File your Business License Application online.

The City of Kelso partners with the state Business Licensing Service to support its city license program.  Businesses get convenient online registration and renewal services connected to other Washington cities and public agencies.

Licensing helps public safety agencies to contact you in an emergency and improves resources to better support economic development in our city.

Am I required to get a city business license?

City businesses - companies and individuals - must obtain a city license if doing business within City limits.  Using the online service is the fastest way to apply.

Who is exempt from licensing?

Businesses exempt from local license requirements include:

• Casual or isolated sales.
• Common carrier delivery of goods and services within city limits.
• Minors engaged in baby-sitting, newpaper delivery, lawn mowing, and car washing.

How Much Does It Cost?

Kelso general business license                      $50.00

Kelso home occupation businesses               $50.00

Kelso nonprofit business license                    No Fee

Other Fees that may apply

State tax registration                                     No Fee

Register a trade name                                   $5.00

Application processing                                  $19.00 (non-refundable)

How do I get started?

All businesses operating in the State of Washington must register with the Department of Revenue.  File your application when you start business, or when you change or update your business:

http://business.wa.gov/BLS.

Renew Business License on line.