Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

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. 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

   The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish a fee schedule on its website; the application fee is shown in the GOALS licensing portal at the time of application - confirm the current amount before applying.·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish a fee schedule on its website; the application fee is shown in the GOALS licensing portal at the time of application - confirm the current amount before applying.

   3–6 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

   The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish a fee schedule on its website; the application fee is shown in the GOALS licensing portal at the time of application - confirm the current amount before applying.·4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers does not publish a fee schedule on its website; the application fee is shown in the GOALS licensing portal at the time of application - confirm the current amount before applying.

   4–8 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 8.9% (4% state + local option taxes).

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page.·1–3 weeks

   For tax year 2026: $191 annual registration fee + $50 flat tax + $25 per employee (first employee exempt) + a gross-receipts tax of (gross receipts - $10,000) / $1,000 x the NAICS tax-class rate. The registration fee was $75 for tax year 2025 and prior. Source: Atlanta Municipal Code Sec. 30-62 / Office of Revenue fee page.

   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

   $150–$600 (varies by scope of work)

   2–6 weeks

Official Sources

• Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
• City of Atlanta — Business Tax Division
• City of Atlanta — Office of Buildings
• Georgia Department of Revenue — Tax Registration

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