Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA

1. 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)

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

   Nail salons handle hazardous chemicals. OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets, employee training, and adequate ventilation (29 CFR 1910.1200).

   Official government source

   Free (compliance requirement)·Implement before opening

   Free (compliance requirement)

   Implement before opening

1. Washington State Department of Licensing — Cosmetology Salon License

   All nail salons in Washington State must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), Cosmetology Unit. The salon establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with RCW Chapter 18.16 and WAC Chapter 308-20. The salon must meet sanitation, equipment, ventilation, and facility standards.

   Official government source

   $121 to get a salon/shop licence and $121 to renew ($181 if renewed late). Mobile unit and personal service licences carry the same amounts.·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   $121 to get a salon/shop licence and $121 to renew ($181 if renewed late). Mobile unit and personal service licences carry the same amounts.

   3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Nail Technician License (per employee)

   Every nail technician working in the salon must hold a valid Washington State Nail Technician License issued by DOL. This requires completing an approved 600-hour nail technology program, passing a written and practical exam.

   Official government source

   $35 new application fee; $66 renewal fee every 2 years ($131 if renewed late).·4–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exam)

   $35 new application fee; $66 renewal fee every 2 years ($131 if renewed late).

   4–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exam)

3. Washington State Business License

   Most businesses operating in Washington must obtain a State Business License through the Department of Revenue's Business Licensing Service - not the Secretary of State, which handles entity formation separately. Apply through the My DOR portal. The same application registers the business for state B&O tax and issues the UBI.

   Official government source

   $50 one-time Business License Application processing fee to open a business; $5 per location annual renewal processing fee; $10 for any other filing (adding a trade name, an endorsement, or hiring employees); $5 per trade name registered. State, city, and county endorsements carry separate fees.·About 10 business days for online applications; add 2-3 weeks if city or state endorsements are required; mailed applications take up to 6 weeks.

   $50 one-time Business License Application processing fee to open a business; $5 per location annual renewal processing fee; $10 for any other filing (adding a trade name, an endorsement, or hiring employees); $5 per trade name registered. State, city, and county endorsements carry separate fees.

   About 10 business days for online applications; add 2-3 weeks if city or state endorsements are required; mailed applications take up to 6 weeks.

1. City of Seattle — Business License Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in Seattle must obtain a Business License Tax Certificate from Seattle City Finance (License and Tax Administration). Nail salons are classified as personal services businesses. Apply online through FileLocal or the Seattle Services Portal; annual renewal is required. The certificate is required regardless of revenue, while Seattle B&O tax is owed only above $2 million in annual taxable gross revenue (the threshold rose from $100,000 on January 1, 2026).

   Official government source

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.·You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

   $73/year if your Seattle taxable revenue is under $20,000, $147 for $20,000-$499,999.99, $667 for $500,000-$1,999,999.99, $1,604 for $2 million-$5 million, and $3,210 for more than $5 million (2026 fee schedule), plus $10 per branch location. Businesses that start July 1 or later pay half the first-year fee.

   You can usually print the certificate within 2-3 business days after your payment processes.

2. City of Seattle - Certificate of Occupancy (Construction Permit, Establishing Use)

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) is required before opening a nail salon if you are changing the use of the space or building new. It is obtained through SDCI's Construction Permit - Establishing Use, and the certificate is issued once the use is established. Contact SDCI at 206-684-8600.

   Official government source

   The permit fee to establish use for the record is 1.5 times the SDCI base fee, which is $292 in the 2026 Fee Subtitle (about $438), plus a minimum of two hours of land use review at $551 an hour. If construction is included you also pay permit and plan-review fees based on the value of the work. All fees carry an added technology fee.·SDCI can usually take in a complete application within 2-3 weeks, then aims to finish initial review in 2-3 weeks for simple applications and 8 weeks for complex ones; corrections extend that.

   The permit fee to establish use for the record is 1.5 times the SDCI base fee, which is $292 in the 2026 Fee Subtitle (about $438), plus a minimum of two hours of land use review at $551 an hour. If construction is included you also pay permit and plan-review fees based on the value of the work. All fees carry an added technology fee.

   SDCI can usually take in a complete application within 2-3 weeks, then aims to finish initial review in 2-3 weeks for simple applications and 8 weeks for complex ones; corrections extend that.

3. Washington DOL Salon/Shop License (nail salon)

   Nail salons in Washington are licensed by the state Department of Licensing as a salon/shop under RCW 18.16.175, not by Public Health - Seattle & King County, which has no cosmetology establishment permit. The salon/shop must certify public liability insurance of at least $100,000 combined bodily injury and property damage, meet local zoning and fire codes, provide customer toilet facilities, keep the space separate from sleeping or residential rooms, and store and label chemicals safely. DOL inspects each salon/shop at least once every two years and whenever it receives a written complaint, and may contract with local health authorities to carry out those inspections. The shop license must be posted in the reception area. Ventilation and safe handling of nail chemicals fall under these safety and sanitation requirements.

   Official government source

   $121 to get the salon/shop license and $121 to renew ($181 if renewed late). A salon/shop license expires one year from issuance, or when the required liability insurance expires, whichever comes first (RCW 18.16.170).·DOL does not publish a guaranteed processing time; allow several weeks for a mailed application with payment. Inspection is not a prerequisite to issuance - DOL inspects at least once every two years after opening.

   $121 to get the salon/shop license and $121 to renew ($181 if renewed late). A salon/shop license expires one year from issuance, or when the required liability insurance expires, whichever comes first (RCW 18.16.170).

   DOL does not publish a guaranteed processing time; allow several weeks for a mailed application with payment. Inspection is not a prerequisite to issuance - DOL inspects at least once every two years after opening.

Official Sources

• Washington State DOL — Cosmetology
• City of Seattle — Business License Tax
• Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections
• Washington DOR — Business License

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