Business Licensing

Not sure where to begin? Contact the Department of Revenue for information on starting a business in Washington state.

Does your business need a Snohomish County business license?


Most businesses do not need a Snohomish County business license. You will need a Snohomish County business license only if you operate a business that engages in a regulated activity within unincorporated Snohomish County. Businesses and their employees that meet both conditions below must obtain a business license from Snohomish County Licensing.


1. The business is a Title 6 business under the county code.

AND

  • If your business is outside city and town limits, it is likely located in unincorporated Snohomish County. If you are unsure, use the county's map tool to look up your business's address.
  • If your business operates within city limits, you must contact the appropriate city hall for business licensing.

If your business does not meet these conditions, other county requirements regarding occupancy and zoning may still apply.


For kennel or animal business licensing services, visit Snohomish County Animal Services.

  1. Apply for New Business or Employee License
  2. Renew Business or Employee License

New Business

1. Request an application

After registering your business with the state and receiving a UBI number, contact Snohomish County Licensing to request an application.

By phone

Call 425-388-3371

By email

Licensing@snoco.org


2. Complete the application and gather other required documents 

For your application to be processed, you will need to bring the following documents:

  • Completed application
  • Cash, check, money order, or credit card for application fee(s)
  • A separate check or money order for sheriff fingerprinting
  • Four passport photos taken in the last six months
  • Copy of government-issued ID
  • Proof of liability insurance (SCC 6.01.190)

3. Submit required documents in person to Snohomish County Licensing 

  • Licensing staff will review your application information and the documents submitted.
  • If your application is complete, it will be entered into the system and a staff member will collect the application fee. 

4. Get fingerprinted at the Sheriff's Office

  • After your application is reviewed, you will be given a routing slip and directed to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office for fingerprinting.
  • A separate payment to the Sheriff’s Office for fingerprinting is required. Please call the Sheriff’s Office at 425-388-3393 for the current fees. Cash and checks are accepted.

5. Your application will be processed within 60 days.

  • Most business licenses require approval from the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office, Planning and Developmental Services, Fire Marshal, and Risk Management. Staff will forward your application to the appropriate departments for review.
  • If your application is approved, you will receive your business license in the mail. 
  • If your application is denied, you will receive a letter from us containing an explanation and further instructions.

New Employee

1. Request an application

Contact Snohomish County Licensing to request an application.

By phone

Call 425-388-3371

By email

Licensing@snoco.org


2. Complete the application and gather the required documents

For your application to be processed, you will need to bring the following documents:

  • Completed application
  • Cash, check, money order, or credit card for application fee(s)
  • A separate check or money order for sheriff fingerprinting
  • Four passport photos taken in the last six months
  • Copy of government-issued photo ID

Submit required documents in person to Snohomish County Licensing 

  • Licensing staff will review your application information and the documents submitted.
  • If your application is complete, it will be entered into the system and a staff member will collect the application fee. 

4. Get fingerprinted at the Sheriff's Office

  • After your application is reviewed, you will be given a routing slip and directed to the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office for fingerprinting.
  • A separate payment to the Sheriff’s Office for fingerprinting is required. Please call the Sheriff’s Office at 425-388-3393 for the current fees. Cash and checks are accepted.

5. Your application will be processed within 60 days.

  • Most employee licenses require approval from the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. Staff will forward your application to the appropriate departments for review.
  • If your application is approved, you will receive your license in the mail. 
  • If your application is denied, you will receive a letter from us containing an explanation and further instructions.