Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $400–$1,200 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses (longer if major buildout required)
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 California

3 stops

  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

  2. California Cosmetologist License (per cosmetologist)

    Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a valid California Cosmetologist license from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Requires completing a 1,600-hour cosmetology program and passing the state board exam. Renewed every 2 years.

    Official government source

    $50 (initial license fee); $50 (renewal every 2 years)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

    FreeImmediate (online registration)

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

3 stops

  1. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    Required for all businesses operating in the City of Los Angeles. Hair salons are classified under the personal services category. New businesses qualify for a first-year exemption if gross receipts are under $100,000. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $0 (first year new business exemption); $100+ annually based on gross receipts1–2 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 footage3–8 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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses (longer if major buildout required)

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Official Sources

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