Auto Repair Shop Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

1. EPA Small Quantity Generator (SQG) Registration

   Auto repair shops that generate used oil, antifreeze, or other hazardous waste must register with the EPA as a hazardous waste generator. Most auto shops qualify as Small Quantity Generators (SQG). Registration is administered through Washington State Ecology.

   Official government source

   Free (registration only; disposal costs vary)·2–4 weeks

   Free (registration only; disposal costs vary)

   2–4 weeks

2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Washington State Business License (UBI)

   All Washington businesses must obtain a state Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number and Business License through the Washington Secretary of State / Department of Revenue. Auto repair shops require a state business license. Seattle business licensing also requires the state endorsement.

   Official government source

   $90 (initial application; varies by endorsements needed)·1–2 weeks

   $90 (initial application; varies by endorsements needed)

   1–2 weeks

2. Washington Sales Tax Registration

   Auto repair shops must collect Washington sales tax on parts sold and taxable labor. Washington taxes certain auto repair services. The King County combined rate is approximately 10.25%. Auto repair shops register through the Washington DOR online system.

   Official government source

   Included in state business license·1–2 weeks

   Included in state business license

   1–2 weeks

3. EPA Section 609 Certification (Automotive A/C)

   Technicians servicing vehicle air conditioning systems must be EPA Section 609 certified. Required for individual technicians handling refrigerants.

   Official government source

   $20–$35 per technician·Exam at approved testing center; certificate immediate upon passing

   $20–$35 per technician

   Exam at approved testing center; certificate immediate upon passing

1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in Seattle must obtain a Business License Tax Certificate from the City of Seattle Finance Department. Auto repair shops are subject to Seattle's Business and Occupation (B&O) tax based on gross receipts. The certificate is renewed annually. New businesses pay the Tier 1 fee in the first year.

   Official government source

   $110–$2,000/year (based on gross receipts tier)·1–2 weeks

   $110–$2,000/year (based on gross receipts tier)

   1–2 weeks

2. Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections — Certificate of Occupancy

   Auto repair shops must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). Auto repair is typically permitted in Industrial (IG, IB) and some Commercial zones. A building permit is required for tenant improvements.

   Official government source

   $200–$1,000 (varies by project scope)·4–10 weeks

   $200–$1,000 (varies by project scope)

   4–10 weeks

3. Seattle Fire Department Inspection

   Auto repair shops must pass a Seattle Fire Department inspection as part of the CO process. Shops must post labor rates in a visible location and comply with fire codes for flammable liquid storage and safety systems.

   Official government source

   Included in CO fees·1–3 weeks

   Included in CO fees

   1–3 weeks

4. Washington State Ecology — Dangerous Waste and Used Oil

   Seattle auto repair shops generating used oil, antifreeze, solvents, and other hazardous materials must comply with Washington State Department of Ecology dangerous waste regulations. Paint booths require an air quality permit from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA).

   Official government source

   Free (registration); PSCAA air permits $200–$1,500·4–8 weeks

   Free (registration); PSCAA air permits $200–$1,500

   4–8 weeks

Official Sources

• Seattle — Business Licenses
• Washington DOR — Auto Repair Facilities
• WA Department of Ecology — Hazardous Waste

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