How to Get a Business License in Spokane: What You Need to Know (2026)
The Quick Version
Starting a business in Spokane, WA requires permits and registrations across multiple government layers — federal, state, Spokane County (county), and city. The primary city-level requirement is the Business License, issued by the City of Spokane Business License Office. Most businesses need 5 to 10 separate registrations, and the order you complete them matters because each step has dependencies on the ones before it.
The base fee for a Business License in Spokane is Varies by type. Contact the City of Spokane Business License Office at 509-625-6070 for current requirements. More information is available at spokane.gov.
PermitBoard generates a complete, ordered roadmap for your specific business type in Spokane — with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form. Get My Roadmap →
What Makes Spokane Different
Spokane has several characteristics that affect the licensing process:
- WA Master Business License required at state level
- Separate Spokane city business license also needed
- Spokane Regional Health District for food permits
- Eastern WA — different market than Seattle
- Washington has no state income tax but requires a Business & Occupation (B&O) tax registration
The Permit Stack: What You Need
Most businesses in Spokane need permits from four levels of government:
Federal: An EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free and available instantly online at irs.gov/ein.
State (WA): LLC or Corporation filing through the Washington Secretary of State. Filing fee: $200 LLC, processing time: 1-2 weeks.
County (Spokane County): Health permits (for food businesses), building inspections, and any county-specific requirements.
City (Spokane): Business License from the City of Spokane Business License Office. Base fee: Varies by type. Phone: 509-625-6070.
How Long Does It Take?
Most businesses in Spokane can be fully licensed and operational within 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the business type. Simple home-based businesses can often complete the process in 2 to 4 weeks, while restaurants, bars, and businesses requiring inspections typically take 8 to 12 weeks.
The dependency chain matters — some permits can't be applied for until others are in place. Getting the order wrong means delays and wasted time.
Don't Guess — Get Your Roadmap
Every business type has different requirements, and Spokane has its own quirks that generic state guides miss. PermitBoard analyzes your specific business type against Spokane's actual requirements and gives you a step-by-step plan with fees, timelines, and direct links to every form.