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How to get your license: Salon/shop, personal service, mobile unit

Who needs a license?

You do if you operate a salon, shop, personal service, or mobile unit in WA where cosmetology, barbering, manicuring, hair design, esthetics, or master esthetics are performed for a fee.

  • A salon or shop is any building, structure, or part thereof. This includes individuals leasing space and owners of salons or shops where services are performed
  • Personal services are services performed in the client's home, event venue, office, or other location that's convenient for the client.
  • A mobile unit is a location where services are performed in a mobile structure (van, mobile home, etc.).

How to apply

Before applying:

  1. File a Business License Application to get a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number from the Department of Revenue.
    • You'll include your UBI on your salon/shop, personal service, or mobile unit license application.
  2. Certify your business is covered by a public liability insurance policy of at least $100,000 for combined bodily injury and property damage liability.
  3. You'll need a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account to apply online.
Apply online

Apply by mail

Mail a completed Salon/Shop, Personal Services, or Mobile Unit License Application (English, Español, Русский, and more) and a check or money order for the fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:

Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856

When will I get my license?

We won't mail your license unless you request a printed copy. Your license is available to print online.

If you applied online

  • We'll process your request within 14 business days. It will be available to print online at any time.
  • Check your email for notifications about your license.
  • See how to self-print your license.

If you applied by mail

  • We'll process your request within 45 business days and send a copy of your license to the email address listed on the application.
  • You can print your license online at any time. See how to self-print your license

Get a printed license by mail

  • To get a printed license when applying by mail, you must send the license print fee with your application.
  • To request a printed copy of your license, send us the following information:
    • Name
    • Mailing address
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • License type
    • License number
    • Check or money order for the license print fee, payable to Department of Licensing
    • Mail to:

      Cosmetology Program
      Department of Licensing
      PO Box 3856
      Seattle, WA 98124-3856

Post your license

You must post these items in the reception area of your salon/shop or mobile unit:

How to change your address

Update your insurance online

Follow these step-by-step instructions to update your insurance information.

Email updates

Subscribe to email updates to get the latest rule changes, licensing updates, and board notices by email.

Related information

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