Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

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

Verified 2026-08-27 8 stops $600–$2,000 est. 6–10 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

2 stops

  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)

  2. OSHA / Cal/OSHA Hazard Communication Compliance

    California nail salons with employees must comply with Cal/OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (8 CCR 5194) — maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemical products and training employees on chemical hazards — plus a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (8 CCR 3203). Cal/OSHA has no nail-salon-specific ventilation standard, but employers must keep chemical exposures below permissible exposure limits (8 CCR 5155), and Cal/OSHA's nail-salon guidance recommends ventilation practices. No fee — this is a compliance requirement. (California operates a federally approved state OSHA plan.)

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement)Implement before opening

State of California

3 stops

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

    All nail salons 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 salon must have proper sanitation equipment, ventilation meeting Cal/OSHA standards, and all required tools. Apply via the BreEZe online system.

    Official government source

    $50 nonrefundable application fee; $40 renewal4–8 weeks (includes application processing and on-site inspection)

  2. Individual Nail Technician License — Manicurist License (per employee)

    Every nail technician must hold a valid California Manicurist License issued by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. This requires 400 hours of cosmetology school education focused on manicuring, passing a written exam administered by PSI Exams, and paying a license fee.

    Official government source

    $110 application for examination and initial license (nonrefundable)4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exam)

  3. California Seller's Permit

    Required if selling retail products; apply free via 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

3 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. State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Establishment License (no county salon permit)

    There is no LA County health-department permit for nail salons. Salon regulation is state-level: the establishment must be licensed by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology ($50 establishment license application), which also performs sanitation inspections. Local requirements are limited to the City of LA BTRC, building/fire clearances for the space, and zoning.

    Official government source

    $50 state establishment license (Board of Barbering and Cosmetology); no county salon permit exists2–4 weeks

  3. 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. $600–$2,000 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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