Key Takeaways

  • A UBI number is a unique 9-digit identifier issued by Washington State for businesses.
  • It’s required for state tax filings, licensing, hiring employees, and regulatory compliance.
  • You can obtain a UBI by filing a Business License Application or registering your entity with the Secretary of State.
  • Changes in business structure require a new UBI number.
  • Multiple state agencies—including Revenue, Labor & Industries, and Employment Security—use the UBI to track business activity.

What is a UBI number? A UBI number is an identifier is provided by the State of Washington to identify a registered business.

What Is a UBI Number?

Washington State will provide a UBI number to a business that is registered to operate in the state. The number serves to identify the business to the appropriate state governmental agencies. Local agencies will use the UBI to identify a business. 

This nine-digit number will be assigned to a business when the owner registers with the Department of Revenue, Department of Employment Security, Department of Labor and Industries, or the Secretary of State. The State may also assign a UBI when a business owner files a business license application through the Department of Revenue's business licensing department.

What Does a UBI Number Do?

A UBI number is used to identify your business across multiple Washington state agencies. This includes tracking tax obligations, verifying business legitimacy, managing employee payroll filings, and administering state licenses and permits. Essentially, it centralizes your business identity so agencies such as the Department of Revenue, Department of Labor & Industries, and Employment Security Department can access consistent information about your entity.

Businesses will need a UBI number for tasks like:

  • Applying for state business licenses or endorsements
  • Hiring employees in Washington
  • Paying state excise taxes
  • Registering for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance
  • Opening state or municipal government contracts

Filing for a UBI

When you file for a UBI, you must pay a $15 fee, plus an extra $5 for each additional trade name. The various agencies within the State of Washington will use the same UBI to identify a single business. As long as a business retains its business structure, the UBI will remain the same. If your business structure changes, such as shifting from a partnership to a corporation, you will need to apply for a replacement UBI number. 

When Is a UBI Number Required?

Not all businesses need a UBI number, but many do. You are required to obtain a UBI number if your business meets any of the following criteria:

  • You hire employees in Washington
  • You collect sales tax
  • You are required to pay state business and occupation (B&O) tax
  • Your business is structured as a corporation, LLC, or partnership
  • You need a city, state, or professional license
  • You operate under a trade name
  • You want to open a business bank account that requires a state-issued ID

Some sole proprietors who operate without employees or taxable sales may not be required to obtain a UBI. However, it is still advisable to apply for one to streamline future compliance.

Business Entity and UBI Assignment

The Corporations Division of the State of Washington will assign a UBI number when the owner of a business files for registration as a:

  • Limited partnership
  • Corporation
  • Limited liability company (LLC)

Certain other types of businesses may qualify for UBI numbers as well. You can review the Corporations Division page of the Washington Secretary of State's website to view all applicable business classifications. Even if a company doesn't fall within one of the categories listed by the Corporations Division, it can still qualify to get a UBI number. The owner of this type of business will need to fill out a master business application, available from the state's Department of Licensing. 

Where to Apply for a UBI Number

You can apply for a UBI number by completing the Business License Application through the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS). The application can be filed online or by mail. If your business structure requires registration with the Secretary of State (e.g., LLCs, corporations), you may receive your UBI automatically upon formation.

Visit the Business Licensing Service website at bls.dor.wa.gov to:

  • Start a new business application
  • Check UBI status or search by business name
  • Renew or update your license
  • Apply for additional trade names or endorsements

UBI vs. FEIN

Many business owners confuse UBIs with FEINs. A FEIN is a federal employer identification number. Based on information found on the Washington Secretary of State's website, a FEIN is assigned by the IRS to classify the federal tax filing and account. Only those companies operating in the state of Washington must obtain a UBI number. If a business needs a UBI number to operate in Washington, the owner can request it through the Business Licensing Service.

Many state agencies in Washington use the UBI number, including the Secretary of State, Department of Revenue, and Employment Security Department. If you're not required to register your business with the Washington Secretary of State, you will receive a UBI number after you complete your master business application and file it with the Department of Revenue. This number is important for identification, taxes, and filing for your business.

How to Find Your UBI Number

If you’ve already registered your business in Washington and need to locate your UBI number, there are several options:

  • Look at your Business License or Unified Business Identifier (UBI) registration confirmation
  • Search for your business using the Department of Revenue’s Business Lookup Tool
  • Review your past filings with the Secretary of State or Department of Revenue
  • Contact the Business Licensing Service directly for help retrieving your number

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between a UBI and a business license number?
    A UBI number identifies your business across state systems, while a business license number may refer to a specific license or endorsement issued for your operations.
  • Can I use my UBI number to file federal taxes?
    No, your UBI number is used for Washington State purposes only. For federal tax filings, you need a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) issued by the IRS.
  • Is a UBI number the same as a Washington State tax ID?
    Not exactly. While the UBI number is used by the Department of Revenue for tax purposes, the term “Washington State tax ID” may also refer broadly to the same number. However, always verify with the agency you’re working with.
  • Do I need a new UBI number if I change my business name?
    Not necessarily. You can register a new trade name under your existing UBI by updating your business license, unless your business structure also changes.
  • How long does it take to get a UBI number?
    If applying online, your UBI number is usually issued immediately after submission. Paper applications may take up to 10 business days to process.

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