Business Licenses

How to License Your Business

City Business Licenses

The City of Lake Stevens and State Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service (BLS) formed a partnership in September 2007 that streamlines the way current and future business owners can obtain business licenses. BLS's system enables business owners to complete online the Business License Application and City of Lake Stevens Business License Addendum, all on a single site. You may apply online using your MasterCard, American Express or Visa credit card or download the paperwork and mail with appropriate fees (check or money order made out to the "Washington State Department of Revenue") to: 


    Business Licensing Service 

    Department of Revenue 

    PO Box 9034 

    Olympia, WA 98507-9034.


If you do not have internet access, you may contact City Hall at 425-622-9400 and we will mail you the applications.


 City business licenses are issued in coordination with the State Department of Revenue Business License Division. The City's business license application fee is $40 (State Business Application processing fee is an additional $19)  - both City and State fees are non-refundable.


After your business license application is received by the State and sent to the City for approval, you will receive a Business License from the State showing both your City and State business licenses. You will receive your business license from the State about four to six weeks after submitting your application.


Home Occupations

When applying for a City business license with BLS and your business is a Home Occupation, which means you are conducting any part of your business out of your residence within the City limits, please also complete the following addendum and mail directly to:

 

City Hall

P.O. Box 257

Lake Stevens, WA 98258

 

Home Occupation Addendum - there is no additional fee for this form. This form contains additional information that the City needs to process your business license. Prior to applying for a home based business license, call the City's Planning and Community Development Department at 425-377-3235, if you question whether your type of business would be allowed in your residence.  For additional information, please read our Frequently Asked Questions Handout.


Exemptions

Your business may be exempt from having a City of Lake Stevens business license, click here for a list of Exemptions.  Being exempt from City business licensing requirements, does not exempt you from any State requirements, please contact BLS at 1-800-451-7985.


Additional Fees

Contact the City of Lake Stevens for additional City licensing fees, application forms, and rules and regulations related to the following businesses:

  • Non-refundable Adult Entertainment (Cabaret) application fee
  • Adult Entertainment (Cabaret) Establishment (annual)
  • Adult Entertainment (Cabaret) Establishment Manager / Entertainer (annual)
  • Pawnbroker and Second Dealers (annual)


City Review Process

If registering a business physically located within the City of Lake Stevens, your City license will be subject to zoning approved by the City's Department of Planning and Community Development and may be reviewed by the Fire and Police Departments. Businesses located outside the City limits but doing business within the City limits are approved by the City Clerk. 


Renewal Fees 

A renewal notice from the Department of Revenue is mailed out approximately one month prior to the license expiration date. The fee for renewal is $25 plus applicable State license renewal processing fee.   The renewal fees are non-refundable.


Business Relocation

If you currently have a City of Lake Stevens Business License and your business moves to a new location within the City limits, you must apply for a new license for the new location.


New Owners

A new owner of an existing business within the City limits must apply for a new business license.