Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Huntsville, AL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama.

Updated 2026-03-15 5 stops $300–$1,000 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Alabama

2 stops

  1. Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Individual Cosmetologist License

    Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a valid Alabama Cosmetologist License. Requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology school and passing the state board exam.

    Official government source

    $30 (initial)4–8 weeks

  2. Alabama Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Alabama. Alabama's state sales tax rate is 4%. Local city and county sales taxes are additional and can be significant (total rates range from 5–10%). Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT).

    Official government source

    Free1–5 business days (online via MAT)

City of Huntsville / Madison County

2 stops

  1. Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Cosmetology Salon License

    All cosmetology salons in Alabama must be licensed by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. The salon must pass an inspection before the license is issued. License must be renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $50–$100 (initial)3–6 weeks after application and inspection

  2. City of Huntsville License and Revenue Department — Business License

    Huntsville requires an Occupational License for all businesses within city limits. The License and Revenue Department issues licenses annually based on projected and actual gross revenues. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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