Hair Salon Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in San Diego, San Diego County, California.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $350–$1,100 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 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

  2. California Cosmetologist License (per cosmetologist)

    Each cosmetologist providing services must hold a valid California Cosmetologist license from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. Requires completion of a 1,600-hour cosmetology program and passing the California 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 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

    FreeImmediate (online registration)

City of San Diego / San Diego County

2 stops

  1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

    Required for all hair salons operating in the City of San Diego. Issued by the San Diego City Treasurer. Renewed annually.

    Official government source

    $34–$125 (based on gross receipts tier)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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $350–$1,100 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides