Tri-Cities WA Local License Background Check Rules

Business and Consumer Protection Washington 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Applicants for local licenses in Tri-Cities, Washington should expect varying background-check requirements depending on the city and the license type. Tri-Cities commonly refers to Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland; each municipality sets its own licensing rules, application steps, and submission points. This guide summarizes where background checks are typically required, how to obtain and submit required records, what departments enforce the rules, and what to do if you disagree with a determination. For specific, legally controlling text consult each city’s official licensing pages linked below for the exact requirements that apply to your permit or business type.

Which licenses commonly require background checks

  • Retail alcohol, liquor or server permits (may require criminal history and fingerprinting).
  • Adult-oriented business licenses and entertainment permits.
  • For-hire transportation or taxi/ride-share operator permits.
  • Childcare, family home providers, and related health-sensitive licenses.
Background-check triggers depend on license class; check the issuing city for the exact rules.

How background checks are performed

Municipalities may require a Washington State Patrol background check, fingerprint-based checks through a state vendor, or submission of certified court records. Timing, acceptable documents, and vendor instructions are set by the issuing department. City finance or licensing offices typically direct applicants to an approved fingerprint vendor or provide a form to authorize a records check. When in doubt, follow the instructions on the city license page for the jurisdiction issuing your license.

City-specific licensing information and application portals:

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of licensing and background-check requirements is handled by the issuing city department (commonly Finance, Licensing, or Code Enforcement) and may be coordinated with police or licensing boards. Specific fines, civil penalties, or criminal sanctions related to false statements or failure to obtain a required background check are set by the municipal code or the specific license ordinance; where a fine or penalty amount is not listed on the city licensing page it is "not specified on the cited page" and applicants should consult the municipal code or contact the licensing office cited below for exact penalty schedules.[1]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for all license types; consult municipal code or licensing office.[2]
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing-offence treatment is not specified on the cited business-license pages; ranges and civil penalty schemes appear in city code or specific license ordinances.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: denial, suspension, revocation of license, cease-and-desist orders, and referral to court are possible enforcement actions as indicated by municipal licensing practice (specifics not specified on the cited page).
  • Enforcer and complaints: licensing or finance departments enforce local license rules; some matters may be investigated by code enforcement or police. Use the licensing/contact pages for each city to file complaints or request review.[3]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits vary by license type and are typically set in the municipal code or the specific license regulations; if no appeal timeframe is listed on the licensing page it is "not specified on the cited page" and you should request the appeal procedure in writing from the issuing office.
  • Defences/discretion: licensing officials often retain discretion to grant waivers, variances, or consider "reasonable excuse"; availability depends on the ordinance or policy for that license.
If a penalty amount or appeal period is needed for a legal response, request the precise code section from the issuing city.

Applications & Forms

Most Tri-Cities licensing pages provide application forms or online portals; some specific licenses require fingerprint cards or vendor-based fingerprint submission. If a named form or fee schedule is published, it appears on the city license page linked above; where no form is published the city typically instructs applicants to contact the licensing office for the correct packet.[1]

  • Kennewick: business license application and instructions are on the Kennewick licensing page.[1]
  • Pasco: application steps and fee information are posted on Pasco’s business license page.[2]
  • Richland: submit business-license applications per the instructions on the Richland finance site; some permits require additional state checks.

How-To

  1. Identify the issuing city for your license (Kennewick, Pasco, or Richland) and open that city’s licensing page to confirm requirements.
  2. Download or request the specific license application and checklist; follow fingerprint and documentation instructions exactly.
  3. Pay any application or background-check fees as directed by the city or the approved fingerprint vendor.
  4. Submit the completed application, background-check authorization, and any required records to the licensing office listed on the city page.
  5. If denied, request the written denial, note the appeal deadline, and file an appeal per the city’s published procedure or request the municipal code section that governs appeals.
Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts until your license matter is finally resolved.

FAQ

Do all Tri-Cities require fingerprint-based checks for business licenses?
No. Requirement depends on license type and the issuing city; check the specific city license page for details.
Who do I contact if a background check delays my license?
Contact the licensing or finance department for the issuing city listed on the city license page linked above; phone and contact forms are provided on each official page.
Are there standard fines for failing to disclose convictions on an application?
Fine amounts and sanctions are set in municipal code or specific license ordinances; if not listed on the licensing page the amount is "not specified on the cited page" and you must request the ordinance citation from the issuing office.

Key Takeaways

  • Background-check requirements vary by city and license type; always check the issuing city’s page.
  • Many licenses will require fingerprinting or certified records; follow vendor instructions exactly.
  • If denied, obtain the written decision and follow the city’s appeal procedure within the stated deadlines.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Kennewick business license information
  2. [2] City of Pasco business license information
  3. [3] City of Richland business license resources

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