Washington State Business License Requirements for Trucking Businesses

Key Business License & Registration Requirements

Any person or entity doing business in Washington must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR) via the Business Licensing Service (BLS). You’ll receive a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number once registered.
If you form a business structure such as a corporation, LLC, partnership, etc., you may also need to file with the Washington Secretary of State before applying for your license.
Use the Business Licensing Wizard via DOR to determine which endorsements/permits apply to you.

After registration you apply for the business license through the BLS.
The “New Business Required License Checklist” from the state outlines that you must get the state business license if:
- You’re doing business under a name other than your legal name, or
- You plan to hire employees within 90 days, or
- Your gross income will be $12,000 or more per year, or
- You sell a product or service subject to certain taxes/fees.

If you are transporting vehicles that you do not own (for example, a vehicle transporter towing or hauling cars) you must obtain a Vehicle Transporter endorsement via the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) in coordination with BLS.
For trucking businesses, you must ensure you meet workers’ compensation / industrial insurance requirements with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). For example, trucking businesses operating intrastate must either cover Washington workers through WA industrial insurance or self‐insure.

Operating a trucking business in Washington means you’ll likely be subject to the following taxes/filings:
- Business & Occupation (B&O) tax, Retail Sales Tax (where applicable) and Use Tax.
- If you haul for hire (transporting property or persons) you may be subject to the Public Utility Tax.
Special registrations or filings may be needed depending on your trucking operations (e.g., oversize/overweight permits via the Washington State Department of Transportation).

Decide on your business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.).
Register with the Secretary of State if required (LLC/corp/partnership).
Register your business with DOR/BLS, receive your UBI.
Apply for your state business license via BLS; consider city/county business licenses too (many local jurisdictions have their own licensing requirements).
Determine trucking‐specific endorsements/permits: e.g., Vehicle Transporter endorsement if you haul vehicles not owned by you.
Secure required insurance, workers’ compensation coverage, industrial insurance compliance (especially if you have drivers/employees).
Register for relevant taxes: B&O tax, sales/use tax (if applicable), public utility tax if for‐hire property/person transport.
Ensure commercial vehicle registrations, permits (oversize/overweight, intrastate vs interstate operations) are in place.
Maintain required reporting (for example, driver hours reporting, workers’ compensation filings, vehicle acquisitions/sales if applicable).
Stay aware of city/county licensing requirements in locations where you do business (especially for pickup/delivery operations across multiple municipalities).

Interstate vs Intrastate operations: If you operate only within Washington (intrastate), you must meet WA’s industrial insurance and trucking‐specific rules. If you operate interstate, additional federal/state regulations will apply.
Physical business address & local licenses: Many cities/counties require their own business license or endorsement if you operate within their jurisdiction. The state checklist advises you check local websites.
Tax classification: Trucking is one of the industries with specific classifications for workers’ compensation and tax purposes (e.g., classification 1102 for trucking drivers) under WA rules.
Complexity of endorsements: Some endorsements (like Vehicle Transporter, Tow Truck Operator, etc.) have additional bonds, plate requirements, or reporting obligations. For example for a Vehicle Transporter you have to submit a “Vehicle Transport/Disposal Addendum”.
Compliance costs: While the state business license itself may not be hugely expensive, combined costs of endorsements, permits, insurance, taxes and local licenses can add up — plan accordingly.
Staying current: Trucking is highly regulated. Failing to keep up with reporting, insurance, or required endorsements can lead to fines or revocation of authority.