Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Chicago, IL

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois.

Verified 2026-08-31 8 stops $700–$2,200 est. 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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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

2 stops

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

  2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

    Nail salons handle hazardous chemicals. OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets, employee training, and adequate ventilation (29 CFR 1910.1200).

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement)Implement before opening

State of Illinois

3 stops

  1. IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation - Nail Technology Salon Registration

    A nail salon in Illinois must hold a Certificate of Registration as a nail technology salon, issued by the IDFPR Division of Professional Regulation under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985 (225 ILCS 410). Use the Salon/Shop Registration application, filed separately for each location. IDFPR does not inspect before issuing the registration; instead every registered salon completes an annual self-inspection on the Division's form covering sanitation, disinfection and ventilation (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1175.1335) and keeps 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)About 4-6 weeks after a complete mailed application; open once the certificate arrives.

  2. Individual Nail Technician License (per employee)

    Every nail technician working in the salon must hold a valid Illinois Nail Technician License issued by IDFPR. This requires completing an approved cosmetology/nail technology program, passing a written exam, and paying a license fee.

    Official government source

    $190 nail technician 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 salon. Register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (MyTax Illinois). The combined sales tax rate in Chicago is 10.50% (effective 8/1/2026).

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Chicago / Cook County

3 stops

  1. City of Chicago - Limited Business License (Nail Salon)

    Nail salons in Chicago require a Limited Business License from the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP). Nail technicians must separately hold a state license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. If the salon 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 apply for 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.

  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 nail salon 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 work2–8 weeks

  3. Chicago Salons and Barber Shops License (BACP Limited Business License)

    Nail salons in Chicago require a Limited Business License from BACP under the "Salons and Barber Shops" category — there is no separate Chicago Department of Public Health license for nail salons. Individual nail technicians must hold a State of Illinois license from IDFPR. If the establishment 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 first issue verified license paperwork before that permit can be sought.

    Official government source

    $500 for a two-year license (effective January 1, 2026)BACP publishes no standard processing time; add time for zoning approval and, if the 1,000-foot rule applies, a Zoning Board of Appeals Special Use Permit

Terminus

Open for business — est. $700–$2,200 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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