Start or run your business

Running (or starting) a business in Washington? Here's what you need to do:

If you are starting a new business in Washington:
Submit Washington's Master Business License application.
How to apply:	For more information:
Online: Go to the new Business Licensing Service. (Business.wa.gov) In person: Pick up an application form and return it to any of these state offices.	Applying for Your Washington Business License: A Step-by-Step Guide. Operating a Business in Washington State — A business resource guide and Frequently Asked Questions (Business.wa.gov) Registering Your Business. (www.DOR.wa.gov) Learn About Doing Business in Washington.  (Access.wa.gov) Employer's Introduction to L&I (L&I workshop)
Note: some cities and counties require additional licenses. Please contact any city or county you will be performing work in to find out the requirements.	Contact local cities and counties.(www.msrc.org)
If you'll be hiring minors:	For more information:
Fill out the application for the Minor Work Permit endorsement on the Master Business License application. Follow L&I's special rules for employing minor workers.	"School and Work: Teenagers Have Two Jobs" "Young Workers in Agriculture" (565 KB PDF / 1.5 min) "If family members work for you, know your obligations" (149 KB PDF)
Be sure to display the posters required by L&I and other agencies. See "Workplace Posters: Required and Recommended."
If you have employees:
Cover your employees in case of on-the-job injuries.
How to do it:	For more information:
Open an industrial insurance (workers’ compensation) account with L&I. The information on your Master Application showing that you have employees will be automatically forwarded to L&I when DOL processes your application. File your quarterly report of workers' hours and pay your industrial insurance premiums. You can file by mail or file quarterly reports online.	Read the Employer’s Guide to Industrial Insurance. (1,180 KB PDF / 3.4 min) A guide to hiring Independent Contractors in Washington State (881 KB PDF / 2.5 min) Three questions you can ask yourself to determine if you are hiring independent contractors or if they are really employees.
Be sure to display the required poster "Notice to Employees — If A Job Injury Occurs." (99 KB PDF)
Provide a safe workplace for your employees.
How to get started:	For more information:
Steps to a safe workplace. Follow the DOSH Safety and Health Core rules. Build a safety program.	About DOSH. Develop an Accident Prevention Program. Request a workplace safety consultation.
Be sure to display the required poster: "Job Safety and Health Protection." (461 KB PDF / 1.4 min)
Ensure the wage, hour and other working condition rights of your workers.
What you need to do:	For more information:
Follow L&I's laws regarding regular paydays, proper rest breaks, overtime, etc., for workers.	Go to the Workplace Rights section of this website.
Be sure to display the required poster "Your Rights as a Worker in Washington State" (119 KB PDF)
Small business owners: Need help learning how to meet L&I's requirements?
If you are in the construction trades:
Get registered, licensed or certified by L&I.
Electricians, plumbers and construction contractors:	For more information:
Go to the Licenses & permits section of this website to find out how to get registered, licensed or certified by L&I.	More information for electricians. More information for plumbers. More information for contractors. Find out about apprenticeship programs. L&I establishes the prevailing wage that contractors working on public works projects need to pay to workers in each trade. Find out more. Find IRS info especially for professionals in the construction trades.
Get help downloading files. (en español)

Other state and federal agency requirements

• Department of Social and Health Services — Register newly hired employees (www.DSHS.wa.gov)
• Washington State Employment Security Department — File unemployment insurance taxes online (www.ESD.wa.gov)
• Washington State Department of Revenue — File your business and operations taxes electronically (www.DOR.wa.gov)
• U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Tax Information For Small Businesses (www.irs.gov)
• Washington State Department of Commerce — Why you should develop your business in Washington State (www.choosewashington.com)
• The U.S. Small Business Administration's "Starting Your Business" website  (www.sba.gov)