Business Registration

IMPORTANT NOTICE (Effective 10/3/19)

The City of Federal Way is now partnering with the State of Washington Business Licensing Service.

The City of Federal Way requires all business located within the city limits, or who conduct business within the city limits, to be licensed with the city, per city code 12.05.040. A separate business license must be obtained for each business name and location.

See fee schedule for a listing of fees

There are three ways to file a NEW or RENEWAL Business License Application

File online using an E-check or a MasterCard, Visa, Discover or American Express credit or debit card (gift cards cannot be used). Filing online is the fastest method.
Complete the Business License Application and The City of Federal Way Addendum (For NEW businesses only) and mail with the appropriate fee (check or money order made out to the Department of Revenue) to:
Business Licensing Service
Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034
File in person at any Business Licensing Service Department of Revenue location.

For RENEWAL licenses only: (With expiration dates of 12/31/19)

In early November 2019 the State of Washington mailed renewal notices to all currently licensed City of Federal Way business owners. Please check your mail for a letter from the state which is titled: Renew your business license endorsements.

Your City of Federal Way renewal fee may be prorated to bring your license to a common expiration date with other licenses, also called endorsements, through the State's business Licensing Services.

Late fees will be assessed on January 1, 2020.

If you wish to mail a check, send it directly to the State. Do not send any payments to the City of Federal Way.

Questions?

Right-of-Way Activity Permits and Temporary Business Registrations

Right-of-Way Activity Permits and Temporary Business Registrations are processed through the City of Federal Way.

See PDF application at below links:

Right of Way Permit

Temporary Business Registration

If you have further questions regarding Business Licensing, Activity Permits or Temporary Business Registration, please contact the City of Federal Way at 253-835-2506 or BL@cityoffederalway.com

Pet Related Business

If you are trying to open a Pet Related business, you also need to get a Public Health Permit. Their website for Pet Related Businesses: https://kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/zoonotic/pet-businesses.aspx

Other Organizations Providing Business Support Services

Free Assistance for Small Businesses

The Small Business Development Center at Highline College specializes in providing business and training services to entrepreneurs and existing businesses in order to be successful in today's economy. The Center provides free assistance with finding the best captial to grow your business, a proven pathway to growth, networking, and more. Contact the Center by phone at: 206.592.4151 or through email.

The SCORE Association, supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), is a nonprofit association that provides free business mentoring services to prospective and established small business owners in the United States. More than 10,000 volunteers provide these services, with all volunteers being active and retired business executives and entrepreneurs. Contact SCORE by phone at: 206.553.7320, or through email.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses through assistance specific to capital, contracts, and counseling. Contact the SBA by phone at: 206.553.7310.

In partnership with the SBA, the Veteran's Business Outreach Center (VBOC), equips veterans and active duty service members and their families with the resources to successfully start and run their businesses. The VBOC is committed to providing training and financing opportunities to entrepreneurs from the U.S. Military community. Contact the VBOC by phone at: 206.334.4330, or through email.

In partnership with the SBA, the Washington Women's Business Center (WBC) is committed to providing training and financing opportunities to female entrepreneurs and their families. Contact the WBC by phone at: 206.334.4330, or through email.

The Washington Business Hub is supported by the Washington State Office of the Chief Information Officer and seeks to help small businesses thrive in the Evergreen State. They provide new and established business owners with information they needs to properly register their operations so they can focus on what really matters, nurturing the company of their dreams. For more information, visit the Hub's website.

Department:

Finance