Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

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. IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation - Barber Shop Registration

   Every barber shop in Illinois must hold a Certificate of Registration from the IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 (225 ILCS 410). File the Salon/Shop Registration application (one per location) with supporting entity documents. IDFPR does not perform a pre-license on-site inspection; each registered shop must instead complete an annual self-inspection on the Division's form (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1175.1335) and retain it for 5 years. Registrations expire November 30 of even-numbered years.

   Official government source

   $40 registration fee (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1175.100); renewal $20 per year ($40 per two-year cycle)·Roughly 4-6 weeks for a mailed application; the shop may open as soon as the certificate is received. No inspection appointment is required first.

   $40 registration fee (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1175.100); renewal $20 per year ($40 per two-year cycle)

   Roughly 4-6 weeks for a mailed application; the shop may open as soon as the certificate is received. No inspection appointment is required first.

2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

   Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Illinois Barber License issued by IDFPR. This requires completing an approved 1,500-hour barber program, passing a written exam, and paying a license fee.

   Official government source

   $112 barber examination fee, per IDFPR's fee table effective October 1, 2026 (a separate IDFPR license application fee also applies -- confirm the current amount with IDFPR)·4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exam)

   $112 barber examination fee, per IDFPR's fee table effective October 1, 2026 (a separate IDFPR license application fee also applies -- confirm the current amount with IDFPR)

   4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exam)

3. Illinois Retailer's Occupation Tax (Sales Tax) Registration

   Required if selling retail products in your barber shop. The combined sales tax rate in Chicago is 10.50%.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Chicago - Limited Business License (Barber Shop)

   Barber shops in Chicago require a Limited Business License from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP); barbers must separately hold state licensure from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. If the shop is within 1,000 feet of another personal services establishment, a Special Use Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals is also required, and BACP must issue verified license paperwork before you can seek it. Apply online through the Chicago Business Direct portal or in person at the Small Business Center.

   Official government source

   $500 license fee (Limited Business License, issued for two years)·BACP does not publish a turnaround time. The process runs through submitting a business information sheet, zoning approval (plus a Special Use Permit if within 1,000 feet of another personal services establishment), the full application, payment, and clearing City debt or account holds.

   $500 license fee (Limited Business License, issued for two years)

   BACP does not publish a turnaround time. The process runs through submitting a business information sheet, zoning approval (plus a Special Use Permit if within 1,000 feet of another personal services establishment), the full application, payment, and clearing City debt or account holds.

2. Chicago Department of Buildings — Building Permit (Certificate of Occupancy if required)

   A building permit from the Chicago Department of Buildings is required for build-out of a barber shop space. A Certificate of Occupancy is only required in specific cases (e.g., change of occupancy classification, or alteration of more than 10,000 sq ft of non-residential space) -- confirm with the Department of Buildings (312-744-3449) whether your specific project triggers this requirement.

   Official government source

   varies by scope of work·2–8 weeks

   varies by scope of work

   2–8 weeks

Official Sources

• Illinois IDFPR — Cosmetology/Barbering
• City of Chicago — BACP Business Licenses
• City of Chicago — Department of Buildings
• Illinois Department of Revenue — MyTax Illinois

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