Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $500–$1,800 est. 5–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of California

3 stops

  1. California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Barber Shop Establishment License

    All barber shops in California must be licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC). The establishment license requires an on-site inspection to verify compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 16, Division 9. The shop must have proper sanitation equipment, plumbing, and all required tools. Apply via the BreEZe online system.

    Official government source

    $50 nonrefundable application fee; $40 renewal (per BBC establishment application fee schedule)4–8 weeks (includes application processing and on-site inspection)

  2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

    Every barber must hold a California Barber License from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology: 1,000 hours of approved barber training, plus the licensing examination.

    Official government source

    $125 application for examination and initial license (nonrefundable, per current BBC form)4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

  3. California Seller's Permit

    Required if the shop sells retail products. Apply free through CDTFA. City of Los Angeles combined rate is 9.75% as of April 2025 (Measure A); other LA County cities range up to ~10.75%. Verify on the CDTFA rate lookup.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 1 week (online application)

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

2 stops

  1. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    All businesses operating in Los Angeles must register with the City of Los Angeles Office of Finance and obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Registration is free. The annual tax is based on gross receipts; businesses with worldwide gross receipts of $100,000 or less owe $0 under the Small Business Exemption if the annual renewal is filed on time. The first year is not tax-exempt — first-year tax is paid as 'back tax' at the first renewal.

    Official government source

    $0 to register; annual tax gross-receipts-based ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal filed on time)1–2 weeks (online application)

  2. City of Los Angeles Building and Safety — Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) is required to confirm the space meets zoning and building code requirements for personal services use. Contact LADBS at 213-482-0000.

    Official government source

    $200–$800 (varies by scope of work)2–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,800 · 5–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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