Business Licenses

         

Beginning, January 1, 2026, the threshold for out-of-city businesses will increase for those with annual Renton gross revenues from $2,000 to $4,000 for businesses performing activities in Renton. This does not apply to businesses within the city. See FAQs below to answer any questions. 

Generally, any business operating in, or engaging in business within the City of Renton limits will be required to obtain a business license.

Businesses may obtain a business license registration at no fee if they meet the following criteria:

  • No physical location in the city limits of Renton
  • No requirement for any other specialized permit or license
  • Annual Renton revenue of less than $4,000

A new license will need to be obtained when an existing business changes ownership, changes name, or changes location in the city.

Registering a Business

Prior to applying for a City of Renton business license, businesses must first obtain a Uniform Business Identification number (UBI) from the Washington State Department of Revenue or 1-800-647-7706.

After obtaining a UBI number, apply for a Renton license online or via hardcopy application.

Apply for a license

Complete the application form to apply for a business license. Applications can be completed electronically or hardcopy.

Electronic business license applications can be submitted online by clicking the button below:

FileLocal

Hardcopy applications must include payment as payment cannot be made over the phone. Hardcopy applications can be delivered to Renton City Hall or mailed to:

City of Renton
Tax & Licensing Division
1055 S Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057

Annual Registration Fee

The business license registration fee is due at the time of application, and during each subsequent renewal.

  • 1/1/2017 - present: $150
  • 1/1/2015 - 12/31/2016: $110

Businesses starting operations in Renton after July 1 will pay a prorated license fee of $75.

Licensing Forms

General Business License Application(PDF, 327KB)

General Business License Renewal(PDF, 1MB)

Approval process

Approval Process

All applications with a physical location in Renton city limits are sent to the Renton Regional Fire Authority (RRFA) to determine compliance with fire prevention.

  • Once approved for fire, the code compliance division reviews for zoning laws.
  • Once approved by code compliance and RRFA, the tax and licensing division finalizes the license.

The approved business license will be issued and mailed by the tax and licensing division.

Information on Other Licenses

Active business licenses

View the report for 2025 active business licenses in Renton, WA.

2025 active business licenses(PDF, 2MB)

last updated 09/30/2025

New business licenses

View the report for 2025 new business licenses in Renton, WA.

2025 new business licenses(PDF, 97KB)

last updated 09/30/2025

 

FAQS

What businesses does the threshold impact?

Out-of-city businesses licensed with City of Renton. Businesses located in the city are not impacted by the business license threshold.

 

What if I'm an out-of-city business under the $4,000 threshold?

Out-of-city businesses under the threshold are still required to obtain a City of Renton business license, but there is no license fee charged.

 

What is considered an out-of-city business?

A business that performs activities in Renton and does not have a physical brick and mortar location within Renton city limits.

 

How do I apply for a City of Renton business license?

There are two ways you can apply:

City of Renton 

Tax & Licensing Division 

1055 S Grady Way 

Renton, WA 98057 

Active Business License Report

2025 Active Licenses(PDF, 2MB)

last updated 09/30/2025

New Businesses

2025 New Business Report(PDF, 97KB)

through 09/30/2025

Closed Businesses

2025 Closed Business Report(PDF, 63KB)

through 09/30/2025

Contact Us

Phone

425-430-6851

Email

taxandlicensing@rentonwa.gov

Location

Tax and Licensing Division
1055 S Grady Way
98057
View Map

Apply or Renew License

Click the FileLocal link to apply for a business license or renew a business license.

FileLocal

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