Business licenses

Businesses operating in King County come under the jurisdiction of State, County, and, where applicable, City regulations. The location of the business, as well as the nature and scope of the business, determines what types of business licenses are required.

If, as explained below, a King County business license is required:

• The Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) in Renton issues the licenses for amusement/dance places, amusement devices, charitable solicitation, entertainers and managers, junk shops and wagons, massage businesses and bathhouses, outdoor musical entertainment, pawnshops, secondhand dealers, and shooting ranges located or operating in unincorporated King County. See types of licenses and regulated business activity for more information.

• Records and Licensing Services, with its main office in downtown Seattle, issues the licenses for pet businesses, taxicabs and for-hire drivers, and process servers.

Important - please note:

• All businesses operating in the State of Washington must get a Washington State Master Business License (external link). Other state licenses may be required as well. See State of Washington licenses for more information.

• All businesses in King County are required to file a personal property tax affidavit. See King County personal property tax for more information.

• A King County business license is required only if:

1. The business engages in a regulated activity and
2. The business is located in and/or operates in unincorporated King County.

   See types of licenses for more information.

• If the business is located in unincorporated King County, the business must be in compliance with zoning code regulations. See business zoning for more information on conducting a business out of your home or other zoning questions.

• If the business is located or operates within city limits of any incorporated city in King County (such as Seattle, Kent, Issaquah, etc.), you must check with the city instead of King County to find out the city's requirements for business licenses. For more information, see city licenses.