DOR Business Licensing Service

(360) 705-6741

Manage My Business

APPLY FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE

In accordance with the State Legislature, the Town modified its Business Licensing Program to comply with state regulations. New regulations are codified as Chapter 5.04 FHMC.

Most individuals or companies that conduct business in Washington State already obtain a State Master Business License through the Department of Revenue's (DOR) Business Licensing Services (BLS). A separate business license or "city endorsement" is typically required for each location within each municipality in which the business operates.

Requirements

Unless exempted from acquiring a Friday Harbor business license, Town code requires that every individual or company engaging in business within the town limits register their business. Each physical location of the business shall be treated as a separate endorsement location unless the business is mobile or service-oriented in a way that creates a nexus of multiple locations.

Apply or Renew a Business License

The Town no longer accepts applications or payment for business licenses.  Instead, applicants are to go to the DOR State of Washington Business Licensing Service and follow the prompts to the forms and information needed to license the business in Friday Harbor. Payments can be made online with a credit or debit card.

Because the BLS tries to establish a common expiration date for all of business licensing needs, it is common for the first license to be prorated to coordinate with other renewals for state licenses issued to that business. After that, the renewal will be the full $50 annually, plus any processing fees.

Renewals are processed by the DOR. The business will receive a renewal notification from BLS 30-days prior to its expiration date with detailed instructions for renewing online. NOTE:  Do not discard the renewal notification. It contains your "Letter ID" for renewing your license.

Temporary Business Licenses

The DOR issues a temporary registration certificate to any person who operates a business in Washington on a temporary basis. The Town no longer issues temporary business licenses (endorsements). Businesses that are eligible for a temporary business license for work or services in Washington or the Town can obtain a license at the Department of Revenue. Licenses are free of charge through the Department of Revenue. Provide a copy of the certificate to the Town as proof of registration. 

Businesses may be required to obtain a Town endorsement if they do not meet exemption requirements. Contact the Town for additional information.

Need help?

Detailed instructions and other information for obtaining your Friday Harbor Endorsement can be found here or visit  Manage My Business.