Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Tucson, AZ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board — Shop (Establishment) License

   All barber shops in Arizona must hold an establishment license from the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board under ARS Title 32, Chapter 5 (ARS 32-541). The application is filed through the board's online portal; the shop must meet the board's sanitation, equipment, and facility standards and is subject to 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)·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

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

   3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

   Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Arizona barber license issued by the Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board. Licensure requires completing a 1,200-hour barber course at a board-licensed school (or a qualifying apprenticeship/out-of-state equivalent) and passing the required examination (ARS 32-512.02).

   Official government source

   $60 application fee per barber·3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   $60 application fee per barber

   3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

3. Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   Required for selling retail products. The combined TPT rate in Tucson/Pima County is approximately 8.7%.

   Official government source

   $12/year (state license fee)·Immediate (online application)

   $12/year (state license fee)

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Tucson — Business License

   All businesses operating in Tucson must obtain a City of Tucson business license from the License Section (Business Services Department, Taxpayer Assistance Division), 201 N. Stone Ave. Under Tucson Code Sec. 19-39 the application fee is $25 and the annual license fee is $50 (prorated by quarter in the first year); renewal is due January 1 each year ($75 if delinquent). Home-based businesses also submit a Home Occupation Form with the application. The separate Arizona/city TPT license for taxable sales is administered by the Arizona Department of Revenue ($12 state + $20/year Tucson city license renewal).

   Official government source

   $25 application fee + $50/year license fee (first year prorated by quarter; $75 late renewal)·1–2 weeks

   $25 application fee + $50/year license fee (first year prorated by quarter; $75 late renewal)

   1–2 weeks

2. City of Tucson — Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Tucson Development Services is required before opening a barber shop. Contact Development Services at 520-791-5550.

   Official government source

   Varies by scope of work — confirm with Tucson Planning & Development Services (520-791-5550)·2–5 weeks

   Varies by scope of work — confirm with Tucson Planning & Development Services (520-791-5550)

   2–5 weeks

Official Sources

• Arizona State Board of Cosmetology
• City of Tucson — Business Services
• City of Tucson — Development Services
• Arizona Department of Revenue — TPT

Related Guides