Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Meridian, ID

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Meridian, 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 Meridian / 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 Meridian — No General Business License

    Meridian does not require a general business license, and there is no annual renewal or display requirement. A new business moving into a commercial space typically needs a Certificate of Zoning Compliance and a Certificate of Occupancy from Community Development before opening. Only specific activities need a license or permit from the City Clerk's Office: alcohol licenses and catering permits, mobile sales units, temporary use permits, vehicle immobilization, fireworks, pawnbroker and precious metal dealer licenses, and dog licensing. Most businesses need none of these.

    Official government source

    $0 for most businesses — no general license exists; specific activity licenses have their own feesN/A — no general business license to apply for

Terminus

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

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