Pressure Washing 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)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Washington State Business License

   All Washington businesses must obtain a Business License from the Washington State Department of Revenue. This also serves as the sales tax registration.

   Official government source

   $90 (initial filing fee)·1–3 business days (online)

   $90 (initial filing fee)

   1–3 business days (online)

2. Washington State Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax

   Pressure washing businesses in Washington must pay the B&O tax on gross receipts in addition to collecting retail sales tax on services.

   Official government source

   Tax rate varies (0.471% for service businesses)·Ongoing — file quarterly or annually

   Tax rate varies (0.471% for service businesses)

   Ongoing — file quarterly or annually

3. General Liability Insurance

   Pressure washing businesses in Washington should carry general liability insurance ($1M minimum per occurrence) to cover property damage. Most commercial clients and property managers require proof of insurance before hiring. Vehicle insurance is also required if using a company vehicle.

   $500–$1,500/year·Same day (online quotes)

   $500–$1,500/year

   Same day (online quotes)

1. Seattle Business License

   All businesses operating in Seattle must obtain a general Business License from the Seattle Office of License & Tax Administration before conducting any commercial activities. Pressure washing companies must renew annually and may be subject to gross receipts-based fees.

   Official government source

   $100–$500/year depending on gross receipts·1–3 weeks

   $100–$500/year depending on gross receipts

   1–3 weeks

2. Stormwater / Wastewater Discharge Compliance

   Pressure washing businesses in Seattle must comply with local stormwater ordinances. Wastewater containing detergents, oils, or other pollutants cannot be allowed to enter storm drains. You may need to contain and properly dispose of wastewater. Contact King County Environmental Health for specific requirements.

   Official government source

   No permit fee (compliance requirement)·Ongoing compliance

   No permit fee (compliance requirement)

   Ongoing compliance

3. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration

   If operating under a trade name, file a Fictitious Business Name with King County before accepting jobs under that name.

   $15–$50·1–2 weeks

   $15–$50

   1–2 weeks

Official Sources

• City of Seattle — Business Licensing
• Washington Department of Environmental Quality
• Washington Secretary of State

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