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Business License
Registering a Business in Washington
Are you thinking of starting a business? Prior to applying for a City of Bremerton business license, businesses must first obtain a Washington Business License Uniform Identification number (UBI) from Washington State Department of Revenue. You may also visit the local Department of Labor and Industries office at 10049 Kitsap Mall Blvd NW, Silverdale, WA 98383 to complete your Master Business License application.
After obtaining a UBI number, apply for City of Bremerton license online through www.FileLocal-WA.gov or you may print the Business License Application (PDF) form and mail (Tax & License Division, 345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337) or bring it to our office.
Who Needs a City Business License?
Most businesses operating in Bremerton are required to have a Bremerton business license in addition to their State license. Complete the License Check Sheet (PDF) to learn more. Business licenses are needed for:
- Retail sales and service
- Wholesale
- Providing professional or personal services
- Manufacturing
Regulatory Endorsements
Licensing Information for Specific Business Types
- Businesses based outside Bremerton – If your business is based outside Bremerton and you do business within the city, then you must have a Bremerton business license. In other words, you need a license for where you conduct business; not just for where you're located.
- Subcontractors – Subcontractors need a Bremerton business license even if the contractor they are working with already has one. The license is valid only for the legal owner listed on it.
- Non-profits – If you raise funds in Bremerton, whether as a for-profit or nonprofit organization, you must have a Bremerton business license.
- Online-only business – Contact us if you have questions about licensing for online-only businesses. You may need a Bremerton business license if your business originates from Bremerton or has servers within city limits.
- Home-based business – Businesses based in a Bremerton home usually need a Bremerton business license. Contact us if you have questions about licensing for home-based businesses. Please read these regulations if you are applying for a home occupation business.
***Due to technical difficulties, please do not contact FileLocal. Instead, please contact Tax & License directly at 360-473-5311.***
For 2019, the cost to obtain a new business license is:
If you close or sell your business you must notify the City of Bremerton in writing of the change. We cannot close your account over the phone! Please use the closure box in the lower left-hand corner of the tax form to indicate the closure/sale date or if you have filed your final return with FileLocal, email taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us with your account number, business name and last day of business in Bremerton. The tax form must be filed with our office within 10 days after your last day of business in Bremerton.
You can read the Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) Chapter 5.02 for details about Bremerton business licensing.
Applying for a New Business License
For 2019, the cost to obtain a new business license is:
- $75.00: Starting business in Bremerton between January 1 and June 30
- $37.50: Starting business in Bremerton between July 1 through December 31
The business license fee is currently $75 per year but is prorated for new applicants to $37.50 for businesses that begin after July 1st. Once you are registered, you will receive a license renewal notice every December. Please be aware that your license fee is nonrefundable regardless of applying in error or subsequent denial of your application.
In addition to a business license, most businesses within the city limits require a City of Bremerton Occupancy Permit prior to opening for business. Please contact our Building Department at 360-473-5275 or dcdpermits@ci.bremerton.wa.us for questions regarding the occupancy permit application process, or complete the Commercial Occupancy with Same Use Permit (PDF).
In addition to a business license, most businesses within the city limits require a City of Bremerton Occupancy Permit prior to opening for business. Please contact our Building Department at 360-473-5275 or dcdpermits@ci.bremerton.wa.us for questions regarding the occupancy permit application process, or complete the Commercial Occupancy with Same Use Permit (PDF).
Apply for a new license, renew an existing license, file taxes, or update business information by visiting www.FileLocal-WA.gov. On FileLocal there is a $5 minimum fee when you apply for a license or submit a return (there is no fee applied to zero balance returns). The fee is made up of a $4 user fee per city per payment and a service fee per city per payment based upon payment type. The service fee is a flat rate of $1 for ACH Debit and for credit/debit cards it is 3%.
You may also print the Business License Application (PDF) form and mail (Tax & License Division, 345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337) or bring it to our office.
You may also print the Business License Application (PDF) form and mail (Tax & License Division, 345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337) or bring it to our office.
Closing & Selling Businesses
If you close or sell your business you must notify the City of Bremerton in writing of the change. We cannot close your account over the phone! Please use the closure box in the lower left-hand corner of the tax form to indicate the closure/sale date or if you have filed your final return with FileLocal, email taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us with your account number, business name and last day of business in Bremerton. The tax form must be filed with our office within 10 days after your last day of business in Bremerton.
More Information
- A change in ownership of a business requires that the new owner apply for a new license.
- If a business is conducted at 2 or more places within the city, a separate license is required for each place at which business is conducted.
- If more than 1 business is conducted at a single location, a separate license is required for each business.
Read the Code
You can read the Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) Chapter 5.02 for details about Bremerton business licensing.
***Due to technical difficulties, please do not contact FileLocal. Instead, please contact Tax & License directly at 360-473-5311.***
Licenses expire on December 31st of each year, with renewals (or closure information) due by the following January 31st.
Apply for a new license, renew an existing license, file taxes, or update business information by visiting www.FileLocal-WA.gov. On FileLocal there is a $5 minimum fee when you apply for a license or submit a return (there is no fee applied to zero balance returns). The fee is made up of a $4 user fee per city per payment and a service fee per city per payment based upon payment type. The service fee is a flat rate of $1 for ACH Debit and for credit/debit cards it is 3%.
If you would rather renew by mail or in person and haven’t received a renewal form from us, please email taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us your request for a form, or call us at 360-473-5311.
Licenses expire on December 31st of each year, with renewals (or closure information) due by the following January 31st.
To renew online with FileLocal you will need:
- Your UBI-16 when you setup your FileLocal account
- Your Bremerton license number to enter as your city account number if you need to link your existing license
If you would rather renew by mail or in person and haven’t received a renewal form from us, please email taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us your request for a form, or call us at 360-473-5311.
When do you need a Regulatory License?
Regulatory licenses are required for the following activities and businesses:
- Charitable Solicitation (Nonprofit), Professional Fundraiser
- Dance / Public
- Erotic Dance Studios Dancers
- Peddlers
- Mobile Food Vendor
- Street Vendor
- Temporary Merchant
Regulatory License Applications must be mailed (Tax & License Division, 345 6th Street, Suite 100, Bremerton, WA 98337) or delivered in person. Download the Regulatory License Application (PDF).