Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Tacoma, WA

Required for all LLCs. Annual report required separately (see below). Fees current as of 2024.

Applies to all LLCs. Filed online via CCFS portal.

Requires 1,600 hours training at approved school + passing written/practical exams (NIC exams). Individual practitioner license required for barbers/cosmetologists.

Required for physical location offering cosmetology/barber services. Must have licensed operator on-site; comply with sanitation standards.

Required statewide if using trade name. Renews only if LLC annual report filed. No county-level filing needed in WA.

UBI links all state licenses/taxes. Automatically assigned when registering via BLS portal.

All businesses must register for B&O tax regardless of nexus. Threshold for filing: $0 (all report).

Barber and cosmetology services are exempt from sales tax in Washington, but any retail sales of taxable goods (e.g., shampoos, conditioners) require sales tax collection and reporting. Registration is still required if selling taxable products. The UBI number serves as both a business license and tax registration identifier.

This is a prerequisite for all businesses in Washington. The UBI number is used across state agencies for tax and licensing purposes. Required even for LLCs providing tax-exempt services like barbering.

Required for all employers in Washington. Applies to wages paid to employees. Includes state income tax withholding (Washington does not have a personal income tax, but withholding applies to certain other taxes like L&I premiums in some cases).

All employers in Washington must register for unemployment insurance. Rates are determined annually; new employer rate for 2024 is 1.2% for most service industries including barbering.

Many cities in Washington require a local business license or privilege tax. Requirements and fees vary significantly. For example, Seattle requires all businesses to obtain a business license; Spokane requires an annual city tax license. Verify with the specific city clerk or finance department.

Required for all LLCs (even with no employees) and businesses with employees. Used for federal tax reporting. Apply online via IRS website.

Required for all barber shops in Seattle; cosmetology shops under same category

Only applies outside city limits; Seattle has its own license

State-level but enforced locally; required for barber/cosmetology shops

Plan review and inspection required for sanitation compliance

Barber shops typically allowed in NC/NC-P zones; site-specific review

Limited to 25% of home; no walk-in clients allowed for personal services

Required for salon sinks, stations, or structural changes

Wall signs up to 100 sq ft allowed in commercial zones

Required for assembly/personal services occupancy

Verifies compliance with building/fire codes

Required for commercial buildings per fire code

Mandatory for all employers with employees in Washington under RCW 51.12.015. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt but may elect coverage. Barbers who are independent contractors may still be deemed employees under L&I rules.

Not statutorily required by the state of Washington, but strongly recommended and often required by landlords, lenders, or clients. Does not replace workers' comp or other mandated coverages.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for all barber shop and cosmetology salon license renewals. The bond ensures compliance with state regulations. Individual barbers are not required to post a bond unless they are the shop owner. Source: WAC 308-20-135.

Required under Washington's Financial Responsibility Law (RCW 46.30.020) for all vehicles registered to a business. Personal auto policies do not cover business use. Applies only if business owns or regularly uses vehicles for operations (e.g., mobile barber services).

Not specifically mandated by Washington law, but exposure to liability claims increases with product sales. Strongly recommended. Governed under product liability tort principles (RCW 7.72).

Not legally required by Washington state or the Department of Licensing for barbers or cosmetologists. However, recommended to cover claims of negligence, hair damage, or allergic reactions. Not a substitute for workers' comp or general liability.

Only applies if the barber shop holds a liquor license. Most barbershops do not serve alcohol; this is rare. Liquor liability insurance is required by LCB as a condition of licensure under RCW 66.24.010.

Not statutorily mandated by Washington state law but often required by landlords, lenders, or local building codes. Essential for protecting physical business assets.

While not required for all single-member LLCs with no employees, barbershops typically need an EIN to report employment taxes. Required for LLCs with employees or multiple members.

LLCs with employees must withhold and pay federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare (Form 941). Unemployment tax (Form 940) applies if paying wages over $1,500 per year. Single-member LLCs without employees may be taxed as sole proprietorships unless electing otherwise.

Employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards (General Duty Clause). Barbershops must comply with hazard communication (chemical safety for dyes, disinfectants), proper ventilation, and bloodborne pathogens training if performing services involving skin puncture (e.g., shaving with straight razor). OSHA Form 300 log required only if business has 11+ employees.

All barber shops open to the public must comply with ADA Title III, including physical access (entrances, counters, restrooms), service access for people with disabilities, and communication with clients with hearing, vision, or speech impairments. Applies regardless of number of employees or size.

Most barbershops generate minimal hazardous waste (e.g., used disinfectant solutions, hair dye residues). If classified as a Small Quantity Generator (less than 100 kg/month), must comply with storage, labeling, and disposal rules under RCRA. Not typically required to register unless waste exceeds thresholds.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules. Barbershops must avoid deceptive claims (e.g., "FDA-approved" services, false pricing, fake reviews). Applies to websites, social media, and promotional materials. Also includes honoring refund policies and honoring "do not call" requests if telemarketing.

All employers must verify identity and work eligibility of employees using Form I-9. E-Verify is not federally required for barbershops unless in a state with mandates or federal contractor status.

FLSA applies to barbershops with two or more employees engaged in interstate commerce (which is presumed for most businesses). Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr), overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours), and proper recordkeeping. Tipped employees (if any) must still receive at least minimum wage after tips.

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons. Most small barbershops do not meet the 50-employee threshold.

Barbershops using or selling cosmetics (shampoos, dyes, conditioners) must ensure products are not adulterated or misbranded. No pre-market approval required, but labels must list ingredients, and products must be safe. FDA can take action if unsafe products (e.g., lead-containing dyes) are used.

Barbering and cosmetology are regulated at the state level. There is no federal license required to operate a barber shop or practice cosmetology. Licensing is handled by Washington State Department of Licensing.

All LLCs registered in Washington must file an annual report by December 31 each year to remain in good standing. The report confirms business information such as principal address, registered agent, and manager/owner details.

Barber and cosmetology licenses (including managers) must be renewed every two years. Renewal occurs in odd-numbered years, due by the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Online renewal available.

Licensees must complete 12 hours of board-approved continuing education every two years, including at least 2 hours in safety and sanitation. Courses must be from approved providers.

Most cities and counties in Washington require a local business license. Renewal frequency and cost vary. For example, Seattle requires renewal every two years; other jurisdictions may require annual renewal.

Barber shops are subject to Business and Occupation (B&O) tax under the service classification. The Department of Revenue assigns a filing frequency based on liability. Filings and payments are due on the first day of the month following the reporting period.

Employers must file Form 941 (quarterly) for federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare withholding, and Form 940 (annually) for federal unemployment tax (FUTA).

Employers must report wages and pay unemployment insurance tax quarterly using the Combined Quarterly Report (CQR).

Employers must display the 'Job Safety and Health Protection' poster (Form F700-088-000) in a conspicuous location accessible to employees. Available in multiple languages from L&I.

All licensed barbers and managers must display their current DOL-issued license in the establishment. The business license must also be visibly posted at the place of business.

Some counties (e.g., King, Snohomish) require annual or biennial health inspections for barber shops to ensure compliance with sanitation and infection control standards. Not all jurisdictions require this; check with local health department.

Barber shops located in commercial buildings may be subject to periodic fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with egress, fire extinguisher, and electrical safety codes. Frequency and requirements depend on local fire authority.

Businesses must keep records of all sales, purchases, and tax filings for at least 4 years. This includes receipts, invoices, and tax returns. Records must be available for audit upon request.

Employers must display federal and state labor law posters, including minimum wage, workers’ compensation, and anti-discrimination notices. Available from DOL and L&I websites.

All employers in Washington must carry workers’ compensation insurance through L&I. Premiums are based on payroll and job classification. Employers must report payroll changes annually and maintain coverage at all times.