10 Best Business License & LLC Services of 2025
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Why use an online formation service to start a business in Washington?

Business formation services offer a fast and cost-effective solution to forming a business. These filing services and industry experts offer all the services you would need to launch your business, such as preparation and filing of LLCs and corporations, business licenses, legal documents, compliance and registered agent services, all in one place, for an affordable price.

Do you need help starting an LLC? With online LLC filing services forming your business is a quick, straightforward, and smooth process. Forming your LLC and launching your business is no longer a complicated, lengthy, and expensive process when you leave it to these industry professionals to do the work for you. The top services also offer very knowledgeable chat support.

Washington Business License and Permits requirements

Washington has specific business license requirements. The state has a general business license requirement, and additional licenses or permits may be needed based on the business type and location. Here’s an overview:

Washington State Business License

Most businesses operating in Washington, including home-based and online businesses, must obtain a Washington State Business License through the Business Licensing Service (BLS). This is required if your business:

• Is structured as a corporation, LLC, or partnership.
• Has employees.
• Sells products or services subject to state taxes.
• Operates under a name different from the owner’s legal name (DBA).

City-Specific Business Licenses

In addition to the state license, many cities and towns in Washington require businesses to obtain a local business license. For examples, in Seattle: Businesses operating within city limits must obtain a Seattle Business License Tax Certificate.

Industry-Specific Licenses

Certain industries in Washington require additional licenses or permits regulated by state agencies. Examples include:

Food and Beverage

• Restaurants, Food Trucks, and Caterers – Need a permit from the Washington State Department of Health or local health departments.
• Alcohol Sales: – Requires a license from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).

Cannabis Businesses

Cannabis producers, processors, and retailers must be licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB).

Healthcare and Professional Services

Doctors, nurses, and therapists require licenses from the Washington State Department of Health. Other professional services (e.g., architects, lawyers, accountants) must register with their respective boards.

Contractors and Construction

Contractors must register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Transportation and Logistics

Taxi, rideshare, and trucking businesses may need additional permits from local governments or the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC).

Childcare Providers

Must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF).

Cosmetology and Personal Care

Barbers, cosmetologists, and estheticians must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).

Seller’s Permit

Any business selling goods or providing taxable services must register for a Washington State Sales Tax Permit, also called a Reseller Permit, through the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR).

Fictitious Business Name (DBA)

Who Needs It? If your business operates under a name other than its legal name, you must register a Doing Business As (DBA) name with the state.

Zoning and Environmental Permits

Businesses operating in physical locations must ensure compliance with local zoning laws. Environmental permits may be required for businesses handling hazardous materials or affecting natural resources.

Federal Licenses

Some businesses in regulated industries, such as agriculture, firearms, or broadcasting, may require federal licenses in addition to Washington-specific requirements.

Professional filing services offer a fast and affordable option to register your business and file your business licenses. TailorBrands offers one of the most comprehensive business packages including annual compliance, operating agreement, 1-year free domain, DIY website/online store  and more. They also have a special promo that can get you up to $50 in Amazon gift card if you use their service to incorporate.

LLC benefits

Most entrepreneurs opt for the LLC entity type when starting their business. An LLC offers business owners the simplicity of a general partnership in terms of formalities and taxes, yet with the personal protection and shield against company debts and liabilities of a corporation. Otherwise, you could be held personally responsible for the mistakes your business might make.

Another huge benefit of forming an LLC is its flexibility. You get to choose whether you want to be managed as a partnership (member-managed LLC) or as a corporation (manager-managed LLC) with all the formalities, such as having a board of directors and annual meetings. You can also turn your LLC into a corporation down the road if the business takes that direction.

Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC

A domestic LLC means you file your LLC in the state where you live and do most of your business. This is the most common and cost-effective scenario. A foreign LLC is needed if you form your LLC in one state but run a business or have a physical location in another state. For example, if you file your LLC in one state but open a store in a different state, you’ll need to file a foreign LLC in that second state to do business legally.

Foreign LLCs usually cost more and might require you to appoint a registered agent in more then one state. If you file your LLC in a state that isn’t your home state, you will still need to file a foreign LLC in your home state to run your business there.

How to start a business and file business license in Washington in 4 simple steps

Filing your business license in Washington is super easy and fast when using a trusted professional formation service. Here is the process to complete it with TailorBrands in 4 simple steps:

1. Fill in your company name and address
2. Designate a registered agent
3. Pay for the filing service (and possible add-ons such as Operating Agreement, expedited filing service, etc…) + state fees
4. Select the ‘Business license and permits’ package on your TailorBrands dashboard.

Additional LLC & business services

Do I need to appoint a registered agent?

Yes, in most states it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent and we highly recommend using a professional registered agent service. All brands listed on our charts offer a professional registered agent service.

BOIR for business

Starting in 2024, new and existing U.S. businesses should submit the ‘Beneficial Ownership Information Report’ (BOIR) to FinCEN. This report includes personal information about key individuals in the company including the entity, its beneficial owners, and in some cases its company applicants. The top LLC filing services listed on our chart can help you with the BOIR requirement.

How to expediate LLC processing

TailorBrands offers expedited LLC processing in all LLC filing services including the free one.