Washington Business License: Step-by-Step for Freelancers and Creatives

Getting a Washington business license is straightforward and takes about 30 minutes online. Most freelancers earning over $12,000 need one, but the real opportunity comes after licensing. Smart solopreneurs combine their setup with an S Corp election to save $8,000+ annually while automating compliance. Lettuce handles everything from formation to payroll in one simple system.

Washington freelancers earning over $12,000 annually (gross income) need a business license, and many overpay on taxes because they skip the S Corp election. The good news? Getting your Washington business license is simple, and the real opportunity comes after.

The registration is straightforward, taking about 30 minutes online if you’re prepared. Once licensed, smart solopreneurs automate their S Corp setup to save $8,000+ annually while cutting admin time by 10+ hours monthly.

Lettuce transforms complex S Corp compliance into a simple, automated system built for businesses-of-one. Get started in under 10 minutes and turn paperwork into paychecks.

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Your Washington Business License: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your Washington business license doesn't have to feel like navigating a maze. The application process is fully online (or by mail if you prefer). A little preparation goes a long way toward making it seamless.

Here’s how to get your Washington business license from start to finish:

1. Gather Your Business Details

Before starting your application, have these ready:

• Legal name and address

• Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)

• Business name (if different from your own), phone number, and email address

• Short description of what you do (for example, “freelance graphic design” or “consulting”)

• Estimated annual income

• First date of business

• Estimated number of employees

• If you have a physical location, provide the estimated square footage of the location.

• Payment method for the filing fee

Having these on hand avoids timeouts or missing fields during online filing. You’ll also need additional if you can say “yes” to any of these questions:

• Did you buy, lease, or acquire all or part of an existing business?
• Did you purchase or lease any fixtures or equipment on which you have not paid sales or use tax?
• Is your business owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with any other business entity?
• Are you changing your business structure and want to close the old account?
• Have you ever owned another business?

2. Decide on Your Business Structure

Choose how you’ll legally operate before applying:

• Sole Proprietor – simplest, lowest cost, ideal for early freelancers

• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – adds legal protection and sets you up for future S Corp election

• Corporation – suited for larger operations or multiple owners

You’ll select this structure within your application, so it’s best to decide upfront.

3. Visit the Washington Business Licensing Service (BLS)

Head to the official Washington Business Licensing Service portal and click “Open a business,” then “Apply now.” This is where you’ll complete your application online: no printing, no mailing.

4. Create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) Account

Your SAW account is your digital key to everything: business licensing, renewals, and future state filings. If you’ve paid state taxes or renewed a vehicle before, you may already have one.

5. Complete the Online Application

Enter your personal and business information, select your structure, list any city or specialty endorsements you need, and answer all questions. Most home-based freelancers can skip local endorsements unless their city requires one.

6. Review, Pay, and Submit

Double-check your details, pay the filing fee, and submit your application securely online. You’ll receive a confirmation email right away.

7. Receive Your Unified Business Identifier (UBI)

Within about 10 business days or 2-3 weeks if you have city or state endorsements, you’ll get your Unified Business Identifier (UBI), a nine-digit number that officially registers your business with Washington State. You’ll use it to:

• File business taxes

• Open a business bank account

• Apply for city licenses or permits later

Online applications process faster than mail, so you can start claiming deductions and working with clients sooner.

Washington Business License Costs and Timelines: What Freelancers Should Expect

Washington keeps business licensing straightforward. No guesswork, no budget surprises. Here’s what to expect in terms of Washington business license costs and processing times so you can plan your launch with confidence.

Costs: What You’ll Pay to Get Licensed

Knowing the typical Washington business license costs helps you budget confidently before you file.

State Filing Fee

Most freelancers pay a $60 state filing fee to obtain their Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. Once paid, you’re officially recognized as a business and ready to invoice clients professionally.

City Endorsements

Some cities, like Seattle or Spokane, require additional endorsements depending on where you work and what you do. Fees generally range from $0 to $200+, depending on the city and business activity. Seattle, for example, charges $89 annually for most small service businesses, while smaller towns often charge less. Home-based creatives sometimes qualify for reduced or exempt rates. Check your local city website before applying to avoid surprises.

Annual Renewals

Renewing your license each year typically costs $10 to $100, depending on any city endorsements attached to your account. The state renewal itself is $10, and most freelancers pay under $100 total to stay current. Washington sends renewal reminders ahead of time, and the process only takes a few minutes online.

Timelines: How Long the Process Takes

Understanding how long each step takes helps you plan your launch without unnecessary delays.

Online Applications

When you apply through the Business Licensing Service portal, processing typically takes 1–10 business days. You’ll receive your UBI by email once approved.

City Endorsements

If your city requires an endorsement, expect an additional 2–3 weeks for local review and approval.

Mail Applications

Paper filings take much longer, up to six weeks. Filing online lets you start sooner and access business deductions faster.

Getting your Washington business license takes a little preparation, but it shouldn’t be stressful. Lettuce simplifies every step, from setup to renewals. Get started today to make running your business easier, faster, and fully compliant.

Washington Business License: Frequently Asked Questions

Getting your Washington business license right means fewer headaches and more time for paid work. The following items address the specific questions freelancers ask most frequently, from costs to compliance requirements.

As a solopreneur, do I need to get a Washington business license?

You need a business license if you earn $12,000+ annually, use a business name different from your legal name, or plan to hire employees within 90 days. You can see the full list of requirements here.

How much does a Washington business license cost for freelancers?

The state filing fee is $60. City endorsements vary widely; some cities charge nothing, while others add $50-$200+. Most freelancers pay between $60-$200 total, depending on their location and business type.

Can I get a Washington business license and set up an S Corp automatically?

While licensing and S Corp election are separate processes, smart freelancers often handle both together for maximum tax savings. You get your license through Washington's system, then elect S Corp status with the IRS. Automated platforms can streamline everything: formation, election, payroll, and compliance.

What are the steps to renew my Washington business license each year?

Log into your My DOR account, update any business changes, pay the renewal fee (typically much smaller than the initial fee), and submit. Most renewals process within a few business days when everything's current, simple, and stress-free.

Do I need city endorsements if I work from home or serve clients remotely?

Check your city's website or call their business office to confirm requirements. Many cities require endorsements for home-based businesses, even for remote client work. Some exempt certain service businesses while others don't, but finding out takes just minutes.

What is a UBI number, and when do I get it?

Your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) is Washington's unique tracking number for your business. You receive it by email within 10 business days after your license application is approved. Save this number, you'll need it for tax filings and business changes.

When do I need to collect Washington sales tax for services?

Most professional services (consulting, design, writing) aren't subject to Washington sales tax. However, some services like landscaping, construction, or retail sales require collection. Good news: most creative freelancers don't need to worry about this.

Do I need a separate trade name (DBA) if I use a brand name?

If you operate under any name other than your full legal name, you need to register that trade name. This happens during your business license application—just add your business name when prompted. One application covers both needs.

Turn Paperwork Into Paychecks: Automate Your Washington Setup

Getting your Washington business license online takes about 30 minutes, and forming your LLC through Washington’s Secretary of State adds one more step. But that’s just the start; then come renewals, filings, and payroll management.

Lettuce simplifies what comes next. From S Corp election to business banking and payroll, everything runs automatically in one system designed for solopreneurs. No more juggling multiple platforms or worrying about deadlines, just a clean, compliant setup that grows with your business. Ready to automate your entire business setup? Get started today and turn paperwork into paychecks.