Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Seattle, King County, Washington.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $500–$1,200 est. 4–8 weeks from application to opening
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Washington

3 stops

  1. Washington State Business License

    Required for all businesses operating in Washington. Issued by the Department of Revenue. Hair salons must also register for collecting and remitting retail sales tax on taxable services and products.

    Official government source

    $19/year1–2 weeks

  2. WA Cosmetology Salon License

    All hair salon establishments must hold a Cosmetology Salon License issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The salon license is separate from individual cosmetologist licenses and must be displayed prominently.

    Official government source

    $125–$175/year2–4 weeks

  3. Individual Cosmetologist License

    Every cosmetologist working in your salon must hold a current Washington State cosmetologist license from the DOL. Requires completion of a state-approved cosmetology program (1,600 hours) and passing state board exams.

    Official government source

    $65/year per licenseeVaries (depends on exam scheduling)

City of Seattle / King County

3 stops

  1. Seattle Business License Tax Certificate

    Required for all businesses operating in Seattle. Issued by City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services. All hair salons must maintain a current certificate displayed at the place of business.

    Official government source

    $110/year1–2 weeks

  2. Certificate of Occupancy

    Required before opening a salon in a commercial space. Issued by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) after a building inspection confirms the space meets safety codes. Required for new construction or change of use.

    Official government source

    $200–$800 (building permit fees vary by scope of work)2–6 weeks

  3. King County Public Health Salon Inspection

    Hair salons in King County are subject to inspection by Public Health — Seattle & King County to ensure sanitation standards for cosmetology establishments are met. Inspections verify sterilization equipment, clean/dirty tool separation, and ventilation.

    No separate feeScheduled upon opening

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,200 · 4–8 weeks from application to opening

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Official Sources

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