Business Licenses

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Every person doing business in Kent is required to obtain a City Business License unless otherwise exempt per KCC 5.01.045. City of Kent business license applications may be completed online through FileLocal or paper applications are available below. Businesses in Kent may also be subject to City taxes

Reach Business Licensing

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Online Applications 

Business license applications may be completed online through FileLocal.

The 2025 Relicensing Period will open on December 1, 2024.

For businesses applying for a new Kent business license, please follow this FileLocal Walk-Through which provides a quick step-by-step guide to the application process.

If you used a paper application last year (2024) and wish to renew your license online for 2025, you can do so after December 1, 2024, using the steps in this FileLocal Renewal Walk-Through Guide.

For technical assistance with the FileLocal system, please call FileLocal directly at 225-215-0052 or 1-877-693-4435, or email FileLocal@avenuinsights.com

For general business licensing assistance or questions, please contact us directly at 253-856-6266 or e-mail BusinessLicense@KentWA.gov

Paper Applications

2024 business license renewal notices have been mailed. If you did not receive your notice or need an additional copy, please email your request to: BusinessLicense@KentWA.gov

If you wish to submit a paper application for a new Kent business license, please select one of the following:

Applications with check or money order payment can be mailed to Customer Service at 400 West Gowe Street, Kent, WA 98032. Checks received which solely reference a business license number without an application will not be approved until the completed application is received.

In person applications can be accepted with cash, check, or money order at our Customer Service counter at 400 West Gowe Street, Kent, WA 98032. 

Business licensing payments made by credit card can only be accepted through FileLocal and not through the City of Kent's Finance Department. 

Business License Information

For general information regarding City of Kent business licenses, please refer to the following:

For more information about licensing your business with the State of Washington, contact the State of Washington Department of Revenue

City Taxes 

Persons doing business in Kent may also be subject to city taxes. When you apply for a business license in Kent for the first time, you will receive a letter with information about how to file your City business and occupation (B&O) tax returns online. Visit the City Taxes page for more information.