Washington Food License and Permits: Complete Guide for Restaurants

Opening a restaurant in Washington means navigating a maze of permits before you can serve your first customer. Between the state, your county, and sometimes your city, you’re looking at multiple applications, inspections, and fees—and missing any of them can delay your opening or shut you down.

This guide walks you through every permit you’ll need, from food worker cards for your staff to liquor licenses for your bar, plus the step-by-step process to get them all in place.

What licenses and permits do Washington restaurants need

Opening a restaurant in Washington means dealing with permits from the state, your county, and sometimes your city. In Washington, all staff who handle unpackaged food need a Food Worker Card. Beyond that, you’ll need a Food Establishment Permit from your local health department, a Business License from the Washington Department of Revenue, and a liquor license from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board if you’re serving alcohol.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Permit/License	Who Needs It	Issuing Agency	Renewal
Food Worker Card	All staff handling food	Local county health departments	Initial: 2 years; Renewal: 3 years (or 5 with additional training)
Food Establishment Permit	The business	Local county health department	Typically annual (varies by jurisdiction)
Business License	Any business collecting sales tax	WA Department of Revenue (Business Licensing Service)	Annual (if endorsements require renewal)
Liquor License	Restaurants serving alcohol	WA Liquor and Cannabis Board	Annual

The tricky part? Requirements vary by county. King County has different processes than Spokane or Pierce County. So while this guide covers the basics, confirm specifics with your local health jurisdiction.

How to get a Washington food facility health permit

Without a food facility health permit, you generally can’t legally serve food to the public (though some exceptions exist for cottage food operations and certain temporary events). The process takes time, often several weeks, so start early.

What is a food facility health permit?

A food facility health permit is your official authorization to prepare and serve food to customers. Your local county health department issues it (not the state for retail food establishments), and it confirms your establishment meets Washington’s food safety standards at the time of issuance. Continued compliance is required to maintain the permit.

Who needs a food facility health permit in Washington?

If you’re serving food to the public, you likely need one:

• Full-service and quick-service restaurants
• Food trucks and mobile vendors
• Catering operations
• Bars and breweries that serve food
• Coffee shops preparing food items

Even if you’re just reheating pre-packaged items, check with your local health department. The rules can surprise you.

1. Contact your local health department

Your first call goes to the county health department where your restaurant will operate. In King County, that’s Public Health – Seattle & King County. In Snohomish County, it’s the Snohomish County Health Department (note: public health functions were integrated into county government in 2023, replacing the former Snohomish Health District). Each jurisdiction has its own application forms, fee schedules, and timelines.

2. Submit your floor plan and menu for review

Before you build out your space or even sign a lease, submit your plans for review. This “plan review” process lets the health department evaluate whether your layout, equipment, and menu can meet food safety codes.

You’ll typically provide a detailed floor plan showing equipment placement, your proposed menu, equipment specifications, and plumbing and ventilation details. Plan review can take several weeks. If you’re renovating an existing space, don’t start construction until you get approval.

3. Schedule and pass a pre-opening inspection

Once your space is built out and equipped, you’ll schedule a pre-opening inspection. An inspector will walk through your kitchen, checking everything from handwashing stations to food storage temperatures.

Common issues that cause delays include missing or improperly installed handwashing sinks, inadequate refrigeration for your menu, no thermometers in coolers, and improper food storage like raw meat above ready-to-eat items.

4. Receive your permit and post it visibly

After passing inspection, you’ll receive your permit. Post it where customers can see it, typically near the entrance or register. Keep track of your renewal date since permits typically expire annually (though renewal periods can vary by jurisdiction).

Washington food worker card requirements for restaurant employees

While the food facility permit covers your business, food worker cards cover your people. This is a state requirement, and it applies to nearly everyone on your team.

What is a Washington food worker card?

A Washington Food Worker Card proves an employee understands basic food safety principles like proper handwashing, temperature control, and cross-contamination prevention. It’s required by Washington state law (RCW 69.06.010) for anyone handling unpackaged food or beverages. The cards are issued by local county health departments (local health officers), though the Washington State Department of Health oversees the program and approves the exam.

Which restaurant employees need a food worker card?

The short answer: almost everyone. Line cooks, prep cooks, servers who handle food, bartenders who touch garnishes, dishwashers, and bussers who handle food-contact surfaces all need cards. Hosts who only greet guests and don’t handle food may be exempt. When in doubt, get the card.

How to get a Washington food worker card

The process is straightforward. Go to foodworkercard.wa.gov, complete the online food safety course, pass the exam, pay the fee, and print your card. The whole thing takes about an hour. Some employees prefer in-person classes, which are available through some local health departments (though availability varies by jurisdiction, and some have discontinued in-person training).

How much does a Washington food worker card cost?

Fees vary by provider, but the state’s official online course charges a modest fee. Check foodworkercard.wa.gov for current pricing. Some local health departments offer free or reduced-cost training for those who qualify.

How long is a Washington food worker card valid?

Initial cards are valid for two years from the date of issuance. Standard renewal cards are valid for three years. Employees who complete additional food safety training may qualify for five-year renewal cards. Either way, track expiration dates since an expired card means an employee can’t legally handle food until they renew.

Can employees start work before getting their food worker card?

Yes, but with conditions. Washington allows new hires up to 14 days to obtain their card after beginning employment. During this time, the employee can work if the employer provides food-safety training and keeps documentation. However, the employee must obtain the card within this 14-day period.

How to get a Washington business license for your restaurant

If you’re selling taxable goods, which includes most prepared food, you’ll need a business license from the Washington Department of Revenue to collect sales tax.

What is a Washington business license?

A Washington business license authorizes your business to collect sales tax from customers. In Washington, most prepared food is taxable, so restaurants need this license before opening. When you register your business through the Business Licensing Service and obtain the Tax Registration endorsement, you’re authorized to collect and remit sales tax—there’s no separate “seller’s permit” like in some other states.

Note: Don’t confuse this with a “reseller permit,” which is something different. A reseller permit lets you buy goods tax-free when you plan to resell them (though proper documentation is required and the permit can only be used for items genuinely purchased for resale). Most restaurants won’t need a reseller permit unless they’re buying products specifically for resale.

How to apply for a Washington business license

Apply online through the Washington Business Licensing Service. During the application process, you’ll receive your Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number (if you don’t already have one from entity formation with the Secretary of State) and authorization to collect sales tax through the Tax Registration endorsement. The process typically takes approximately 10 business days for online applications, though additional city or state endorsements can add another 2-3 weeks.

The business license registration fee is $50 for opening or reopening a business, plus $5 if you’re registering a business name (trade name).

Washington liquor license requirements for restaurants

Serving alcohol adds another layer of permits. The process takes longer than food permits, so start early if alcohol is part of your concept.

Types of Washington liquor licenses for restaurants

The license you need depends on what you’re serving:

• Spirits, beer, and wine restaurant license: Full bar service with food
• Beer and wine restaurant license: Beer and wine only, with food
• Tavern license: For establishments where alcohol is the primary focus

Each license type has different requirements and fees.

How to apply for a Washington liquor license

Applications go through the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Expect the process to take several months—typically 60-90 days (2-3 months), though it can take longer with local objections or missing documents—since background checks, public notice periods, and inspections all add time. Some cities and counties have additional requirements or moratoriums on new licenses, so check local regulations first.

In addition to a liquor license, staff serving alcohol must have a MAST Permit (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training), which is separate from a Food Worker Card.

How much do Washington food permits cost

Permit costs add up quickly. While exact fees change and vary by location, here’s what to expect.

Food facility health permit fees

Fees depend on your establishment type, size, and county. A small coffee shop pays less than a large full-service restaurant. Contact your local health department for current fee schedules.

Food worker card fees

The state’s online course has a set fee. Third-party providers may charge more or less. Budget for every employee who handles food.

Business License fees

The business license registration fee is $50 for opening or reopening a business.

Liquor license fees

License fees vary significantly by type. Annual renewal fees apply. Check the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s fee schedule for current rates.

Example of business permit application process in Washington

Here’s how the permit process typically unfolds when opening a new restaurant. Some steps happen at the same time, while others have to wait.

1. Register your business with the state

Start at the Washington Business Licensing Service. You’ll register your business entity, get your UBI number (if you don’t already have one), and apply for your general business license in one application.

2. Apply for your food facility health permit

Contact your local health department early, ideally before signing a lease. Submit your plans for review and budget several weeks for approval.

3. Ensure all staff complete food worker card training

While you’re waiting on other permits, get your team certified. Have cards in hand before opening day.

4. Obtain your business license online

Apply through the Business Licensing Service and you’ll typically have approval within approximately 10 business days.

5. Apply for a liquor license if serving alcohol

Start this process months before you plan to open. The timeline is unpredictable, and delays are common.

6. Schedule your final health inspection

Once your space is ready and your team is trained, schedule your pre-opening inspection. Pass it, get your permit, and you’re ready to open.

Common Washington food permit mistakes to avoid

• Starting too late: Plan review and inspections take weeks. Liquor licenses take months. Build permit timelines into your opening schedule.
• Applying to the wrong agency: County health departments handle food permits. The state handles liquor and business registration.
• Forgetting food worker cards: Every food handler needs one. Track expiration dates.
• Missing renewals: Most permits expire annually (though renewal periods vary by jurisdiction). Put renewal dates on your calendar now.

Food permit requirements by Washington county

Requirements vary by location. Here’s where to start for major areas.

King County food business permit requirements

Public Health – Seattle & King County handles permits for the entire county, including Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, and unincorporated areas.

Seattle food permit requirements

Seattle falls under Public Health – Seattle & King County’s jurisdiction for food permits. However, the city may have additional requirements for sidewalk seating or food truck parking.

Pierce County and Tacoma requirements

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department handles food permits in this area with its own application process and fee schedule.

Other Washington counties

For other areas, search “[your county] health department food permit” to find the right agency.

Stay compliant and focus on running your restaurant

Getting your permits is just the starting line. Staying compliant means tracking renewals, keeping food worker cards current, and maintaining the standards that got you approved.

Tracking employee certifications and expiration dates gets easier with the right tools. Platforms like 7shifts help you keep your team organized, so you’re not scrambling when inspection day arrives.

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FAQs about Washington food licenses and permits

How long does it take to get all the permits needed to open a restaurant in Washington?

Plan for several weeks to a few months. Food facility permits require plan review and inspection, which can take 4-8 weeks, depending on jurisdiction and complexity. Liquor licenses typically take 60-90 days (2-3 months) or longer if there are objections or missing documents.

What happens if a restaurant operates without proper permits in Washington?

The health department can shut down your operation and issue fines. Operating without a valid food worker card can also result in penalties.

Can restaurant owners transfer food permits when buying an existing restaurant in Washington?

Permits typically don’t transfer to new owners. You’ll need to apply for your own permits, even if the previous owner was fully licensed.

Do Washington restaurants need a separate permit for outdoor seating or a patio?

Additional permits may be required for outdoor service areas. Check with your local health department and city planning office.

How often do health inspectors visit Washington restaurants?

Inspection frequency depends on your risk level and jurisdiction. Higher-risk establishments typically see inspectors more often.

What is the difference between a food worker card and a food manager certification in Washington?

The food worker card covers basic food safety for all employees who handle food. Food manager certification (like ServSafe Manager) is more advanced training for supervisors and managers.