Hospital
St. Joseph Hospital
3201 Ellis St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
734-5400
Animal Control/Licensing
www.whatcomhumane.org/php/index.php
3710 Williamson Way
Bellingham, WA, 98226
733-2080
A license is required for all dogs in Whatcom County. A leash law is in effect in Bellingham and certain other towns and areas. Call for specific information.
Some restrictions do apply to the quantity and type of pets (domestic and wild) that may be housed in a particular space. Area veterinary offices can further suggest which type of shots may be appropriate for animals living in Whatcom County.
Auto Plates and Tags
Auditors Office, County Courthouse
311 Grand Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
676-6743
New residents must obtain Washington license plates and registration within 30 days of bringing items (see below) to the Auditors Office in the County Courthouse. Call to obtain the locations of other authorized registration offices within Whatcom County.
Note: One year license tabs will cost residents $30.
Necessary registration items:
• Previous registration card and license plates
• A Washington State Patrol inspection slip (see Auto Registration)
• Previous title, if from a title state
• A notarized bill of sale, if from a nontitle state, and official verification that no lien exists against the vehicle.
Auto Driver's License
Driver License Examining Office
676-2096
New residents of Washington are required to obtain a Washington driver's license within 30 days.
Those applicants who do not have a valid driver's license in their possession must have
proof of license eligibility from the last state in which a license was held. A Washington license
begins on your birthday and ends four years from that date. This office is the only place to obtain any driver license within Whatcom County, including: automobile, commercial, and motorcycle.
Auto Registration
Washington State Patrol Office
676-2006
Out of state vehicles are inspected at this office on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 to noon and from 1:00 to 4:30 P.M. only.
Have all pertinent information with you. No appointment, first-come, first served walk in service.
Trailers are inspected by appointment only. Call 738-6215 or 384-1744.
Have all receipts, registration, and weight papers with you.
Whatcom Specialized Transportation:
Public Transportation
Whatcom Transportation Authority
(city and county transit scheduling information)
4111 Bakerview Spur, Bellingham, WA 98226
676-7433
Transportation Services for the Handicapped
2701 Northwest
Bellingham, WA 98225
733-1144
Recycling Services
All Whatcom County residents who live in single family homes, or multi-family homes with up to four dwellings are eligible to participate in the curbside recycling program.
Residents must be signed up for garbage service in order to sign up for recycling service.
Your recyclables will be collected either weekly or every other week, depending on your service area.
Whatcom County Solid Waste Division
Waste Reduction and Recycling Program
322 N Commercial St, Ste 220 Bellingham, WA 98225
676-7695
Senior Citizen Centers
Bellingham 733-4030
Blaine 332-8040
Everson 966-3144
Ferndale 384-5113
Lynden 354-5424
Taxes
There is no income tax in Washington State. The sales tax varies from area to area depending on
if they've added a transportation system (bus) or not. Whatcom County is mainly 7.9%.
Grocery items are non-taxable.
Better Business Bureau
206-448-8888 in Seattle
Fire Department
Emergencies - 9-1-1
Building Industry Association (BIA)
3323 Northwest Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
671-4247
Bellingham Housing Authority
208 Unity St. (lower level)
Bellingham, WA 98225
676-6887
Voter Registration
Whatcom County Auditor, County Courthouse
311 Grand Ave., Bellingham WA
676-6742 or 398-1310
You may register at the Auditor's Office in the courthouse, public schools, public libraries, city halls or when you renew your driver's license. Many other locations are available throughout the county. Call to find out the most convenient location.
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