Starting a Business in Washington Cities
City-level guides to starting a business and getting a business license in 11 Washington cities.
New to this? Start with the Washington business formation guide, then come back for the specifics.
City Business Licenses
Seattle Business License 2026: $73 to $3,210 License, 0.342% and 0.658% B&O Over $2 Million and What JumpStart CoversWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Bellevue WA Business License: One-Time $119 Registration, 0.1596% B&O Above $215,000 and the Square-Foot TaxWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish and Bothell Business Licenses: No B&O, Per-Employee Fees From $15 to $5,358Who issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →South King County Business Licenses: Renton, Kent, Tukwila, SeaTac, Burien, Auburn and Federal Way ComparedWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Tacoma Business License: $37 to $2,000 by Income, 0.4% Services B&O, Residential Business and Food Truck RulesWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Spokane Business License: $131 Plus $10 to $20 per Employee, the 200 Square Foot Home Rule and No City B&OWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Vancouver WA Business License: $53 or $347 Plus $165 per Employee and the New 0.1% Retail B&O From 2026Who issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Kennewick, Pasco, Richland and West Richland Business Licenses: Four Different Per-Employee Formulas ComparedWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Bellingham Business License: One-Time $40 That Never Renews, 0.44% Services B&O and the 270-Day Rental RuleWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Yakima Business License: $45 Plus $15 per Employee, the Downtown Assessment and Why a City License Does Not Cover the Health PermitWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Chelan County Business Licenses and the Short-Term Rental Caps in Washington's Tourist ValleyWho issues it, what it costs, how to applyRead the guide →