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Business License Information

Who needs a business license?

If you do business in Renton, you need a business license from the City of Renton. Over 80% of these funds are used to improve and expand our streets. All activities, occupations, trades, professions and matters located or engaged in within the City or anywhere else within the City's jurisdiction with the object of gain, benefit, advantage or profit to the business enterprise or to another person, directly or indirectly.

How do I get a business license for the City of Renton?

One of the requirements for the City of Renton's license is that all applicants must have an Uniform Business Identification Number (UBI). You may obtain this number from Washington State Department of Revenue located at Centerpointe Campus, Cascade East Building, 20819 72nd Avenue South Suite 680, Kent, WA 98032. Phone: (253) 437-3440 or (800) 647-7706.

Once you have a UBI number, the next step is to complete the City of Renton application.

HOME BASED BUSINESS

If your business is a home-based business, complete a Home Occupation application .   If you live in an apartment you must have written permission from the landlord to conduct business out of the apartment. You should check with Zoning to verify if the business can be conducted out of that location.

IN-CITY COMMERCIAL BUSINESS

If your business location is zoned Commercial, complete a commercial business license form.    All applications in the City limits of Renton are sent to the Building/Zoning Department for approval, then forwarded on to the Fire Prevention Department for approval. When the application is returned to the Business License Division all the information is recorded and a Business License is printed and sent to the Business.

OUT-OF-CITY BUSINESS

If your business is located outside the city limits of Renton, but you are going to be conducting work within the city limits of Renton, complete an Out-of-City Business license application.

City of Renton Business License fees are based on total Full Time Equivalent employees (FTE) worked in a year by all personnel; including corporate officers, partners, family, etc., regardless if a salary is paid or not. You are billed at the end of each anniversary date of the business's original application for a City Business License. This annual report must be paid each year to keep your license valid.