Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Phoenix, AZ

1. Employer Identification Number (EIN)

   Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

   Official government source

   Free·Same day (online)

   Free

   Same day (online)

1. Arizona Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Salon License

   Issued by the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board (bcb.az.gov). Every salon/establishment must be licensed by the board before opening (ARS 32-541) and meet the board's sanitation, equipment, and facility standards; establishments are subject to board inspection (ARS 32-542).

   Official government source

   $110 establishment license application fee (plus ~$3 online convenience fee); renewal fee set by board (statutory cap $100)·2–4 weeks

   $110 establishment license application fee (plus ~$3 online convenience fee); renewal fee set by board (statutory cap $100)

   2–4 weeks

2. Individual Cosmetologist License

   Every stylist or cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a current Arizona cosmetologist license from the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. Licensure requires graduating from a 1,500-hour cosmetology course at a board-licensed school (or qualifying apprenticeship/out-of-state equivalent) and passing the required examination (ARS 32-511). Licenses renew every two years.

   Official government source

   $60 personal license application fee·4–8 weeks (after school completion)

   $60 personal license application fee

   4–8 weeks (after school completion)

3. Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   Issued by the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). Salon services themselves are NOT subject to Arizona TPT (personal services are not an enumerated taxable classification). A TPT license ($12 per location via AZTaxes.gov) is required only if the salon retails products (shampoo, styling products, etc.), which are taxable retail sales.

   Official government source

   $12 one-time registration·1–2 weeks

   $12 one-time registration

   1–2 weeks

4. Arizona LLC or Corporation Registration

   Register your business entity with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Operating as an LLC is strongly recommended to protect your personal assets from liability claims related to salon services.

   Official government source

   $50–$85 filing fee·1–2 weeks

   $50–$85 filing fee

   1–2 weeks

1. Phoenix — No General Business License (regulated activities only)

   The City of Phoenix does not have or issue a general business license. The Phoenix City Clerk's License Services section licenses only specific regulated activities (amusements, auctions, curb painters, escort bureaus, massage establishments, sexually oriented businesses, and vending). Most businesses need no Phoenix city license at all; if you make taxable sales you must hold an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state license per location plus a $50 Phoenix city license fee, both administered by AZDOR).

   Official government source

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR·1 week

   $0 — no general business license exists; Arizona TPT license (if making taxable sales): $12 state + $50 Phoenix city license fee via AZDOR

   1 week

2. Certificate of Occupancy

   Issued by the City of Phoenix Planning & Development Department. Required before opening a salon in a commercial space. The building must pass fire, electrical, and plumbing inspections. Tenant improvements (sinks, ventilation, electrical) require a separate building permit.

   Official government source

   Varies by build-out — confirm with Phoenix Planning & Development·2–6 weeks

   Varies by build-out — confirm with Phoenix Planning & Development

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• azbbhe.us
• phoenix.gov
• azdor.gov
• azcc.gov

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