Welcome to Tumwater!

We wish to take this opportunity to welcome you and your business to our community! We believe that you will find great opportunities here in Tumwater, located between Seattle and Portland on the I-5 corridor, serving travelers with a central location for exploring our beautiful Puget Sound. The City of Tumwater is committed to serving our community and looks forward to our continued success.

Who Needs a Business License 

The City of Tumwater requires all businesses engaged in any business activity within city limits to be licensed with the City, in accordance with Tumwater Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 5.04.  This includes in-home businesses, in-city businesses (owned and operated in the city), out-of-city business that have transactions in Tumwater, registered nonprofit businesses and temporary businesses.   

Effective 1/1/19 in accordance with TMC Chapter 5.04.070(E)

“Any person or business whose annual value of products, gross proceeds of sales, or gross income of the business in the city is equal to or less than $2,000 and who does not maintain a place of business within the city are exempt from any fees in this chapter. However, they are not exempted from registering or obtaining a business license with the city of Tumwater. The threshold does not apply to regulatory license requirements or activities that require a special permit.”

Special Considerations

According to the Tumwater Municipal Code, some businesses are required to acquire an Occupational Permit, TMC 5.06, and Sexually Oriented Businesses are subject to additional regulation, see TMC 5.50. Non-Profit Business Licenses require additional information. Cannabis growers and retailers are required to get a City of Tumwater Business License, but are also subject to additional regulation.   

To Apply, Renew or Close a Business License

The City of Tumwater has partnered with the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS).

Visit the Business Licensing Service Website for an application or apply in person at:

Business Licensing Service
Department of Revenue
6500 Linderson Way SW
Tumwater, WA 98501
(360) 705-6741

Contact Us

The Business Licensing Division is available to answer any questions you may have.  Contact the Licensing Specialist by email, calling (360) 754-4136, or stop by City Hall at 555 Israel RD SW, Tumwater WA .