About business regulations
The City of Seattle regulates several business activities. These businesses require:
- A standard business license tax certificate.
- A regulatory endorsement added to the business license tax certificate.
The application process varies for the different business types requiring a regulatory endorsement. Review the information below for details about license fees and renewal dates. If you need to apply for a business license tax certificate that requires a regulatory endorsement, please contact us.
Senate Bill 6105 and Ensuring Compliance with City Ordinance
Senate Bill 6105 provides safety and workplace standards for adult entertainment establishments and repeals WAC 314-11-050, which prohibits liquor licensees from allowing patrons and employees to expose certain body parts and engage in contact or certain acts that are sexual in nature.
As part of the legislation’s passage, the City of Seattle is providing resources for any businesses that wish to expand their operations to include nude or partially nude performances, dances, or exhibitions and therefore may require the business to obtain a City of Seattle adult entertainment license. Per Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.270, which authorizes the City to regulate adult entertainment, there are three types of licenses required to operate an adult entertainment business:
- Entertainer license (required for people in the business)
- Manager license (required for people in the business)
- Premises license (required by the business for the building)
To ensure your business is in compliance, please visit the City’s adult entertainment page to learn more: https://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations#adultentertainment
Business types we regulate
Adult entertainment businesses need a regulatory license. Adult entertainment businesses provide performances of a sexual nature. Additionally, as businesses anticipate the passage of Senate Bill 6105, the City of Seattle is providing resources for any businesses that wish to expand their operations to include nude or partially nude performances, dances, or exhibitions and therefore may require the business to obtain a City of Seattle adult entertainment license.
There are three types of licenses required for people in the business:
- Entertainer license (required for people in the business)
- Manager license (required for people in the business)
- Premise license (required by the business for the building)
To obtain an adult entertainment regulatory license, you need the following:
1. A valid Seattle Business License Tax Certificate for entertainer and premise licenses only. You can obtain a new business license or renew an existing business license during your adult entertainment regulatory license issuance appointment.
2. A completed fingerprint card if you are a new applicant for manager and premise licenses only. Applicants who have previously submitted fingerprint cards do not need to resubmit a new one. The following local businesses offer fingerprinting services. Please contact the law enforcement agencies and businesses for cost information and to learn whether an appointment is necessary.
Law Enforcement Agencies:
Seattle Police Department (cash or check only)
King County Sheriff’s Office
Alliance 2020 (Monday-Friday)
2033 6th Ave, Ste 901, Seattle
(206) 482-8898
8 a.m. – noon, 12:30 – 4:30 p.m.
304 Main Ave. S., Suite 101, Renton
(425) 275-8065, ext. 1
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Bellevue Fingerprinting Service
11900 NE 1st St., Ridgewood Corp. Building G, Bellevue
(425) 603-1033
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
3. Make an appointment. Service is available by appointment only.
a. Self-schedule your appointment here; or
b. Email consumerprotection@seattle.gov; or
c. Call (206) 386-1267.
d. Please include your business license number with your appointment request.
e. If you prefer to receive services in a language other than English for free, please let us know at the time of making your appointment.
4. Bring a completed regulatory license application (or complete one at the time of the appointment.)
a. Entertainer/Manager License Application
5. Bring a government-issued photo ID.
6. Bring payment for fees.
License Type |
|
|
| Entertainers | $170 | $85 |
| Managers | $216 | $108 |
| Premises | $905 | N/A |
| Fingerprint - New Manager and Premise Applicant |
$58 (one-time fee) |
$58 (one-time fee) |
| Background Check - Renewal Applicant | $11 | $11 |
7. Proof of completion of the Washington state “Know Your Rights” training for entertainers only.
Requests for copies of an adult entertainer (AE) and manager regulatory license may be sent to consumerprotection@seattle.gov
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.270 for legal details about adult entertainment license requirements.
Seattle’s new ordinance (SMC 10.10) sets rules for businesses that operate between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and provide a place to socialize with smoking or dancing.
These are called After-Hours Nightlife Lounges.
What Counts as an After-Hours Nightlife Lounge?
You might need to follow these rules if you are:
- A business, nonprofit, or club open between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- Offering social activities and either dancing or smoking
Exceptions – you are NOT an after-hours nightlife lounge if you're:
- A restaurant
- A venue with an all-ages dance license (SMC 6.295)
- A licensed adult entertainment venue (SMC 6.270)
- A theater or sports facility (SMC 23.84A.010)
Key Rules for Operating
You must:
- Have a valid liquor license with extended hours (under RCW 66.24 and WAC 314.03.100)
- Not operate between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.
- Not sell or allow alcohol consumption between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Safety & Security Requirements
To operate legally between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., your lounge must:
- Get all required City and State licenses
- Hire at least two trained security staff on-site during after-hours
- Security must be trained in crowd control and event management
- Use video surveillance at each entry
- Save footage for at least 96 hours
- Check for weapons using metal detectors, wands, or pat-downs
- File a written safety plan (more below)
Your Safety Plan (Required)
All lounges must have a safety plan on file and keep it updated every year.
The safety plan must include:
- Where security personnel are located
- How you check IDs and search patrons
- How you prevent serving alcohol to underage patrons
- What you do during emergencies or violence
- Staff training info, including de-escalation training
- How you manage crowds and avoid overcrowding
- A contact person for neighborhood or City complaints
Filing deadlines:
- Existing businesses: File within 45 days of the ordinance start date
- New businesses: File before opening
- Keep a copy on-site and share it if requested by City staff, patrons, or neighbors
Penalties for Violations
Seattle takes after-hours nightlife safety seriously. If your lounge doesn’t follow the rules in Section 10.10.020, you may face the following fines:
First Violation
$1,000 fine if you are found in violation for the first time
Second (or more) Violations (within 5 years)
$5,000 fine for any second or later violation within a five-year period
Want to avoid fines? Make sure you follow all safety, licensing, and operational requirements outlined above.
Questions or need help?
Get help with licensing
Business license tax certificates and taxes
(206) 684-8484
tax@seattle.gov
File a safety plan, contact nightlife enforcement, or file a complaint
Business regulations
(206) 386-1267
consumerprotection@seattle.gov
Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board Licensing
(360) 664-1600
lcb.wa.gov
File a complaint about an after-hours nightlife lounge
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 10.10 for legal details about after hours nightlife lounge requirements.
Businesses that monitor alarm systems need a regulatory license. Alarm system monitoring companies that provide the monitoring service pay license fees based on the total number of accounts monitored. See the table below for the fees.
To apply for an alarm system monitoring license, contact the RCCP Alarm Group at FAS_FalseAlarm@seattle.gov. Also see our alarm system monitoring page for additional information.
Alarm system monitoring fees for central stations
| Monitored alarm systems | Annual license fee | License expiration date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 100 | $105 | Dec. 31 |
| 101 to 200 | $209 | Dec. 31 |
| 201 to 500 | $420 | Dec. 31 |
| Over 500 | $523 | Dec. 31 |
Alarm system monitoring companies that maintain a service contract with a customer and then subcontract with another alarm system monitoring company to provide the actual monitoring service pay fees based on the number and type of systems monitored. Fire alarm system fees are determined by building size.
Alarm system monitoring fees for dealers
| Type of system | Annual license fee | License expiration date |
|---|---|---|
| Burglary, Property, Panic, Robbery | $10 per alarm system | Dec. 31 |
| Fire alarm: 1-2 stories and <200,000 sq ft |
$76 per alarm system | Dec. 31 |
| Fire alarm: 3-4 stories and <200,000 sq ft |
$223 per alarm system | Dec. 31 |
| Fire alarm: 5+ stories or >200,000 sq ft |
$693 per alarm system | Dec. 31 |
False alarm fees
Alarm system monitoring companies must pay a fee each time there is a false alarm. There is no false alarm fee for fire alarms. For more information, see the Seattle police department monitored alarms program.
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.10 for legal details about alarm system monitoring license requirements.
All-ages dances, which admit youth under 18-years-old, need a regulatory license.
| License type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Ages Dance | $120 per year | Sept. 30 | Yes |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.295 for legal details about all-ages dances license requirements.
Businesses that sell burglar alarm systems need a regulatory license. Additionally, these businesses must register with the Seattle Police Department.
| License type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burglar alarm dealer | $79 per year | Dec. 31 | Yes |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.08 for legal details about burglar alarm dealer license requirements.
City law requires cannabis businesses located in Seattle and those that come into Seattle to engage in cannabis business activities to obtain a Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) license as well as a Seattle cannabis business license and a Seattle business license tax certificate. No cannabis business is allowed to operate in Seattle without a cannabis business license. For more info please visit the cannabis businesses page.
See Tip 5501, Seattle Marijuana Business Licensing Information.
| License type | Cost per location | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business located in Seattle | $3,500 | June 30 | No |
| Business located outside Seattle but doing business in city limits |
$2,000 | June 30 | No |
| Cannabis Transporter | $2,000 | June 30 | No |
| Tier 1 Producer Located in Seattle | $2,000 | June 30 | No |
| Businesses granted a state Social Equity License | $0 | June 30 | No |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.500 for legal details about cannabis business license requirements.
As of September 15, 2021, food delivery platforms (UberEATS, Postmates, Door Dash, et al) must obtain written agreements with each restaurant prior to offering pick up or delivery services from those restaurants. These agreements must authorize the food delivery platform to take orders and offer delivery or pick-up of the food and/or beverages prepared by the restaurant.
Terminating an agreement
Restaurants can terminate an agreement with a food delivery platform by written request. Food delivery platforms have 72 hours upon receipt of termination request to remove the restaurant from the platform.
Filing a Complaint
If you are a restaurant owner, and a food delivery platform is offering pick up or delivery at your restaurant without an agreement, follow the instructions below to submit a complaint:
- Access the Request a City Service page.
- Use the drop-down menu or scroll down to select "Business Related Complaint."
- Enter the address the complaint/feedback is about, then click "Next Step."
- Select "restaurant food delivery agreements" in the complaint description list. Enter details about the complaint in the field "Briefly describe the incident."
- Enter your contact information, then click "Next Step."
- If applicable, enter additional comments and/or add attachments. Click "Next Step."
- Review the information you entered, then click "Submit."
Commission Caps
Ordinance 126639 imposes a 15% cap on commissions charged by food delivery platforms for delivery services provided to restaurants. This short guide reviews the commission cap’s application.
Ordinance 126982, passed in December 2023, establishes a new section of the Seattle Municipal Code, Chapter 6.104, which sets limits on commercial lease requirements for property located within Seattle city limits. Specifically, the ordinance establishes limits on both the maximum personal guaranty that may be included in or as a condition of commercial leases and the value of a commercial lease’s required security deposit and/or letters of credit.
The law applies to any new lease agreement executed after January 27, 2024 for commercial property located within Seattle city limits. It does not apply to lease extensions.
Commercial property is defined as any space that is intended to generate a profit and is used for commercial or retail activities, EXCLUDING the following:
- Residential property
- Lodging
- Office space
- Research and development laboratories
- Medical practices, clinics, and dispensaries
- Farming or cultivation
- Industrial or manufacturing property
A summary of the commercial lease requirements established in Chapter 6.104 can be found here.
To submit a complaint about a possible violation of these commercial lease requirements, please call the City of Seattle’s Consumer Protection Division at (206) 386-1267 or submit an email to consumerprotection@seattle.gov.
Horse-drawn carriage businesses need a regulatory license.
| Horse-drawn carriage license type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carriage | $60 per year | March 31 | No |
| Driver | $20 per year | March 31 | No |
| Horse | $60 per year | March 31 | No |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.315 for legal details about horse-drawn carriage license requirements.
Mobile home parks need a regulatory license.
| License type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile home park | $55 per year (plus $12.50 per space over 10) | July 31 | Yes |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 22.904 for legal details about license mobile home park requirements.
Network Company Licensing
In 2023, the City passed legislation imposing license and fee requirements on network companies. Ordinance 126953 (available here: https://clerk.seattle.gov/search/ordinances/126953) requires any network company operating in Seattle to obtain a network company license and pay a network company licensing fee. The licensing fee is 10 cents per online order that results in an app-based worker’s delivery of goods or provision of services in Seattle.
Fee revenue will be used to recover the regulatory costs of licensing and implementing labor standards in the App-Based Worker Minimum Payment Ordinance (Chapter 8.37) and App-Based Worker Deactivation Rights Ordinance (Chapter 8.40). More information about app-based worker protections can be found on the Office of Labor Standard’s website here: https://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards/ordinances/app-based-worker-ordinances.
The 10-cents-per-online-order fee will go into effect on January 1, 2025. The fee will be paid quarterly, except that the fee for all four quarters of calendar year 2025 will be due in January 2026.
Network companies operating in Seattle will be required to file a license application with the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) and obtain a network company license by January 1, 2026. FAS will provide more information on how to apply for a license by October 1, 2025.
For questions about network company licensing, please email consumerprotection@seattle.gov or call (206) 386-1267.
Panoram or peepshow businesses need a regulatory license. Panorams and peepshows show live or recorded entertainment to a viewer in a booth or stall.
| Panoram license type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device | $85 per year | Dec. 31 | Yes |
| Location | $85 per year | Dec. 31 | Yes |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.42 for legal details about panoram license requirements.
Retail stores or businesses that use scanning devices to determine the price of a product by using the universal product codes need a regulatory license. Retailers use the price scanning equipment to determine the sale price for products within the store and ensure the price charged matches the price advertised. For more information, see the Weights and Measures Overview page.
| License type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 or fewer devices | $158 per year | March 31 | Yes |
| 4 or more devices | $315 per year | March 31 | Yes |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 7.04 for legal details about price scanning license requirements.
It is unlawful for any person to own, operate, or maintain a public garage or parking lot without first having obtained a license to do so. To legally operate a parking garage or a parking lot in Seattle, an applicant must obtain both a Seattle business license tax certificate and a regulatory parking garage license.
Parking Garage License Cost
A public garage annual license costs $10.25 per 1000 square feet or $1.5375 per stall.
The parking garage license expires March 31 each year and shall be renewed annually. For a parking garage that opens October 1 or thereafter a half-year fee will be charged.
Business license branch location: $10 per each additional location.
Parking Garage/Lot Signage Requirements
All parking garages and parking lots must have all required signs posted as prescribed by the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) section 6.48.040 and any other information pertinent to the operation of the public garage or parking lot as specified by administrative regulations promulgated by the Director of Finance and Administrative Services.
Submit a Parking Garage/Parking Lot License Application
To apply for a regulatory parking garage license, fill out the parking garage license application. Mail the completed parking garage license application and documents to:
Consumer Protection
ATTN: Parking Garage License
P.O. Box 34214
Seattle, WA 98124-4214
Please do not send in license payment with your license application. Once your application is complete and approved by the City of Seattle, you will receive an invoice for the regulatory license fee. Payment received prior to receiving an invoice will be returned to the parking garage company.
If you have any questions regarding license application, please email consumerprotection@seattle.gov or call (206) 386-1267.
Businesses and non-profits that collect, haul, transport or process recyclable material and are located or operating in the City of Seattle must get a regulatory license called a Recycler License.
| License type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collection and processing of recyclables | $500 per year | March 31 | No |
The Recycler License will be issued after you submit your Annual Recycling and Reuse Report to Seattle Public Utilities, due by March 31. For more information and instructions on reporting your recycling and reuse activities, see the Annual Recycling and Reuse Report and Recycler License webpage.
Failure to submit a complete and accurate Annual Recycling and Reuse Report by March 31 may delay issuance of a Recycler License. Operating without a valid license may result in fines and statutory fees of up to $500. For legal details about recycling collectors and recycling processors license requirements, see Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.250.
Rental housing agencies need a regulatory license.
| License type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental housing agency | $5,000 surety bond | Last day of February | No |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.222 for legal details about rental housing agency license requirements.
Residential sellers need a regulatory license. Residential sellers travel from house to house (or door to door) selling goods or services.
| Residential sale license type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agents | $53 per year | May 31 | Yes |
| 1 or more employees | $237 per year | May 31 | Yes |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.260 for legal details about residential sellers license requirements.
Short-term rental operators and platforms must obtain a regulatory license. A short-term rental is a type of lodging where a home, or a part of a home, is rented for a fee for fewer than 30 consecutive nights. Examples of short-term rentals are those rented through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. For more information, see the short-term rentals page.
Operator licenses
| License type | Cost | Expires | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term rental operator | $75 | One year from issue date | No |
| Bed and breakfast operator | $75 | One year from issue date | No |
Platform licenses
Licensing fees for short-term rental platforms are quarterly fees based on the total number of nights booked for short-term rental use through the platform. The City will invoice each licensed short-term rental platform on a quarterly schedule for fee remittance.
For legal details about short-term rental license requirements, see Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 6.600.
Taxicabs, for-hire vehicles, regional dispatch agencies, and transportation network companies (TNCs) each require an annual regulatory license. Vehicles affiliated with TNCs require an annual regulatory endorsement. For more information, see the regional dispatch agencies and TNCs page.
The annual regulatory licenses for taxicabs, for-hire vehicles, and regional dispatch agencies are flat amounts. TNCs and TNC affiliated vehicles pay their licensing costs through a per trip fee on each TNC ride that originates within the Seattle city limits. The City invoices a licensed TNC on a quarterly schedule for remittance of the fee owed.
You can read Seattle Municipal Code chapter 6.310 for specific requirements of TNCs and chapter 6.311 for specific requirements of taxicabs, for-hire vehicles, and regional dispatch agencies.
Towing companies that work within Seattle need a regulatory license. Learn about applying to be a licensed tow company.
| License type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tow company | $525 per year | Dec. 31 | No |
Trade shows need a regulatory license. Trade shows are temporary events such as home shows, street fairs, community festivals, hobby shows and business fairs. To be considered a trade show, the event must
- Last no more than 14 days.
- Have at least 25 participants.
The organizer of the show is responsible for obtaining a trade show license and listing all show participants on the license application. Please submit both your completed application and license fee at least one business day before the show opens. There is a 10 percent penalty for submitting the application late.
You may have to pay admission tax if you charge a fee to enter the trade show. For more information, see the admission tax page.
Download the trade show license application.
| License type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trade show | $10 per unlicensed participant | Varies | No |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.20 for legal details about trade show license requirements.
Pawnshop businesses need a regulatory license. If you sell used goods, please contact us for license requirements.
| Used goods license type | Cost | Expires on | Half-year license |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dealers | $208 per year | March 31 | Yes |
| Pawnshops | $208 per year | March 31 | Yes |
You can read the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 6.288 for legal details about business license requirements for used goods dealers and pawnshops.