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

   $50 application fee·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   $50 application fee

   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

   $60 application fee per technician·4–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exam)

   $60 application fee per technician

   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 Washington Secretary of State / Department of Revenue. Apply through the My DOR portal. This also registers the business for state B&O tax.

   Official government source

   $19 (one-time)·Immediate (online application)

   $19 (one-time)

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Seattle — Business License Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in Seattle must obtain a Business License Tax Certificate from the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture / Seattle License and Tax Administration. Nail salons are classified as personal services businesses. Apply online through the Seattle Services Portal. Annual renewal required.

   Official government source

   $110/year (base fee; additional charges based on gross receipts)·1–2 weeks (online application)

   $110/year (base fee; additional charges based on gross receipts)

   1–2 weeks (online application)

2. City of Seattle — Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) is required before opening a nail salon. The CO confirms the space is approved for personal services use. Contact SDCI at 206-684-8600.

   Official government source

   $200–$800 (varies by scope of work)·2–6 weeks

   $200–$800 (varies by scope of work)

   2–6 weeks

3. Public Health — Seattle & King County — Cosmetology Establishment Permit

   Nail salons in King County must obtain a Cosmetology Establishment Permit from Public Health — Seattle & King County. This includes a pre-opening inspection to verify sanitation, ventilation (critical for chemical-heavy nail services), and equipment compliance. Contact at 206-263-9566.

   $200–$400/year·2–4 weeks

   $200–$400/year

   2–4 weeks

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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