Nail Salon Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

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

Updated 2026-02-15 7 stops $500–$1,800 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), maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and providing employee training on chemical hazards. Cal/OSHA has specific ventilation requirements for nail salons.

    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.

    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. Apply for free through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). The combined sales tax rate in San Diego is 7.75%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate to 1 week (online application)

City of San Diego / San Diego County

2 stops

  1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

    All businesses operating within San Diego city limits must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City of San Diego Treasury Division. Nail salons are classified as personal services businesses. Apply online via the San Diego Business Portal. Renewals are due annually.

    Official government source

    $34–$125/year (based on number of employees and gross receipts)1–2 weeks (online application)

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

    A Certificate of Occupancy is required to confirm the space is approved for personal services use. If you are moving into a previously-licensed salon space, the existing CO may be sufficient. Contact San Diego Development Services at 619-446-5000.

    Official government source

    $200–$800 (varies by scope of work)2–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$1,800 · 6–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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