WA State Licensing: Port Townsend city business license

City of Port Townsend license

Who needs a license?

Port Townsend requires all businesses to be licensed with the city if they are:

  • Located within city limits, or
  • Conducting business within city limits.

If you don't know if you do business within city limits, call the city at (360) 385-2700 before applying.

 

If more than one business is located in a single premise, you must complete a separate registration for each business conducted.

Nonprofit businesses

Nonprofit businesses must be licensed. A no-fee business license is available for businesses that have been granted a 501(C) tax exemption by the IRS.

Exempt businesses

Some businesses may be exempt from getting a city business license. For more information, please contact the city directly.

How to apply

Apply by using one of the following options:

  • Online with My DOR. My DOR works best with Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome.

    1. Login using your Secure Access Washington (SAW) user ID. If you don’t have a user ID or aren’t sure, see if you have an account first before signing up.
    2. Once logged in, add My DOR to your list of services, then open My DOR.
    3. Follow the steps below based on your business status.

      If you do not have an existing business

      1. Click File Business License Application. Be sure to select the endorsements for which you wish to apply.

      If you have an existing business

      1. If you haven’t already, add access to your business. You’ll need a UBI number and letter ID.
      2. Click on the business you want to apply for a license/endorsement under, then click on the location.
      3. Click Add License Endorsements/Employees.

    You can pay using an E–check or a major credit card (gift cards can’t be used).


    Find more help for using My DOR, including video tutorials.



  • Mail us the appropriate fee with the following completed forms:

Fees

City license Fee
Port Townsend general business license $28
Port Townsend nonprofit business license* No fee
Other fees that may apply Fee
State tax registration No fee
Registering your business name as trade name $5
Business License Application fee $19 (non-refundable)

*No-fee nonprofit license requires proof of 501(C) tax exemption from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Contact information

State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia, WA 98507-9034

Phone: 1-800-451-7985
Email: BLS@dor.wa.gov
Fax: 360-705-6699

Office hours

Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mailing information

Please remember to enclose all necessary documents and fees with your completed application. Incomplete submissions will result in a delay in your licensure.

It is important that you contact our office, in writing, with any changes in address.

Regulatory questions

City of Port Townsend
250 Madison Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368-5738

Phone: 360-385-2700
Fax: 360-379-4440
www.cityofpt.us