all the requirements for the operating corporation and endowment care fund.
- File a business license application to get a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Department of Revenue.
- Create an account and apply online or complete an Authority to Operate a Cemetery Application. You must include your UBI number on the application. The application must be completed by the corporation. Be sure to provide all the required supporting documents.
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Mail all of the following to the address on the application form:
- Your completed application and attachments.
- A check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing).
Processing time
Up to 10 business days from date received.
Fees
$300 - Certificate of Authority to Operate
$6.20 per burial performed during the previous year - Certificate of Authority RenewalLicense renewals
License valid for one year.
- Employment Directory Services License
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Purpose
To allow any for-profit business that only provides written or verbal lists of employers, and doesn't include specified positions to operate in Washington state.
How to submit
Contact 360-664-1530 for application instructions.
Employment Agency, Branch Office, or Listing/Directory Service License Application
How to get your license: Employment directory servicesProcessing time
Up to 15 business days from date received.
Fees
License renewals
Yes - Valid for one year.
The license is available through Business Licensing Service.
- Miscellaneous Vehicle Dealer Subagency License
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Purpose
To allow a miscellaneous vehicle dealer to sell miscellaneous vehicles at more than one location.
Processing time
Up to 40 business days from date received.
Fees
$100 - Per location
$44.75 - Each motorcycle dealer license plate
$50.75 - Each miscellaneous vehicle dealer license plateLicense renewals
The license is available through Business Licensing Service.
- Motor Vehicle Dealer Temporary Subagency License
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Purpose
To allow a motor vehicle dealer to sell vehicles at more than one location.
How to submit
Fill in the Dealer Temporary Sub-agency License Application; submit with fee directly to Department of Licensing.
Processing time
Up to 45 business days from date received.
Fees
$100 - Per temporary subagency location
License renewals
None. These temporary licenses are issued for specific vehicle "shows" (e.g. at malls, etc.) and are valid only for that specific show.
- Private Security Guard Company
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Purpose
To allow a business to provide security guard services on contract in Washington State.
How to submit
Create an account and apply online OR submit a completed application, fees, and any required attachments to the address provided on the form.
Processing time
Up to 60 business days from date received.
Fees
$330 - Private security guard company license
$91 - Unarmed private security guard licenseLicense renewals
Valid for one year.
- Registered Professional Design Firm Certificate of Authorization
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Purpose
To allow a business to offer and provide architectural services in Washington state.
How to submit
Corporations, LLCs, and LPs must register with the Secretary of State before applying for a license. Apply online or submit a completed application, fees, and any required attachments to the address provided on the form.
Architect Firm Addendum
How to get your license: Architect Firm LicenseProcessing time
Up to 10 business days from date received.
Fees
$284.50 - Certificate of authorization
$145.50 - RenewalLicense renewals
License is valid for one year.
The license is available through Business Licensing Service.
- Theatrical Wrestling School
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Purpose
Allows a facility that offers training in theatrical wrestling, where 80 percent of the participants are amateurs, to hold wrestling shows for training purposes only at the facility location and a limited number of shows at an off-site location where an admission fee is charged.
How to submit
Create an account and apply online OR submit a completed application, fee and any required attachments to the address provided on the form.
Forms: Boxing, wrestling, and martial arts
Theatrical Wrestling School License Application
Theatrical Wrestling SchoolProcessing time
Up to 14 business days from date received.
Fees
$500 - Initial application
License renewals
License is valid for one year.
