Wedding Planner Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees, operate as an LLC/corporation, or file certain business tax returns. Free from the IRS. Sole proprietors with no employees may use their SSN instead.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Washington State Business License

   Most Washington businesses must obtain a Business License from the Washington State Department of Revenue. This also serves as the sales tax registration.

   Official government source

   $50 (initial application processing fee)·~10 business days (online); up to 6 weeks by mail

   $50 (initial application processing fee)

   ~10 business days (online); up to 6 weeks by mail

2. General Liability Insurance (Recommended)

   Wedding planners in Washington are not legally required to carry liability insurance, but most venues require proof of $1M–$2M general liability coverage before allowing a planner to work on-site. Many clients also require it in your contract.

   $400–$1,200/year·Same day (online quotes)

   $400–$1,200/year

   Same day (online quotes)

1. Seattle Business License

   All businesses operating in Seattle must obtain a Business License Tax Certificate from Seattle License and Tax Administration. Wedding planners operating as sole proprietors, LLCs, or corporations need this certificate to conduct business legally, and must renew it annually through FileLocal. The certificate is required regardless of revenue. Seattle B&O tax is owed only above $2,000,000 in annual Seattle taxable gross revenue (threshold raised from $100,000 effective January 1, 2026, with a new $2,000,000 standard deduction), but you must still file and report gross revenue each year. Businesses with $4,000 or less of Seattle revenue and no place of business in the city are exempt from the certificate requirement as of 2026.

   Official government source

   2026 annual fee by Seattle taxable revenue: $73 (under $20,000), $147 ($20,000-$499,999), $667 ($500,000-$1,999,999), $1,604 ($2,000,000-$4,999,999), $3,210 ($5,000,000 or more), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses starting July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·Filed online through FileLocal the certificate is usually printable within 2-3 business days; by mail it takes one to six weeks. All certificates expire Dec. 31 and must be renewed annually.

   2026 annual fee by Seattle taxable revenue: $73 (under $20,000), $147 ($20,000-$499,999), $667 ($500,000-$1,999,999), $1,604 ($2,000,000-$4,999,999), $3,210 ($5,000,000 or more), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses starting July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   Filed online through FileLocal the certificate is usually printable within 2-3 business days; by mail it takes one to six weeks. All certificates expire Dec. 31 and must be renewed annually.

2. Trade Name (DBA) Registration

   If you operate under a trade name rather than your full legal name - for example "Perfect Day Events" - you register that name with the Washington Department of Revenue as part of the state Business License Application. King County does not file DBAs or fictitious business names. Registration is required before you accept payments under the business name.

   Official government source

   $5 per trade name registered. If you register the name on the same application that opens your business, the only other charge is the $50 open/reopen processing fee; if you add a trade name to an existing business later, the processing fee is $10.·About 10 business days for an online application; up to 6 weeks by mail. Add 2-3 weeks if the same application includes city or state endorsements.

   $5 per trade name registered. If you register the name on the same application that opens your business, the only other charge is the $50 open/reopen processing fee; if you add a trade name to an existing business later, the processing fee is $10.

   About 10 business days for an online application; up to 6 weeks by mail. Add 2-3 weeks if the same application includes city or state endorsements.

Official Sources

• City of Seattle — Business Licensing
• Washington Secretary of State
• IRS — Apply for EIN

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