Seattle, WA Business Licensing & Operations: Tattoo & Body Modification (2026)

102 sets out a full local licensing and sanitation regime for tattoo shops, separate from any state credential. 020 requires an operator to hold a tattoo shop license from the Director of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) before opening; the application is referred to the Chief of Police and the Director of Public Health, who must return a report and recommendation within ten days, and FAS may not issue the license without their recommendation. 00, with licenses expiring every February 28; applicants filing less than six months before that date pay half the annual fee, and a license may transfer to a new location for 10% of the annual fee.

No one under 18 may hold a tattoo operator license. 050 requires the shop to be well-ventilated, free of intoxicating-liquor sales, lit to at least 10 footcandles generally and 25 footcandles at the tattooing station, with impervious floors, a hot-and-cold sink, and sanitary cabinet storage, all subject to Public Health Director approval. 070 requires permanent per-patron records open to inspection by the Chief of Police, Public Health Director, or FAS Director. 080 bars tattooing anyone under 18 without a parent or guardian's written consent kept on file for at least two years. 090 for any violation of the chapter, and must do so on the Public Health Director's recommendation.