King County, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- Business license fee
- $150 per year
- Practitioner license fee
- $50 per year
- Bathhouse license fee
- $150 per year
- License expires
- November 30 annually
- Late penalty
- $5-$15 per late renewal
Summary
Unincorporated King County requires a separate license for every massage business, public bathhouse, and individual massage practitioner before any massage is performed.
It is unlawful to conduct, operate or maintain a massage business or public bathhouse unless such establishment or premises is licensed as hereinafter provided.
B. Massage practitioner. It is unlawful for any person to give a massage without a massage practitioner license.
C. Exemptions. This chapter shall not apply to:
1. An individual giving massage in their home to members of their immediate family;
2. Physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, acupuncturists, or physical therapists who are duly licensed or certified to practice their respective professions in the State of Washington;
3. Persons practicing massage under the direct supervision of physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, or physical therapists duly licensed by the State of Washington. Direct supervision shall mean that the massage is given on the premises of or in the presence of such physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, or physical therapists;
4. Nurses who are registered as such under the laws of the State of Washington and who act under the direction and control of a duly licensed physician;
5. Persons authorized by the laws of this state as barbers and cosmetologists, provided that such massage as is practiced is within their authorized scope of practice;
6. Massage practiced at the athletic department of any institution maintained by the public funds of the state, or any of its political divisions; or
Full Breakdown
King County Code 6.40.030 makes it unlawful to operate a massage business or public bathhouse, or to give a massage, without the license required by chapter 6.40. Applicants go through a Sheriff's Office background check, and premises are inspected by Seattle-King County Public Health and the King County Fire Marshal for sanitary and safety conditions before the director issues a license. Licenses expire every November 30 and must be renewed with fees paid at least four weeks before the massage business, bathhouse, or practitioner activity begins.
Violations & Fines
Operating or practicing massage without a license is a misdemeanor, with each day treated as a separate offense, plus a civil penalty of up to $250 per violation assessed by the director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does King County's massage license cover Seattle businesses?
Who inspects a massage business before licensing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in King County
Compare King County to another location·View the Washington business licensing & operations overview
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