Change your business structure
The process to change business structure (for example, change from a sole proprietorship to a corporation) is the same as starting a new business.
Use the Business Licensing Guide to get information and links that will help you do the following:
- Create your business structure with the Washington Secretary of State. (Skip this step if you are changing to a sole proprietor or general partnership.)
- Submit a new Business License Application to apply for a new Business License. You will be given a new Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number to be used on tax returns and other documents.
- Reapply for any applicable specialty, city, or county licenses (for example, liquor licenses).
Note: You will probably need to re-apply for all of the the licenses you currently have. For example, if you are a building contractor, you will need to reapply for your contractor’s license with the Department of Labor and Industries.
Go to the Business Licensing Guide to find the forms you need to reapply for your applicable licenses.
