Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $300–$1,200 est. 4–8 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Georgia

3 stops

  1. Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers — Barber Shop License

    All barber shops in Georgia must be licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers under the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Division. The barber shop establishment license requires an application, inspection, and proof of compliance with Georgia barber shop standards. The shop must meet sanitation and equipment requirements.

    Official government source

    $45 application fee3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

  2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

    Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Georgia Master Barber or Barber license issued by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. A Master Barber License requires 1,500 hours of barber school education, plus written and practical exams administered by PSI Exams.

    Official government source

    $45 application fee per barber4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

  3. Georgia Sales Tax Registration

    Required for selling retail products in your barber shop. The combined sales tax rate in Atlanta/Fulton County is up to 8%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

2 stops

  1. City of Atlanta Business License (Occupational Tax Certificate)

    All businesses operating within Atlanta city limits must obtain an Occupational Tax Certificate from the City of Atlanta Department of Finance. This is renewed annually and is required before opening. Apply through the Atlanta Business Portal or in person at City Hall.

    Official government source

    $75–$400/year (based on number of employees)1–3 weeks

  2. City of Atlanta / Fulton County — Certificate of Occupancy

    If building out or renovating a new barber shop space, a building permit and Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings is required.

    Official government source

    $150–$600 (varies by scope of work)2–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,200 · 4–8 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides