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Business License
New System Makes it Easier to Apply for and Renew Business Licenses
To streamline the licensing process and make it easier for businesses to apply for or renew business licenses, the City of Bremerton has partnered with the Department of Revenue’s Business Licensing Service (BLS). Starting July 15, 2021, BLS will begin to process the City of Bremerton’s business licenses and renewals.
FileLocal will no longer be processing Bremerton license applications after June 30, 2021. Please contact the City of Bremerton Tax & License division directly at 360-473-5311 or taxinfo@ci.bremerton.wa.us to discuss how to apply for or renew a business license between July 1, 2021 – July 14, 2021.
A new business licensing system will make it easier to apply for or renew your business license by providing a one-stop shop for both Bremerton and state business licenses. The new system will allow you to apply or renew online, saving you time bookkeeping costs.
You can file your Bremerton city taxes online here.
Registering a Business in Washington
Are you thinking of starting a business in Bremerton?
Apply for your State and City license here. Be sure to add Bremerton as an endorsement to your State license if you are located in the City or are working here.
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 and permit. 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.
Applying for a New Business License
Apply for your State and City license here. Please be aware that your license fee is nonrefundable regardless of applying in error or subsequent denial of your application.
Since the State will be processing all general business license applications after 7/15/21, we can no longer accept business license applications at our City offices after that date.
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).
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 access your account online here and mark the closure box in your account information. If you have already filed your tax return you may 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.
Beginning in 2022, business license renewals will be managed by the Washington State Department of Revenue BLS. Please access your State license here to review your license status.
Because the State is now processing all general business license renewal fees, we will no longer be able to accept your renewal at the City.
Because the State is now processing all general business license renewal fees, we will no longer be able to accept your renewal at the City.
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).