Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Montgomery, AL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $300–$900 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
Get my personalized route — $14.99

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 - Manicurist (Nail Technician) License

    Each nail technician must hold a valid Alabama manicurist license from the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (aboc.alabama.gov; the abcb.alabama.gov address does not resolve). Requires completion of a nail technology program of 750 school hours (or 1,200 apprentice hours) and passing the state board examination.

    Official government source

    $50 original license; $100 personal renewal; written exam $75 and practical exam $130Not published by the board; confirm current processing time with the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

  2. Alabama Department of Revenue - Sales Tax License

    Required for businesses making retail sales of tangible personal property in Alabama. Alabama sales tax is a privilege tax on retail sales; most services are not taxable, so service-only businesses may not need to register. Local city and county sales taxes are also due on top of the state rate and vary by jurisdiction - use ADOR's local tax rate lookup for your address. Register with the Alabama Department of Revenue via My Alabama Taxes (MAT); state and local returns are filed together through ONE SPOT.

    Official government source

    No registration fee is published by ADOR; registration is made through the My Alabama Taxes portalNot published by ADOR; confirm current processing time with the Department of Revenue

City of Montgomery / Montgomery County

2 stops

  1. Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering — Nail Salon / Cosmetology Establishment License

    Nail salons in Alabama must obtain a shop (cosmetology establishment) license from the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. An inspection is required before the license is issued.

    Official government source

    $200 (new shop); $150 (shop renewal)Not published by the board; confirm current processing time with the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering

  2. City of Montgomery Finance Department, License and Revenue Division - Business License

    Montgomery requires a city business license (occupational license) for all businesses operating in the city, issued by the Finance Department's License and Revenue Division. Fees are set by schedule and vary by business type and, for many classifications, gross receipts. The license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    Not published on the city's site (which blocks automated access); confirm the fee for your business classification with the License and Revenue DivisionNot published; confirm with the License and Revenue Division

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides