Seattle, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Massage Establishments (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- RCW 18.108
- City code
- SMC 6.290
- Education hours
- 640 minimum
- Background check
- Fingerprint required
- Sleeping on site
- Prohibited
Summary
Massage businesses in Seattle must hold both a state Department of Health practitioner license under RCW 18.108 and a city massage business license under SMC 6.290, with background checks, anti-trafficking signage, and inspections targeting illicit massage operations.
Chapter 18.108 RCW — MASSAGE THERAPISTS. Sections: 18.108.005 Intent — Health care insurance not affected; 18.108.010 Definitions; 18.108.020 Board of massage — Generally; 18.108.025 Board powers and duties; 18.108.030 Licensure or certification required; 18.108.035 Unlicensed practice — Penalties; 18.108.040 Advertising — Use of title; 18.108.045 Display of license or certification — Availability of photo identification; 18.108.050 Exemptions; 18.108.060 Applicant — License or certificate holder — Compliance with procedures, requirements, fees; 18.108.070 Qualifications for licensure or certification; 18.108.073 Massage therapist examination; [...] 18.108.195 Inspection of premises by secretary; 18.108.210 Authority of local political subdivisions; 18.108.230 Animal massage therapist — Endorsement — Training requirements — Rules; 18.108.250 Intraoral massage — Endorsement. Notes: Authority to regulate massage therapists — Limitations: RCW 35.21.692, 35A.82.025, and 36.32.122.
Full Breakdown
Practitioners need a Washington Department of Health massage therapist license (640 hours of approved education plus exam). The city layers SMC 6.290 on top, requiring a massage business premises license, manager qualifications, fingerprint-based background checks, and posting of state human-trafficking notices. Hours are restricted, sleeping on premises is barred, and locked private rooms are prohibited. Reflexology, structural integration, and Asian bodywork have separate state credentials. Seattle Police Vice and FAS Licensing inspect for compliance, focusing on indicators of commercial sexual exploitation.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed massage business, employing unlicensed practitioners, missing trafficking notices, allowing residential use of treatment rooms, or sexual contact triggers license revocation, criminal charges, fines up to $5,000, and possible state license discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need both a state and city license?
What anti-trafficking signage is required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Seattle
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