Opening a business in Washington State: state licenses, permits and registrations
The 4 state-level filings in Washington State, and full guides for 2 cities there. The fixed government fees add up to about $610 and 2 fees are set by the space or the business.
Fees and timelines at a glance
| Filing | Agency | Government fee | How long | Renews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLC formation | Washington Secretary of State, Corporations | Varies | Not listed | Not listed |
| Washington business license (state tax registration) | Washington Department of Revenue, Business Licensing Service | Varies | About 10 business days; city or state endorsements can add another 2 to 3 weeks. | Every year, before the date printed on the license, when it carries endorsements. |
| Food worker cards for staff | Washington State Department of Health, with local health departments | $10 | Not listed | The first card is valid 2 years; renewals 3 years, or 5 with extra food safety training. |
| Beer and/or wine restaurant license | Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board | $600 | Not listed | Every year. |
City guides in Washington State
Every filing links to the agency's own page, and every fact comes from an official form or agency page. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file. How we source and check these guides
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Get the plan for your exact address
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders