All businesses engaged in any business activity in Bellingham must be registered with the City’s Finance Department. The registration is done through the state’s Business Licensing Service. Bellingham’s general business registration only occurs once and is valid for the life of the business.
In order to register, you must:
- Complete a state Business License Application with a city business registration addendum.
- Pay a $40 fee to register with Bellingham.
- Pay a state application handling fee. This fee is variable.
- Pay fees for any additional licenses required for your business. For instance, businesses are strongly encouraged to register any new trade name for a $5 fee.
Registration Options
Online
Enter your information on your own computer and pay by e-Check or credit card. Registering online is the fastest and most convenient method to apply. Go to the Business Licensing Service website for more information.
By Mail
Please allow 2-3 additional weeks in processing time if submitting the application by mail. Go to the Business Licensing Service website to download and complete a paper version of the Business License Application and city business registration addendum, and mail with the appropriate fee (check or money order payable to “Department of Revenue”) to:
Business Licensing Service
Department of Revenue
P.O. Box 9034
Olympia WA 98507-9034
You may request to have the paper application forms mailed to you by calling 360-705-6741.
License Approval Process
All new business license applications approved by the State are issued a Unified Business Identifier (UBI). The UBI is used by both the State and the City to manage your account. Approved Business Licenses with your City of Bellingham endorsement will arrive in the mail about 4-6 weeks after the application is submitted.
All eligible businesses for online B&O tax filing with the City will receive a unique account number and PIN number by email. Additional instructions for filing your return will be included in this correspondence. Businesses should take note that they must pay State and City B&O Tax separately. The City of Bellingham is an online filing agency.
Additional Information
If registering a business physically located in Bellingham, your Bellingham license will be subject to zoning approved by the City’s Permit Center.
The City requires all businesses to file their business and occupation taxes with us here regardless of income. If your taxable gross receipts are more than $5,000 quarterly you will be required to pay business taxes.
Some businesses and individuals must apply for a regulatory license. All regulatory licenses must be filed with the City of Bellingham and are subject to additional fees, you must apply for and collect your Regulatory License in-person. Notable regulatory licenses include:
- Taxi Driver License: Please email BPDFingerprints@cob.org, who will then provide further instructions.
- Canvasser/Solicitor License: Please email BPDFingerprints@cob.org, who will then provide further instructions.
- Handbill Distributor
- Telephone Solicitor
- Sidewalk Vendor
To find out if a business or a trade name is registered with the City and/or State, please visit the Business Licensing Service business license search.
To make any changes to the legal entity name for your corporation, LLC or LLP, you must contact the Secretary of State at 1 (360) 753-7115.
Support Information
City of Bellingham
- For general questions about registering your business with the City of Bellingham contact the Finance Department.
- For guidance about the City’s registration process and B&O Tax see Business and Occupation Taxes section.
Washington State Department of Revenue
- For questions about completing and filing the application forms, visit the Business Licensing Service website or call 360-705-6741.
- For questions about State Business and Occupation Taxes
