Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Atlanta, GA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia.

Updated 2026-03-13 6 stops $250–$900 est. 4–8 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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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

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 Georgia

3 stops

  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 $302–6 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

    $30 (initial license); $30 (renewal every 2 years)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

    FreeImmediate (online via Georgia Tax Center)

City of Atlanta / Fulton County

2 stops

  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

    $75–$250 depending on gross revenue1–3 weeks

  2. City of Atlanta Certificate of Occupancy (for salon space)

    Required before occupying a commercial space as a hair salon. Issued by the Atlanta Department of City Planning. A new Certificate of Occupancy or change-of-use permit is required when opening in a new location or changing from a prior use.

    Official government source

    $100–$500+ depending on space size and scope of improvements2–6 weeks after application and inspection

Terminus

Open for business — est. $250–$900 · 4–8 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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