Add employees

Hiring employees for the first time or reopening an employer account

If you are not already an employer and want to hire employees for your business for the first time, you must:

• File a new Business License Application.
• and
• Pay the appropriate fees.

How to file a Business License Application

There are three ways to file the Business License Application:

• Complete a Business License Application online and pay with E-check or a MasterCard, Visa, or American Express credit or debit card (gift cards cannot be used). Filing online isn’t recommended for some businesses. See the list of businesses that shouldn’t file a Business License Application online for details.

• File by mail: Complete the Business License Application and mail it to:
  
  State of Washington
  Business Licensing Service
  PO Box 9034
  Olympia, WA 98507-9034
• File in person at a business licensing office.

Note: After you file your application, the Department of Labor and Industries and Employment Security Department will send you information and additional forms to file quarterly reports.

Hiring additional employees

If you are already an employer and plan to hire more employees at the same location, you do NOT need to file a new Business License Application. Please contact Department of Labor and Industries, Employment Security Department and Department of Social and Health Services for more information.

Each time you hire an employee, you must report the hiring to the Department of Social and Health Services.