Frequently Asked Questions

The City of Port Angeles partnered with Washington State to provide more streamlined business licensing services. This new program replaces the City’s specialty license program, which included 15 different licenses with unique regulations and fees, with a more efficient and user-friendly way to manage business licensing. Now, businesses in Port Angeles can simultaneously apply for or renew their Washington State Business License and City of Port Angeles Endorsement, along with endorsements from hundreds of other participating cities from across the state. Applicants will receive one Business License from the State, which includes their city endorsement(s). 

A city endorsement is required for businesses operating in cities that have partnered with the Washington State Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service (BLS). It serves as a business license for those cities and is issued as an endorsement attached to your state business license. Those wishing to conduct business in multiple cities may obtain multiple endorsements through BLS.

Any individual or entity located in or conducting business in the city limits of Port Angeles is required to obtain a Port Angeles City Endorsement on their Washington State Business License.

Businesses must obtain a City of Port Angeles endorsement on their Washington State Business License in accordance with the following timelines:

• New Businesses: Starting June 17, 2025, any new business must apply for both a Washington State Business License and Port Angeles City Endorsement. This can be done simultaneously through the Washington State Department of Revenue Business Licensing Service (BLS). An application can be filed online using My DOR, or by mail using the paper application form.
• Existing Businesses: If you already have a Washington State Business License and need to add a city endorsement, you can do so online at the time of license renewal. No action is needed until that time.

Yes. The Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) issues a “Uniform Business Identification” (UBI) number as part of the state business license. The State UBI registers a business entity for state tax purposes and is mandatory prior to obtaining a City Endorsement on your state business license. Only a City of Port Angeles endorsement on a State business license allows you to do business in Port Angeles.

The annual fee is based on annual gross revenues. Fee exemptions include non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations and businesses with an annual gross revenue of $25,000 or less. See table below. While certain entities, including non-profit organizations, will be exempt from licensing fees, they will still be required to obtain a business license and city endorsement.

Yes, any individual or entity doing business in city limits is required to obtain a Port Angeles City Endorsement on their Washington State Business License. The state’s Business Licensing Service (BLS) will apply the fee exemption based on the information provided during the application process.

Yes. Short-Term Lodging (STL) business licensing is not affected by this new program. Owners and operators of short-term lodging properties and the platforms that promote them must continue to comply with existing licensing and regulatory requirements per Chapters 17.23 and 17.24 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code.

Additionally, small scale activities such as casual garage sales or lemonade stands, are exempt from the business license requirement. If you have a question about exemptions, please contact the City’s Business License Administrator at (360) 417-4924 or businesslicenses@cityofpa.us.

Applications and business data are submitted directly to the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR). No physical copies of forms or data are held by the City. Only select City staff, who have signed a Confidentiality Agreement with DOR, are granted access to view applications through the secure portal.

Updates, such as to your business name or mailing address, should be reported to the Washington State Business Licensing Service (BLS) online or sent by mail using the Business Information Change Form.  

The City Endorsement on your State Business License is unique and non-transferrable. The new owner must apply for a new Washington State Business License with City Endorsement.

We understand this can sometimes happen due to timing, relocations, or administrative oversights, and we are happy to assist you in getting back on track. If your license has lapsed, the City will send you an informational notice. You must renew your license with the State as soon as possible.

State business licenses with city endorsements must be renewed annually. An expiration date can be found in the upper right-hand corner of your license. Renewals are due before the expiration date and can be done online or filed by mail.

Please contact the Washington State Business Licensing Service (BLS) by phone at (360) 705-6705 to have a paper copy of your renewal form, with the itemized fees for your accounts, mailed to the mailing address on file.

Operating without a valid business license constitutes a violation of the Port Angeles Municipal Code Chapter 5.04.050 and 5.06.030. Our goal is to work with you toward voluntary compliance, and we are happy to work with you to get you back on track.

Failure to achieve compliance may result in a notice of violation, and/or daily fines. Pursuant to PAMC 2.90, violations and penalties may be imposed as follows:

Short-Term Lodging Business Licenses are not impacted by this new program. Owners and operators of short-term lodging properties, and the platforms that promote them, must continue to comply with existing licensing and regulatory requirements per Chapters 17.23 and 17.24 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code.  

Learn more and apply for a Short-Term Lodging Business License.

Short-Term Lodging Business Licenses are not impacted by this new program. Owners and operators of short-term lodging properties, and the platforms that promote them, must continue to comply with existing licensing and regulatory requirements per Chapters 17.23 and 17.24 of the Port Angeles Municipal Code.  

Learn more and apply for a Short-Term Lodging Business License.

Please contact the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS) at (360) 705-6741.

You can visit the DOR website to look up a business or reseller permit.