Business Licensing & Operations in Seattle, WA (2026)
6 verified business licensing & operations rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Adult Entertainment
Seattle regulates adult entertainment under SMC 6.270, requiring premises and manager licenses, four-foot performer-customer separation, no direct tipping, and zoning that confines adult cabarets to specified industrial and commercial zones with buffer distances from residences and schools.
Adult Entertainment Licensing and Zoning
Heavy RestrictionsMassage Establishments
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.
Massage Establishment and Practitioner Licensing
Heavy RestrictionsChapter 18.108 RCW — Massage Therapists (Washington State)
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 — Availabil...
Tobacco Retail License
Tobacco and vapor retailers in Seattle must hold a Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board license plus a Seattle business license under SMC 5.50, comply with the statewide age-21 sales floor, and follow flavored-vape and signage restrictions enforced by LCB and Public Health Seattle King County.
Tobacco and Vapor Product Retail Licensing
Heavy RestrictionsSecondhand Dealers
Secondhand dealers in Seattle must register under SMC 6.288, comply with WA RCW 19.60 reporting, hold purchases for 30 days, photograph and electronically transmit transaction details to the Seattle Police Department through LeadsOnline, and verify seller identification.
Secondhand Dealer Reporting Requirements
Some RestrictionsChapter 19.60 RCW — Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers (Washington State)
Chapter 19.60 RCW — PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS. Sections relevant to secondhand dealers include: 19.60.020 Duty to record information; 19.60.025 Duty to record information — Precious metal property; 19.60.040 Report to chief law enforcement officer; 19.60.042 Report to chief law enforcement officer — Precious metal dealers; 19.60.045 Duties upon notification that property is reported st...
Pawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers in Seattle operate under WA RCW 19.60, capping monthly interest at three percent plus a small fee, requiring 90-day loan terms, daily SPD reporting, and a 30-day police hold on pawned goods before forfeiture and sale.
Pawnbroker Licensing and Loan Limits
Heavy RestrictionsChapter 19.60 RCW — Pawnbrokers and Secondhand Dealers (Washington State)
Chapter 19.60 RCW — PAWNBROKERS AND SECONDHAND DEALERS. Sections: 19.60.010 Definitions; 19.60.014 Fixed place of business required; 19.60.020 Duty to record information; 19.60.025 Duty to record information — Precious metal property; 19.60.040 Report to chief law enforcement officer; 19.60.042 Report to chief law enforcement officer — Precious metal dealers; 19.60.045 Duties upon notification ...
Towing Companies
Tow operators in Seattle need a WA State Patrol registered tow truck operator (RTTO) certificate under RCW 46.55 plus a Seattle business license, and must follow city impound-rate caps, signage rules for private-property impounds, and SDOT rotational towing contracts.
Tow Truck Licensing and Impound Rules
Heavy RestrictionsChapter 46.55 RCW — Towing and Impoundment (Washington State)
Chapter 46.55 RCW — TOWING AND IMPOUNDMENT. Sections include: 46.55.010 Definitions; 46.55.020 Registration required — Penalty; 46.55.025 Registration or insurance required — Penalty; 46.55.030 Application — Contents, bond, insurance, fee, certificate; 46.55.035 Prohibited acts — Penalty; 46.55.037 Compensation for private impounds; 46.55.040 Permit required — Inspections of equipment and facil...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Business Licensing & Operations in King County →