Hair salon licenses
in Seattle, Washington
Start with the main licenses and permits below. For a checklist based on your own business, tell us what you’re opening and how it will operate.
Researched Sep 2026
About this example
This example covers a hair salon inside Seattle city limits, King County, with a commercial premises, W-2 employees, in-person hair services, and retail product sales. It assumes no home-based operation, food or alcohol service, or commercial fleet. The legal structure, precise services, practitioner qualifications, address, inventory, and build-out plans still need confirmation.
Requirement labels below refer to this setup. Conditional items depend on additional details.
Authorities researched
- Federal
- Internal Revenue Service · U.S. Department of Labor · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services · Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
- State
- Washington Department of Revenue · Washington Secretary of State · Washington Employment Security Department · Washington Department of Labor & Industries · Washington Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Child Support · Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave · Washington State Department of Licensing · Washington Department of Ecology
Details to confirm before you apply
- What is the legal structure, formation jurisdiction, and operating name? Is this a new entity or an existing business?
- What is the exact Seattle address, legal use, and occupancy history? Is it in a historic or special review district?
- Which hair, nail, skin, or other services will be offered, and which Washington credentials do the owner and staff already hold? Will there be independent booth renters?
- Will the owner or landlord alter construction, wiring, washbasins, gas piping, HVAC, alarms, signs, or awnings, or stage construction in the right-of-way?
- What are expected state and city receipts, employer size, and any documented employee exemptions for payroll programs?
- Which products will be sold or used, and have their tax treatment, restricted ingredients, and disposal requirements been checked?
- Which business assets are owned or leased and in use on January 1, and what property-tax exemption, if any, does the assessor approve?
The main licenses and permits
6 of 35- 01Salon/Shop LicenseWashington State Department of Licensing · Washington
A commercial hair salon offering hair design, barbering, or cosmetology services for a fee must hold a location license for its physical salon.
RequiredAnnual - 02Washington Business License and UBIWashington State Department of Revenue, Business Licensing Service · Washington
The salon will hire employees, sell taxable tangible goods, operate from a commercial location, and provide services in Washington.
RequiredFollow expiration dates for any renewable endorsements - 03Cosmetologist, Barber, or Hair Designer LicenseWashington State Department of Licensing · Washington
Every person who provides paid hair design, barbering, or cosmetology services at the salon, including an owner-operator, must hold the credential covering the services performed.
RequiredEvery 2 years - 04Seattle Business License Tax CertificateSeattle Office of City Finance · Seattle
The salon has a physical commercial location and conducts business in Seattle, so it must obtain a Seattle business license tax certificate.
RequiredAnnual; expires December 31 - 05Washington sales and use tax registrationWashington State Department of Revenue · Washington
The salon will sell taxable tangible goods to customers in Washington.
RequiredFile excise tax returns on the schedule DOR assigns - 06Washington Business and Occupation (B&O) tax registration and filingWashington State Department of Revenue · Washington
The salon will earn gross receipts from personal services and retail sales in Washington, activities subject to Washington's gross-receipts tax structure.
RequiredMonthly, quarterly, or annually as assigned by DOR
This example includes 29 other potential requirements. A report based on your business explains which apply, how to file, published fees and timing, and what to complete first.
Make the checklist yours
Your location, activities, and business structure can change the list. Get a free preview for your business, then decide whether to unlock the full report for $49.
Not required for this example
- King County General Business License — King County explicitly states that it does not require a general business license. Its separate regulated-activity business licenses apply within unincorporated King County; the stated business is within Seattle.
Questions people ask
What city business licenses or registrations should a hair salon in Seattle check?
Our research identifies Seattle Business License Tax Certificate, issued by Seattle Office of City Finance, as required. The salon has a physical commercial location and conducts business in Seattle, so it must obtain a Seattle business license tax certificate. Check the other city permits in this guide and confirm the requirements for your premises and activities.
How much do licenses and permits cost for a hair salon in Seattle?
About $171 in published fixed fees, plus variable fees. Several items have fees that depend on your entity type, square footage, or payroll, so the full report lists each fee as the agency publishes it.
What should I do first?
Review Washington business entity formation or registration (if applicable) (Washington Secretary of State), then Washington trade-name registration (if applicable) (Washington Department of Revenue), then Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service). Confirm each item's applicability and prerequisites before applying; the report provides a suggested order for the full checklist.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a research summary of public requirements published by government agencies, each linked to its official page. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.
Related guides
Researched from official government sources on September 5, 2026 for a typical hair salon. Requirements change and depend on your facts; this page is not legal advice. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.