Business and Special Licenses

Business & Special Licenses Forms & Information

ATTENTION:

As of August 15, 2011, the City's Finance Department and Business & Special Licenses Office moved from the Esther Short Building, at 610 Esther St, to:

NEW CITY HALL, 415 W 6TH ST (across the street from the Esther Short Building; on the southwest corner of 6th & Esther Streets). 

License forms can now be obtained and submitted, along with payments, at the Customer Service counter on the first floor of new City Hall, 415 W 6th St.

City Hall Customer Service Hours:

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday

Business and special license forms can be downloaded from the gold box at the right. Information on Business Licenses and doing business in the City of Vancouver is provided below.  Information on Special Licenses is provided at Special Licenses and Taxis / Vehicles for Hire.

DOR Location Code for Revenue Development Area

Effective January 1, 2008, to undertake community revitalization, the City established a Revenue Development Area (RDA) bordered by E. Evergreen Blvd. on the north, E 8th St on the south, C St on the west, and Reserve St on the east. Persons and businesses within this RDA will be required to report sales and/or use taxes to the State Department of Revenue (DOR) using location code 0665 instead of the location code used elsewhere in the City (0605). The tax rate has not changed. Questions? Please go to http://dor.wa.gov/.

Recent Change to Washington State Sales Tax

Effective July 1, 2008, Washington retailers delivering goods to customers in Washington must collect sales tax based on where the customer receives the merchandise -- the "destination" of the sale. To learn more about the destination-based sales tax, go to: http://destinationtax.dor.wa.gov/

Doing Business in Vancouver

Read the basics of doing business in Vancouver below:

• Unless exempt, anyone conducting any business in Vancouver must have a current and valid Vancouver business license. (Possible exemptions are listed on the Determination of Exemption Checklist form.)
• Special Licenses are also required for some businesses in addition to the Vancouver business license. See Special Licenses link.
• Business locations within the Vancouver city limits must be in compliance with City fire, zoning, and building codes.
• If you are not sure if your business is located in the City limits, please check the Clark County Property Information Center online or call (360) 487-8410 ext 3.
• As of January 1, 2007, the Business License fee for each location is $125 plus a surcharge of $50 per employee (or full-time equivalent) for up to 400 employees (or full-time equivalents).
• Home-based businesses may also require a Home Occupancy Permit for a one-time fee ($119.72 in 2012). See Home Occupation Permit link.
• Each license must be clearly posted at the address for which it was issued.
• Change of Business Name or Address: If the name or the location of the business changes, a new license reflecting these changes is required.  There is no fee for the reissued license.
• No business shall use or display the license other than the one to whom the license was issued.
• A business license is valid for one year and expires on the last day of the month on the same month it was issued. Example: A license paid for on July 12, 2011 expires July 31, 2012.
• The license is not transferable to a new owner. New owners must apply for a new business license.
• License renewal: Renewal Invoices, that include a section to calculate the surcharge each year, are mailed 30 days prior to the expiration date. Return the completed Renewal Invoice and the appropriate fee prior to the due date to keep your license current.  A new license will be mailed to you after receipt of the completed invoice and renewal payment.
• The Business and Occupation Tax was eliminated effective January 1, 2002.