Business Licensing

Information For Consumers

Are you looking to hire the right person for the job?  You can easily search the credentials for any business to ensure that they are actively licensed with Washington State and that they have the correct City endorsement to perform work within City limits.  You can also search credentials for contractors to ensure that they are licensed, bonded and insured.

• Search for a Business License
• Search for a Contractor

Information For Business Owners

Who Needs a Business License?

All persons, businesses and organizations who engage in any business within Port Townsend city limits must obtain a Washington State business license and a City of Port Townsend endorsement prior to commencing business activities.  Unsure about the exact definition of Port Townsend's city limits?  Please view our zoning map, here: City of Port Townsend Zoning Map.  Anything outside of the bold, blue border is not considered to be inside city limits.

How Do I Get Started?

Are you considering opening a business for the first time?  The Washington State Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service offers a "Business Licensing Wizard",  designed to guide you through the steps and answer commonly asked questions!

• Access the Department Of Revenue's Business Licensing Wizard

How Do I Apply For a Business License?

The City has partnered with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) Business Licensing Service (BLS) to provide business license services for the City. Businesses can apply for a City endorsement when they apply with the State for their Washington State business license and Unified Business Identification (UBI) number.  You must have a State of Washington business license first in order to obtain a City of Port Townsend endorsement.

• Apply for a new Washington State business license.
  You will be redirected to the DOR online Business Licensing Service. In order to access the system, you will be required to log on or create a user ID to proceed with the application process. If you are doing business within Port Townsend city limits, you can add the City endorsement when applying for the State license.
• ​​Renew your existing Washington State business license
• Add a City of Port Townsend endorsement. You must already have an active Washington State business license in order to proceed with this process.
  • For businesses located inside Port Townsend city limits: select "Port Townsend General Business" endorsement type.
    • If your business is located inside City limits you must also complete our Land-Use Questionnaire, here: PCD Land-Use Questionnaire (Fillable pdf)
    • You may return completed questionnaires by email, to: nstern@cityofpt.us
    • Alternately, you may mail or hand-deliver them to: City of Port Townsend, 250 Madison St, Port Townsend, WA 98368
  • For business locations outside of Port Townsend city limits: select "Port Townsend General Business - Non-Resident" endorsement type.
  • For 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Entities, select: "Port Townsend Non-Profit Business" endorsement type.
  • Unsure whether your location falls inside or outside City limits?  Verify here: City of Port Townsend Zoning Map (City limits is indicated by the bold blue border).

How Much Does A City Endorsement Cost?

Fee calculations are based on the previous year’s gross receipts or on the businesses estimated gross receipts for the license year.

* An additional one-time record retention fee of $3.00 will be assessed for first-time applicants.

The endorsement fee is non-refundable, whether or not the application is later denied. The fee may be prorated to accommodate the expiration date established by the Business Licensing Service. The full fee payable includes the City endorsement application fee and the Business Licensing Service application processing fee.

Do I Need to Renew My City Endorsement?

Yes, if you plan to continue doing business inside the City of Port Townsend, you must renew your City endorsement annually through Washington State Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service. 

Are There Penalties for Failure to Obtain or Renew a License or Endorsement?

Yes, if a person/business fails or neglects to obtain an endorsement within 15 days from the date business is engaged in the City, the person/business shall be assessed a penalty of 10% of the annual endorsement fee for each calendar month or portion of a month that business was conducted without an endorsement.

All licenses and endorsements must be renewed through the Business Licensing Service (BLS) on or before the expiration date established by the BLS. If the business license is not renewed by the expiration date, the BLS late renewal penalty fee may be assessed. If the license is not renewed within 120 days after its expiration, the license shall be canceled and be considered null and void. A business with a canceled license must reapply for a license and an endorsement in order to continue to conduct business in the City.

Have Other Questions Regarding the Licensing Process? 

Need help with something not covered here?  Call: (360) 705-6741 to reach Washington State Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service directly for assistance.   Want to apply in person? The closest DOR office is located at 734 E First St, Suite B, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

SPECIALTY LICENSES

Do I Need a Specialty License For My Business?

It depends. The City offers a wide range of specialty licenses that may be applicable to your business.  Specialty licenses are handled by the City directly, outside of the regular business license and endorsement process through Washington State Department of Revenue.  For details and a full list of specialty license types, please refer to Port Townsend Municipal Code, Title 5, Chapter 5.24 - Chapter 5.94, here: City of Port Townsend Municipal Code.

Short-Term Rentals: Guest accommodations of 30 days or less; bed and breakfast inns, tourist homes (including airbnb, VRBO and other short-term rentals).

For-Hire Vehicle Operators: If you are operating a taxi or other for-hire vehicle service you will need to obtain a For-Hire License. Application & Information at bottom of page.

Peddlers, Solicitors & Canvassers: If you plan on soliciting a service or selling door-to-door.

Adult Entertainment: If you plan on opening a business related to or including adult entertainment or themes you will need to obtain a specialty license.

*Alcohol Sales: If you are opening a full-service restaurant or selling alcohol.

*Vending and Amusement Machines: If you plan on having a vending machine or other amusement machine in your establishment you will need to obtain a specialty license.

*Trailer Park Operations: If you are opening or operating a trailer park you will need to obtain a specialty license.

*For alcohol sales, vending and amusement machines and trailer park operations, please see Specialty License Application/Renewal form at the bottom of this page.

BUSINESS & OCCUPATION TAX

Will I Owe Business & Occupation Taxes?

Yes.  Businesses must file Business & Occupation Tax with the State of Washington, and possibly with the City of Port Townsend.

• Access Washington State Department of Revenue For details on Washington State's Business & Occupation taxes and filing requirements.
• Access City of Port Townsend Business & Occupation Tax For details on City of Port Townsend's Business & Occupation taxes and filing requirements.