Hair Salon Permit Requirements in San Diego, 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 cosmetology services can be offered. Issued by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Location-specific license; requires physical inspection before issuance. 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 sales tax on retail product sales (shampoos, styling products, etc.). Hair services are generally not taxable; product sales are. Issued free by the CDTFA.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online registration)

   Free

   Immediate (online registration)

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 Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy (for salon buildout)

   Any tenant improvements (plumbing for shampoo bowls, electrical work, partition walls, ventilation) and occupancy change require permits from the San Diego Development Services Department before opening.

   Official government source

   Varies by scope (typically $500–$8,000+)·4–10 weeks

   Varies by scope (typically $500–$8,000+)

   4–10 weeks

Official Sources

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

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