How to renew your license: Shops, mobile units, and event locations
Things to know
- License expires 1 year after it is issued, or when your business liability insurance expires, whichever comes first
- You can renew 120 days before your license expires
- There will be a late fee if you don't renew before it expires
- If your license has been expired for more than 1 year, it's canceled and you must reapply.
- We consider your shop, mobile unit, or event location unlicensed if your license expires or gets canceled. You can receive a fine for engaging in unlicensed activity.
Before you renew
- If this is your first time to access your account online, or if your last online renewal was before June 22, 2017, you must set up account access before you renew.
- Be ready to answer legal background questions and provide documents if needed.
What you'll need
- Username/User ID and Password for account access (see Before you renew above)
- Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card to pay renewal fee
- If needed, documents for criminal history questions, ready to upload. See Uploading document instructions
- A SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account to renew online.
- For help, see how to set up account access.
- For step-by-step renewal instructions, see Frequently asked questions.
Want to renew by mail?
- Follow the instructions on your renewal notice
- No renewal notice? Submit the appropriate fees with a completed Artist Shop, Artist Mobile Unit, or Event Location Application (check the "Renewal," "Late renewal," or "Reinstatement" box as needed).
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 renewed 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:
Tattoo, Body Art, Body Piercing Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401
Update your insurance online
Follow these step-by-step instructions to update your insurance information.