Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

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. Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers — Salon License

   Required by Georgia law before any cosmetology or hairdressing services can be performed for compensation at any location. The salon must be inspected by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (under the Georgia Secretary of State's Professional Licensing Boards) before a license is issued. The license is location-specific and must be renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $30/year (salon license renewal fee); initial application fee approximately $30·2–6 weeks after submitting application and passing inspection

   $30/year (salon license renewal fee); initial application fee approximately $30

   2–6 weeks after submitting application and passing inspection

2. Georgia Cosmetologist License (per cosmetologist)

   Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a valid Georgia Cosmetologist license from the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. Requires completion of a 1,500-hour cosmetology program and passing the state board exam. Renewed every 2 years.

   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.·2–4 weeks after passing state board exam

   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.

   2–4 weeks after passing state board exam

3. Georgia Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration

   Required to collect and remit sales tax on retail product sales (hair products, styling supplies) in the salon. Cosmetology services in Georgia are generally not taxable; product sales are subject to the 4% state rate plus local option tax (total ~8.9% in Fulton County). Registration is free.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via Georgia Tax Center)

   Free

   Immediate (online via Georgia Tax Center)

1. City of Atlanta Occupational Tax Certificate

   Required for all businesses, including hair salons, operating within Atlanta city limits. Issued by the Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue. Must be renewed annually.

   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 Certificate of Occupancy (for salon space)

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of City Planning's Office of Buildings is required before occupying a commercial space as a hair salon. Opening in a new location or changing from a prior use requires a new Certificate of Occupancy or a change-of-use permit, reviewed through the Light Commercial or Commercial workstream.

   Official government source

   Set by the City of Atlanta's adopted permit fee schedule and driven by project scope and valuation. The Office of Buildings assesses and invoices permitting, arborist, fire, and stormwater review fees at closeout and they are paid in the online permitting portal - ask for a fee estimate at intake rather than budgeting a flat amount.·2-6 weeks after application, plan review, and inspection.

   Set by the City of Atlanta's adopted permit fee schedule and driven by project scope and valuation. The Office of Buildings assesses and invoices permitting, arborist, fire, and stormwater review fees at closeout and they are paid in the online permitting portal - ask for a fee estimate at intake rather than budgeting a flat amount.

   2-6 weeks after application, plan review, and inspection.

Official Sources

• Georgia Secretary of State — Cosmetology Licensing
• City of Atlanta — Occupational Tax Certificate
• City of Atlanta — Office of Buildings Permits and Inspections
• Georgia Department of Revenue — Georgia Tax Center

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