Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL
Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.
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 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Illinois
3 stopsIllinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — Cosmetology Salon License
Required by Illinois law (225 ILCS 410) before any cosmetology services (hair cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, styling) can be performed for compensation. The salon must be inspected by IDFPR before the license is issued. License is location-specific and must be renewed every 2 years.
Official government source$40 (initial salon license fee); $40 (renewal every 2 years)4–8 weeks after application and IDFPR inspection
$40 (initial salon license fee); $40 (renewal every 2 years)
4–8 weeks after application and IDFPR inspection
Illinois IDFPR Cosmetologist License (per cosmetologist)
Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a valid Illinois Cosmetologist license from IDFPR. Requires completion of a 1,500-hour cosmetology program and passing the state board exam. Renewed every 2 years.
Official government source$40 (initial license); $40 (renewal every 2 years)4–8 weeks after passing state board exam
$40 (initial license); $40 (renewal every 2 years)
4–8 weeks after passing state board exam
Illinois Department of Revenue — Sales Tax Registration
Required to collect and remit Illinois sales tax on retail product sales in the salon. Hair services are generally not taxable in Illinois; retail product sales are subject to the combined 10.25% Chicago sales tax rate. Register free with the Illinois DOR.
Official government sourceFreeImmediate (online via MyTax Illinois)
Free
Immediate (online via MyTax Illinois)
City of Chicago / Cook County
2 stopsCity of Chicago Business License (Cosmetology / Personal Services)
Required for all hair salons and cosmetology establishments operating in the City of Chicago. Issued by the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). A Chicago business license is required in addition to the state establishment license. License must be displayed in the salon and renewed every 2 years.
Official government source$250 every 2 years2–4 weeks
$250 every 2 years
2–4 weeks
City of Chicago Building Permit (for salon buildout)
Any construction, renovation, or change of use for a hair salon in Chicago requires permits from the Chicago Department of Buildings. This includes plumbing for shampoo bowls, electrical upgrades, and ventilation work.
Official government sourceVaries by scope (typically $500–$10,000+)4–12 weeks
Varies by scope (typically $500–$10,000+)
4–12 weeks
Terminus
Open for business — est. $400–$1,200 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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