Business License

Every person, firm, association, or corporation that engages in business within the jurisdiction of the City of Bainbridge Island must obtain a City business license.  

A City of Bainbridge Island Business License entitles a business entity (e.g., sole proprietor, corporation, LLC, etc.) to engage in business in the City. The State of Washington business license merely establishes a business tax registration; a State business license does not entitle a business entity to engage in business. 

Business Licensing for the City of Bainbridge Island is overseen by Finance and Administrative Services. For questions or information regarding City Business Licensing, contact Finance and Administrative Services at businesslicensing@bainbridgewa.gov or (206)780-8591.

  1. Who needs a City Business License?
  2. How do I apply for or renew a City Business License?
  3. Do I need a State of Washington Business License to obtain a City Business License?
  4. How much does a City Business License cost?
  5. Where do I post my Business License?
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State of Washington Business Licensing Service

On July 12, 2018, the City of Bainbridge Island converted the front-end administrative tasks of its business licensing (i.e., application and renewal) to the State of Washington Business Licensing Service (BLS) operating under the Washington State Department of Revenue. The City's conversion to the BLS system brings the City into compliance with State EBH 2005 and EBH 2959.


Finance.201806.BLS_Letter_to_Businesses.CM-Edits.KRS-Edits Opens in new window

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For more information on the State Legislative initiative on the simplification of local business licensing and tax, see EHB 2005 and the Local Tax & Licensing Simplification Task Force: A report to the Legislature per Engrossed House Bill 2959.  You may download a PDF of the above letter here.

The City of Bainbridge Island cannot accept and receipt business license renewal fees. The renewal of your City business license is now handled by the State of Washington Business Licensing Service (BLS). You will receive your City license renewal statement and payment instructions from BLS, and you MUST pay your renewal fee through BLS. 

If you have not received your City license renewal statement, please contact BLS directly at (360) 705-6741 or https://dor.wa.gov/. Only payment through BLS guarantees continued licensing with the City. Business license renewal payments received at the City will be returned to the business with instructions to contact BLS.

Please Note: City of Bainbridge Island continues to oversee the City's Business & Occupation Tax reporting. B&O Tax Report packets are mailed to businesses the first week of January of each year. Completed reports should be returned to the City by April 15, 2021, to avoid penalties. If you have any questions, please contact Finance and Administration at 206-780-8591.

The City no longer issues Business License Certificates. The Bainbridge Island Business License appears as an endorsement on your Washington State Business License.

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To obtain a City of Bainbridge Business License, or for information, contact:

State of Washington Business Licensing Service (BLS)

Phone: (360) 705-6741


Do you want to know if a business has a business license? Use the My DOR Business Lookup portal.

Please contact the Finance and Administrative Services with any questions about licensing requirements for doing business on Bainbridge Island at businesslicensing@bainbridgewa.gov or (206)780-8591.