Bellingham, WA · Whatcom County
Short-Term Rental Permit Application
This application is for property owners or long-term tenants seeking a Bellingham short-term rental permit; applicants submit it with the materials and fees required for their permit type.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Use this packet to apply for a Type I, Type II, or Type III-A short-term rental permit. The application collects information about the operator, rental property, guest operations, plans, and supporting materials; Type III-A applicants must also complete a conditional use permit application. Type I applicants must provide courtesy-notice materials, and Type II applicants must submit a notarized address information verification form. The form says permits must be renewed with a Renewal Affidavit by January 1 of every even-numbered year.
Who needs it
Property owners or long-term tenants applying to operate a Type I, Type II, or Type III-A short-term rental in Bellingham should use this application packet.
Why it needs a notary
The packet includes an acknowledgment for the primary-residency affidavit and a jurat for Type II address verification; the operator or resident and verification signer sign before the notary.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Application
Download the City of Bellingham short-term rental permit application packet and review the instructions for your permit type.
- 2
Fill Out the Form
Complete the applicable sections and gather the required plans, notices, affidavits, and supporting documents.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Book a commissioned online notary for the notarized certificate that applies to your application materials.
- 4
Sign on Video
Show identification and sign the applicable document during the online notary session.
- 5
Submit to the City
Submit the completed application, required supporting materials, and applicable fee to the City of Bellingham Permit Center.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Bellingham. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I apply for a Bellingham short-term rental permit?
- Select the permit type, complete the application, and gather its required plans and supporting materials. Submit the packet and applicable fee to the City of Bellingham Permit Center.
- Do I need to notarize the entire application?
- The packet includes notary certificates for the primary-residency affidavit and, for Type II permits, the address information verification form. Check which materials apply to your permit type and confirm with the city or town if unsure.
- Can I sign the notary sections online?
- Washington authorizes its commissioned notaries to perform remote online notarizations under RCW 42.45.280. Book with a commissioned online notary and follow the notary’s instructions for signing the applicable certificate.
- What supporting materials may the application require?
- Depending on permit type and circumstances, the packet lists plans, a primary-residency affidavit, Good Neighbor Guidelines, notice materials, a business license, liability insurance, or a tenant lease.