Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Boise, ID

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Boise, Ada County, Idaho.

Verified 2026-09-06 5 stops $200–$800 est. 4–10 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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 Idaho

2 stops

  1. State Barber License (per barber) — DOPL Barber and Cosmetology Board

    Each barber must hold a valid Idaho Barber License through DOPL's Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board. Requires at least 900 hours of barber school (or 1,800 hours as an apprentice) and passing the state barber board exam.

    Official government source

    $90 initial ($30 application fee + $60 original license)4–8 weeks

  2. Idaho State Tax Commission — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Idaho. Idaho charges a 6% state sales tax. Some cities have local option taxes. Register with the Idaho State Tax Commission online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via TAP)

City of Boise / Ada County

2 stops

  1. Idaho DOPL Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board — Barber Shop License

    Barber shops in Idaho must hold an establishment license from the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board at the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL), the successor agency to the former Bureau of Occupational Licenses (IBOL). The shop must pass a board inspection before the license is issued, and each barber working there must hold their own individual license. The board moves to a two-year renewal cycle effective July 1, 2026.

    Official government source

    $80 to open: $30 board application fee + $50 original establishment license. Renewal is $25/year or $50 for a two-year cycle.Allow several weeks — the shop must pass a Board inspection before the establishment license is issued.

  2. City of Boise — No General Business License

    Boise does not require a general/blanket business license. Businesses must instead comply with zoning, required building/health permits, and any applicable activity-specific city license (Animal, Food & Alcohol Beverage, Security Services, Vehicle Licensing). Most professional/personal-service businesses fall under none of these categories and need no city business license — verify your specific business's obligations with the City Clerk's Licensing page.

    Official government source

    N/A — no general business license existsN/A

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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