Tattoo Parlor Permit Requirements in Seattle, WA
Complete permit and license guide for starting a tattoo parlor in Seattle, King County, Washington.
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 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS, obtained instantly online.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Washington
3 stopsWashington State Business License
Required for all businesses in Washington. Issued by the Department of Revenue. Registers the business for state B&O tax.
Official government source$19/year1–2 weeks
$19/year
1–2 weeks
WA Body Piercing/Tattooing Facility License
Tattoo establishments in Washington must hold a facility license from the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The facility must meet physical requirements including sterilization areas, proper lighting, and handwashing stations.
Official government source$175–$250/year2–4 weeks
$175–$250/year
2–4 weeks
Individual Tattoo Artist License
Every tattoo artist working in Washington must hold an individual license from the WA Department of Licensing. Requires proof of bloodborne pathogen training, first aid certification, and application fees.
Official government source$65/year per artist2–4 weeks
$65/year per artist
2–4 weeks
City of Seattle / King County
4 stopsSeattle Business License Tax Certificate
Required for all businesses operating in Seattle. Issued by City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services. Tattoo establishments must obtain and display this certificate before opening.
Official government source$110/year1–2 weeks
$110/year
1–2 weeks
King County Public Health Body Art Establishment Permit
Required for all tattoo and body art establishments in King County. Issued by Public Health — Seattle & King County. Covers facility sanitation, sterilization equipment (autoclave), sharps disposal, and artist credentials. An inspection must be passed before the permit is issued.
$350–$600/year2–4 weeks after application and inspection
$350–$600/year
2–4 weeks after application and inspection
Certificate of Occupancy
Required before opening a tattoo studio in a commercial space. Issued by SDCI after confirming the space meets all building, plumbing, ventilation, and fire code requirements for a body art establishment.
Official government source$200–$800 (building permit fees)2–6 weeks
$200–$800 (building permit fees)
2–6 weeks
Seattle Fire Department Inspection
Required as part of obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy for any commercial space. The Seattle Fire Department inspects for fire suppression, extinguisher placement, emergency exits, and occupancy load compliance.
Official government sourceNo separate feeScheduled as part of CO process
No separate fee
Scheduled as part of CO process
Terminus
Open for business — est. $600–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks to complete all permits, inspections, and licensing
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