Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Salon Establishment License

   Required by California law (Business & Professions Code §7317) before any cosmetology, hair, or esthetics services can be performed for compensation. Issued by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (DCA). The license is location-specific. A physical inspection of the salon is conducted before the license is issued. Renewed every 2 years.

   Official government source

   $50 (establishment license fee)·4–8 weeks after submitting application and passing inspection

   $50 (establishment license fee)

   4–8 weeks after submitting application and passing inspection

2. California Cosmetologist License (per cosmetologist)

   Each cosmetologist must hold a California Cosmetologist license from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology: 1,000 hours of approved training and the licensing exam. Renewal every 2 years.

   Official government source

   $125 application for examination and initial license (nonrefundable); renewal fee separate (verify current amount)·4–8 weeks after passing state board exam

   $125 application for examination and initial license (nonrefundable); renewal fee separate (verify current amount)

   4–8 weeks after passing state board exam

3. California Seller's Permit

   Required to collect and remit California state sales tax on retail product sales (hair products, styling tools). Hair services are generally not subject to sales tax; product sales are taxable. Issued free by the CDTFA.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

1. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance for a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Registration itself has no fee. The first year of business is not tax-exempt — first-year tax is paid as 'back tax' at the first annual renewal. Businesses with worldwide gross receipts of $100,000 or less pay $0 tax under the Small Business Exemption, provided the annual renewal is filed on time.

   Official government source

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

   $0 to register; annual tax based on gross receipts ($0 if worldwide gross receipts are $100,000 or less and renewal is filed on time)

   1–2 weeks (online application)

2. Certificate of Occupancy (Change of Use / New Tenant)

   Required by the LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) before occupying a commercial space as a salon. A new Certificate of Occupancy or clearance letter is required when opening in a new space or when there is a change of use.

   Official government source

   $175–$600+ depending on scope of work and square footage·3–8 weeks after application and inspection

   $175–$600+ depending on scope of work and square footage

   3–8 weeks after application and inspection

3. LA City Building Permit (for salon improvements)

   Any tenant improvements to the salon space — plumbing for shampoo bowls, electrical upgrades, ventilation — require building permits from the LA Department of Building and Safety.

   Official government source

   Varies by scope (typically $500–$10,000+)·4–10 weeks

   Varies by scope (typically $500–$10,000+)

   4–10 weeks

Official Sources

• California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Establishment Application
• California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Cosmetologist Application
• City of Los Angeles Office of Finance — Business Tax Registration
• LADBS — Plan Check and Permit Issuance
• California CDTFA — Seller's Permit

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