Bellingham, Washington business licenses
Identify the licenses, permits, and how many you need to start or grow your business in Bellingham.
Make finding and applying for business licenses less complicated
Getting the right business license is crucial to starting your company on the right foot. But identifying and applying for licenses can be confusing and complicated. Business Licenses by Avalara helps make it easier.
what we do:
- Help find licenses you may need when opening or expanding a business or meeting new license requirements
- Simplify and streamline the application process
- Prepare signature-ready applications (with Avalara License Preparation product)
Avalara License Guidance $99
Learn license requirements, find applications, and get help submitting them.
Avalara License Filing, starting at $499 per location
Let our business license experts prepare your applications for you.
Know why you need licenses and permits in Bellingham
Some industries are highly regulated and can require many licenses. These regulations are often in place to help protect both your business and the community. Discover why licenses and permits are so important for these industries in Bellingham.
Considerations when acquiring licenses/permits for construction in Bellingham.
Considerations when acquiring licenses/permits for construction in Bellingham.
Many construction jobs require some kind of building permit to get started in Bellingham. You may be surprised by the construction jobs that require permits in Bellingham. A minor remodeling job without the right permit in Bellingham could land your business in major trouble. Always check with your local authorities before you begin construction to see if you need a building permit.
There are often environmental considerations when operating a construction business in Bellingham. Waste and debris from construction sites can sometimes impact local ecosystems and waterways. Be sure to check for your local licenses in Bellingham as well as any federal licenses or permits you may need.
Construction sites can be potentially dangerous places. Due to the inherent hazards that come with some jobs, there may be safety permits required to operate your construction business in Bellingham. Safe work permits are frequently required by OSHA in addition to any local construction permits in Bellingham.
Considerations when acquiring licenses/permits for restaurants in Bellingham.
Considerations when acquiring licenses/permits for restaurants in Bellingham.
You’ll likely need a business license to open a cafe or restaurant in Bellingham. This is in addition to any other local or state licenses that may be required in Bellingham.
On top of your business license, you may need a food service license for your restaurant in Bellingham. These licenses are often issued by the health department in your area. After you’ve gotten your food service license in Bellingham, the health department will start making inspections of your business.
If your cafe or restaurant in Bellingham serves any kind of beer, wine, cider, or spirits, you’re likely going to need some type of beverage alcohol license. Your Bellingham cafe or restaurant may require a general license for all types of alcoholic beverages, or a license just for beer and wine. Decide what drinks your business plans to sell, and learn the licenses you need to maintain compliance.
There are many regulations a freight and cargo transportation
business might need to comply with in Bellingham.
Considerations when acquiring business licenses/permits for freight and cargo transportation in Bellingham.
Depending on what you do, you may need a freight forwarder license to operate a freight transportation business in Bellingham. This license allows businesses to manage transportation for third-party cargo. This license is often handled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, but you should see if additional licenses or permits are required in Bellingham.
While a freight forwarding license may be required for managing shipments in Bellingham, you might need a motor carrier permit if your business handles the actual shipping. There may be other permits and licenses necessary for freight carriers in Bellingham.
One big license you’ll likely need for your freight transportation business in Bellingham is a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. A CDL is required not only for drivers in Bellingham, but for all commercial drivers across the U.S.
See where you might owe sales tax
Need to know where and when you owe sales tax? Get a free Economic Nexus Risk Assessment and learn your sales tax obligations.
Learn more about business licenses
Looking for answers to your business license questions? Connect with a tax solution specialist at Avalara today.
Learn more about business licenses
Connect with Avalara to learn more about the licenses your business may require.