Business Licensing
Requirements
All persons/businesses who engage in any business within city limits must obtain a State of Washington and City of Port Townsend business license prior to commencing business activities.
Applying for a Business License
The City has partnered with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) Business Licensing Service (BLS) to provide business license services for the City. Businesses can apply for a City business license when they apply with the State for their State Unified Business Identification (UBI) number. You must have a State of Washington business license to obtain a City of Port Townsend business license.
- Search for a business license
- Renew your business license
- Apply for a Washington State business license.
You will be redirected to the DOR online Business Licensing Service. In order to access the system, you will be required to log on or create a user ID to proceed with the application process. If you are doing business within Port Townsend city limits, you can add the City license when applying for the State license.
- Add a Port Townsend business license
You must already have an active Washington State Business License in order to proceed with this process. After selecting Add, you will be redirected to the DOR Business Licensing Service.
Have questions regarding the licensing process? Contact the Washington State Department of Revenue at (360) 705-6741 for assistance. Want to apply in person? The closest office is in Port Angeles at 734 E First St, Suite B.
Cost of a Business License
Fee calculations are based on the previous year’s gross receipts or on the businesses estimated gross receipts for the license year.
|
Gross Receipts Reported |
Annual Cost of License |
|---|---|
|
$20,000 or more |
$75 |
|
Less than $20,000 |
$30 |
Additional one-time $3.00 fee will be assessed for first-time applicants.
The license fee is non-refundable, whether or not the application is later denied. The license fee may be prorated to accommodate the expiration date established by the Business Licensing Service. The full fee payable includes the City application fee and the Business Licensing Service application processing fee.
Penalties
If a person/business fails or neglects to obtain a license within 15 days from the date business is engaged in the City, the person/business shall be assessed a penalty of 10% of the annual license fee for each calendar month or portion of a month the person conducted business without a license.
Business License Renewal
All licenses must be renewed through the BLS on or before the expiration date established by the BLS.
If the license is not renewed by the expiration date, the BLS late renewal penalty fee may be assessed. If the license is not renewed within 120 days after its expiration, the license shall be canceled and be considered null and void. A business with a canceled license must reapply for a license in order to continue to conduct business in the City.
