City Business Licenses

The City of Lake Stevens and State Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service (BLS) formed a new 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.

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. 

NEW!! Temporary Business License 
The City of Lake Stevens now offers a temporary business license which can be used for up to 30 days. Complete the application here. Fee is $40.

NEW!! Solicitor's Business License 
Click here to complete the City of Lake Stevens Solicitor's License application.
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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 get in touch with 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 Community Development Director or designee. 

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

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

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