License Types
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Retail Licenses - restaurants, theaters, nightclubs,
grocery stores, etc.
Retail license descriptions, allowances and annual costs are summarized on the Retail Fee and Description Sheet.
Download here:
English - Spanish - Korean
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Non-Retail and Out of State Licenses - wineries, breweries,
distributors, out of state licenses, etc.
Non-Retail license descriptions, allowances and annual fees are summarized on the Non-Retail Fee and Description Sheet.
Download here:
English - Spanish - Korean
Application Instructions for New Businesses
A liquor license is an endorsement to your business license issued by the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) Business Licensing Service.
Examples of when a new Business License Application is required:
- Opening a new business or adding liquor to your existing business
- Purchasing an existing business that holds a liquor license
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Currently licensed Sole Proprietorships forming a new Corporation or Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)
You can apply for your business license online through Business Licensing Services.
Application Instructions for Purchasing an Existing Business
A Change in Governing People Application is needed when you are making changes to an already licensed partnership, corporation or limited liability company. A simple way to know if this application is required instead of a new business application, is if the Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number is remaining the same. Please keep in mind, you also may need to report ownership changes to the Washington Secretary of State and the Federal Trade and Tax Bureau (for non-retail licenses).
Examples of when a Change in Governing People Application is required:
- LLC Manager or Decision Maker is added or removed
- Cumulative change of more than 10% of shares/stocks transfers or sold between officers/shareholders
Change in Governing People Application must be completed, printed and mailed to:
State of Washington
Business Licensing Service
PO Box 9034
Olympia WA 98507-9034
< Preparing for Your Application The Licensing Process >
