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.

Updated 2026-02-15 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. 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

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 must comply with Cal/OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (8 CCR 5194), including maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemical products and providing employee training on chemical hazards. Cal/OSHA has specific ventilation requirements for nail salons to protect workers from chemical exposure.

    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 application fee + $25 inspection fee (approximately)4–8 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

    $55 application fee per technician4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exam)

  3. California Seller's Permit

    Required if your nail salon sells retail products (nail polish, nail care kits). Apply for free through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). The combined sales tax rate in Los Angeles is 10.25%.

    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). Nail salons fall under the personal services category. The annual tax is based on gross receipts. Apply online through the LA Business Portal.

    Official government source

    $153–$400/year (based on gross receipts; minimum tax applies)1–2 weeks (online application)

  2. LA County Department of Public Health — Salon Permit

    Nail salons in unincorporated LA County require a permit from the LA County Department of Public Health. For salons within the City of Los Angeles, health and sanitation compliance is enforced by the state Board of Barbering and Cosmetology during its inspections, but local fire and building departments may also require clearance.

    Official government source

    $200–$5002–4 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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Official Sources

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