How much permits cost to open in Seattle
In Seattle, the filings with a fixed government fee add up to about $83. 6 more are set by the space or the business, and 6 are free. Build-out, insurance and adviser costs are on top.
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Internal Revenue ServiceUS federal
Owners with an SSN or ITIN apply online. A company whose responsible party has neither (most China-based owners) faxes or mails Form SS-4, or calls the IRS international line.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, faxed or mailed
- Takes
- Fax: about 4 business days. Mail: about 4 to 5 weeks. Phone: issued on the call.
LLC formation
Washington Secretary of State, CorporationsWA
Form the company or register a foreign company online.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
Washington business license (state tax registration)
Washington Department of Revenue, Business Licensing ServiceWA
File online in My DOR, or by mail. It gives the business its UBI number and tax registration, registers trade names and city and state endorsements, and passes your details to Employment Security and Labor and Industries, which open the unemployment insurance and workers' comp accounts.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- About 10 business days; city or state endorsements can add another 2 to 3 weeks.
- Renews
- Every year, before the date printed on the license, when it carries endorsements.
Create/Update Importer Identity Form
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Sent to CBP (usually through your customs broker), or created in the ACE portal. Needed before your first entry as importer of record.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Paper form, mailed
- Takes
- Up to 5 business days.
Customs Bond
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Bought from a CBP-approved surety, usually through your customs broker, who files it electronically. A continuous bond covers a year of entries.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- At least 5 business days for review.
- Renews
- Continuous bonds renew yearly.
ACE Secure Data Portal account for importers
U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionUS federal
Applied for online in ACE. Lets you see your entries, duties and bond.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Food worker cards for staff
Washington State Department of Health, with local health departmentsWA
Everyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils takes the state training and exam, online only at foodworkercard.wa.gov or through a local health department. A new worker may start before getting the card, for up to 14 days, if the employer gives food safety training.
- Fee
- $10
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- The first card is valid 2 years; renewals 3 years, or 5 with extra food safety training.
Cosmetic product facility registration (MoCRA)
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal
Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the facility that makes or processes the cosmetics.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Every two years.
Cosmetic product listing (MoCRA)
U.S. Food and Drug AdministrationUS federal
Filed online in Cosmetics Direct by the brand (the responsible person on the label), one listing per product.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Update every year.
Seattle business license tax certificate
City of Seattle Finance, License and Tax AdministrationSeattle
Apply online through FileLocal once the business has its Washington UBI number, or mail the paper application with payment. A physical business location is required; a P.O. box doesn't count.
- Fee
- $73
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Online, the license can usually be printed 2 to 3 business days after payment; by mail it takes one to six weeks.
- Renews
- Every year; all certificates expire December 31.
Product safety certificate, filed electronically at entry
U.S. Consumer Product Safety CommissionUS federal
The importer issues the certificate itself (there is no government form) and, under the eFiling rule, files the certificate data with CBP at entry.
- Fee
- Free
- Filed
- Filed online
Hazardous materials registration
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (DOT)US federal
Filed online when you ship or offer certain hazardous materials in bulk, such as large lithium battery shipments.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed online
- Renews
- Every year by June 30.
Food establishment plan review
Public Health, Seattle and King CountySeattle
Plans are reviewed before construction, remodeling or a change of owner. Apply and pay in the Public Health Permit Center with the site plan, menu, floor plan, equipment list with make and model, the plan review questionnaire, the finish schedule and the seating layout.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- An initial review may take up to 8 to 10 weeks at current volumes.
Food service business permit
Public Health, Seattle and King CountySeattle
Once plan review is approved, submit the application to operate in the Public Health Permit Center, pay the operating fee and book the pre-operational inspection at least a week before opening. Opening without that inspection can mean closure and a fee of half the yearly permit. Every employee needs a Washington food worker card.
- Fee
- Varies
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- Book the pre-operational inspection at least 1 week before opening.
- Renews
- Every year, through the Public Health Permit Center.
Guides for each business in Seattle
Agency requirements change. Check each agency's page before you file.
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Get the plan for your business in Seattle
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders