Barber Shop Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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)

   $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)

   $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 your barber shop sells retail products. The combined sales tax rate in San Diego is 7.75%.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 1 week (online application)

   Free

   Immediate to 1 week (online application)

1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees·1–2 weeks (online application)

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees

   1–2 weeks (online application)

2. City of San Diego Development Services — Certificate of Occupancy

   A barber shop space must be approved for that use. If you are moving into a previously approved shop space with no changes, the existing Certificate of Occupancy may suffice. For new construction, tenant improvements, or a change of occupancy, the Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Development Services Department as part of the building-permit process after final inspection - there is no separate CoO purchase for permitted work. For an existing building with no CoO on record, submit Form DS-6003 (Request for Certificate of Occupancy for an Existing Building). A Temporary or Reissued Certificate of Occupancy costs $353.13, plus $176.84/hour if additional research is required (Information Bulletin 585). Contact Development Services at 619-446-5000.

   Official government source

   No separate CoO fee for permitted work (issued with the building permit); Temporary/Reissued CoO $353.13; DS-6003 request for existing buildings·2–6 weeks

   No separate CoO fee for permitted work (issued with the building permit); Temporary/Reissued CoO $353.13; DS-6003 request for existing buildings

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
• City of San Diego — Business Tax
• City of San Diego — Development Services
• California CDTFA — Seller's Permit

Related Guides