Steps for Starting a Business
Get Licenses and Environmental Permits

• Get your customized Business Licensing Guide. The guide will tell you what licenses your business needs and where to get them.
• File the Master Business Application to register your business with the State of Washington. You will receive a state business license and UBI number .
  
  Note: If you filed formation papers with the Office of the Secretary of State, write the Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number that was given to you on all of your business licensing applications.
  
  
• Apply for additional state specialty and professional licenses using the list of licenses.
• Contact each city and county where you plan to conduct business to get licenses and permits as required.
• Identify required federal, state and local environmental permits, licenses, certificates, and other approvals.
  • Visit the On-line Permit Assistance System OR if you know which permits are required, visit the Environmental Permit Handbook.
  • File the required application form(s) with the appropriate regulatory agency(s).
  • If you need assistance, contact the Environmental Permit Service Center.