Business License

Starting a Business in Bremerton

To start a business in Bremerton, WA:

Register your business with the Washington Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service (BLS) and add Bremerton as an endorsement: https://dor.wa.gov/open-business.

Who Needs a License?

All businesses operating in Bremerton need a Bremerton business license in addition to their Washington State license.

Business types that require a license include:

• Retail sales and service
• Wholesale
• Professional or personal services
• Manufacturing

Rates Effective 2026:

The annual licensing fee for standard business licenses is $75.00.

Businesses with annual gross ≤ $4,000 and no place of business in Bremerton are exempt from the general business license fee.

These businesses must still obtain a no-fee Registration Only license.
(Exemption does not apply to regulatory licenses that require a specialized permit.)

Ready to Apply?

Before applying, make sure you:

• Confirm your location: not all “Bremerton” addresses are inside city limits. Use the Kitsap County Parcel Lookup or call the Tax & License Division.
• Have all necessary documents ready (registration, insurance, certifications, permits).
• Understand that fees are non-refundable if your application is denied.

Ways to Apply:

You can submit your application through the Washington State Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service:

• Online: The fastest and most convenient method. Complete your application through the Business Licensing Wizard or log in to My DOR to apply directly.
• By Mail: Download and complete the Business License Application (PDF), then mail it to:
  
  Business Licensing Service
  P.O. Box 9034
  Olympia, WA 98507-9034
  
  Mailed applications can take up to six weeks to process.

Special Cases & Regulatory Licenses

Certain businesses require separate regulatory licenses:

• Charitable solicitation / fundraising
• Dance / public performances
• Erotic dance studios
• Peddlers - selling goods door-to-door or in public spaces on a temporary basis.
• Mobile Vendors - selling food, beverages, or goods from a mobile vehicle within city limits.
• Street Vendors - selling products in public spaces or on sidewalks in Bremerton.
• Temporary Merchants - vendors operating at temporary locations such as fairs, markets, or events.

Regulatory licenses have additional rules and fees.

To apply please complete an application.

Renewals Made Easy

Renewals are managed by Washington State BLS.

• Check your license status and renew it online.
• Stay compliant to avoid late fees or penalties.

To Check or Renew Your License click here Version Options Business License Headline.

Closing or Selling a Business

If you’re closing or selling:

• Notify us in writing (we cannot close accounts over the phone).
• Use the closure box on your tax form or mark it online.
• File your final tax return within 10 days of your last business day in Bremerton.
• A change in ownership requires the new owner to apply for a new license.
•  Multiple locations or businesses at a single address require separate licenses.

Read the Code

You can read the Bremerton Municipal Code, see Bremerton Municipal Code (BMC) Chapter 5.02 regarding Business Licensing. 

Why It Matters

Getting a Bremerton business license keeps your business legal and in compliance with city and state regulations. It helps you avoid fines or penalties and ensures you can operate confidently within the city.

It’s quick, mostly online, and stress-free, so you can focus on growing your business—not paperwork.