Business licensing is managed by the Washington State Department of Revenue. To file a new or renew a business license, please visit the Washington State Department of Revenue.
Federal Way City Endorsement
The City of Federal Way requires all businesses located or conducting business within city limits to obtain a City Endorsement license. There are four types of city endorsement licenses;
- General Business License (For businesses located within Federal Way city limits)
- Nonprofit Business License
- Home Business License (For a home-based business located within Federal Way city limits)
- Non-Residential Business License (For businesses located outside Federal Way city limits, but are conducting business in Federal Way)
Each type of license has a sliding fee scale so please see the City Endorsement website for more details. A city endorsement license is active for one year, and the application and fee are processed online by the WA Department of Revenue. As a reminder, a business must have an active WA State business license before applying for a city endorsement.
Right-of-Way Activity Permit ($43) is required for use of public-right-of-way, such as streets and sidewalks. Examples of right-of-way permit activities are community parades, planned protests, etc.
Temporary Business Registration ($51) is required when a business is operating within the city limits for 90 days or less in any 365-day period. An example of a temporary business registrant is a temporary Christmas tree vendor. Alternatively, you may apply for a license to operate in Federal Way with a City Endorsement. A city endorsement application and fee are processed online by the WA Department of Revenue and is active for one year.
The City of Federal Way's applications for Right-of-Way Activity Permit and Temporary Business Registration are accepted at Federal Way City Hall or by mail sent to the address below with a check or money order payable to the City of Federal Way.
Federal Way City Hall
Finance Department
33325 8th Avenue South
Federal Way, WA 98003