Business License/Endorsement

Starting in 2018 the City no longer issues its own Business Licenses. Instead, your Bainbridge Island Business License appears as an endorsement on your Washington State Business License.

Every person, firm, association, or corporation engaging in business within the City of Bainbridge Island must obtain a City of Bainbridge Island endorsement on their State of Washington business license.

A City endorsement 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 is overseen by the City Finance Department. For questions or information regarding licensing, contact the Finance Department at businesslicensing@bainbridgewa.gov or (206)780-8591.

State of Washington Business Licensing Service (BLS)

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 BLS operating under the Washington State Department of Revenue. The City's conversion to the BLS system brings the City into compliance with State Engrossed House Bills 2005 and 2959.

Because of the conversion to the State BLS the City can no longer accept and receipt business license fees. The renewal of your City business license/endorsement is now handled by the State BLS. You will receive your State of Washington Business License renewal statement (that includes your City endorsement) and payment instructions from the State BLS. You, MUST pay your renewal fee via the BLS website.

If you have not received your State of Washington business license renewal statement, contact BLS directly at (360) 705-6741 or https://dor.wa.gov/. Only payment through BLS guarantees continued City licensing endorsement. Business licensing endorsement payments received at the City will be returned with instructions to remit payment to 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 in January of each year. To avoid penalties completed reports, and any tax owed, should be returned to the City by April 15, or the following business day if the 15th falls on a weekend. If you have any questions, please contact the Finance Department at 206-780-8591.