Frequently asked questions: Business licensing
- What is a Master Business Application?
- The Master Business Application is a simplified application used to apply for many state licenses, registrations and permits, and some city licenses. You may use the Master Business Application to:
- apply for a Washington State Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number or tax registration number.
- open or reopen a business.
- change ownership of a business.
- open a new business location.
- change business locations.
- register or change a trade name.
- hire employees.
- get a Minor Work Permit.
- add licenses to an existing business location.
- get optional insurance coverage for the business owner.
- hire persons to work in or around your home.
- What is a UBI (Unified Business Identifier) number?
- A UBI number is a 9-digit number that registers you with several state agencies and allows you to do business in Washington State. A UBI number is sometimes called a tax registration number, a business registration number, and a business license number. Use the Master Business Application to apply for a UBI number.
- How can I submit a Master Business Application?
- There are 3 ways to file the Master Business Application and supplemental forms:
- File online using a MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit or debit card (gift cards cannot be used). See the list of businesses that shouldn’t file a Master Business Application online for details.
- Complete the Master Business Application and any supplemental forms that apply to your business, and mail them with the fee (check or money order) to:
Master License Service
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9048
Olympia, WA 98507-9048 - File in person at a business licensing office.
- How long will it take to fill out the Master Business Application?
- The application takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
- How much does it cost to file a Master Business Application?
- There is a $15 processing fee for the Master Business Application. You must also pay different fees associated with the various licenses, registrations, or permits you may need for your particular business. For more information, see the
License Fee Sheet. - Are there other licensing requirements I must meet that are not covered by the Master Business Application?
- Yes. Although there are over 100 state licenses that can be obtained by using the Master Business Application, your business may have additional local, state, or federal licensing requirements. The Business Licensing Guide will provide you with information to identify those additional requirements.
- How can I add registrations or licenses to my business?
- Get information and forms based on your business activity from the Business Licensing Guide or call Master License Service at (360) 664-1400.
- Send the Master Business Application, any required addenda, the $15 processing fee and any other licensing fees to:
Master License Service
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9048
Olympia, WA 98507-9048
- Do I need a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
- Sole proprietors who are not employers usually do not have to apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN). However, all other business types must apply for this registration whether they have employees or not. For more information about who needs an EIN or how to apply, visit the Internal Revenue Service.
- How do I change corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership names?
- To make any changes to the legal entity name for your corporation, LLC, or LLP, you must contact the Washington Secretary of State at (360) 725-0377.
- To change your firm name, contact Master License Service at (360) 664-1400.
- Can I request a business record search about other businesses?
- Yes, we can also provide information about corporations or individuals conducting business under a trade name, or verify the existence of a business.
- To request a search by mail, send us a letter with your return address, a list of the names you want to research, and a check or money order to pay the search fee. The cost is $4 to search up to 3 names. Send your letter to:
Master License Service
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9048
Olympia, WA 98507-9048 - To look up business information online, go to:
- Business and Professional License Search — If your search result is “No matches were found for your search,” try spelling the name differently or leave out abbreviations or punctuation such as Inc, LLC, etc.
- Washington State Department of Revenue — This online database search is intended for use by the general public as a consumer protection program, and includes some trade names.
- Secretary of State Corporations Registration Data Search — Corporation and limited liability company names.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Commission — Search for federally registered names.
- To request a search by mail, send us a letter with your return address, a list of the names you want to research, and a check or money order to pay the search fee. The cost is $4 to search up to 3 names. Send your letter to: