Page Text: Many King County services are continually adapting because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each agency will update its pages with current information.
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With restrictions about COVID-19 rapidly changing, please check with individual departments to be sure a building is open before you seek in-person service. Also, some downtown buildings are not open to the public due to a project to close the Administration Building and relocate the agencies affected. This project will continue at least through the end of 2021.
shooting ranges
theaters
Records and Licensing Services, with its main office in downtown Seattle, issues the licenses for pet businesses , taxicabs and for-hire drivers , and process servers .
Important - please note:
A King County business license is required only if:
The business engages in a regulated activity and
The business is located in and/or operates in unincorporated King County.
See types of licenses for more information.
If the business is located in unincorporated King County, the business must be in compliance with zoning code regulations. See business zoning for more information on conducting a business out of your home or other zoning questions.
If the business is located or operates within city limits of any incorporated city in King County (such as Seattle, Kent, Issaquah, etc.), you must check with the city instead of King County to find out the city's requirements for business licenses. For more information, see city licenses .
All businesses in King County are required to file a personal property tax affidavit. See King County personal property tax for more information.
All businesses operating in the State of Washington must get a Washington State Business Licensing Service (external link). Other state licenses may be required as well. See State of Washington licenses for more information.
For more information
The Department of Local Services, Permitting Division can address questions only about the types of business licenses that it issues (see list ).
For general business license questions, you must contact Washington State Business Licensing at 1-800-451-7985.
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