Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Evansville, IN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

Verified 2026-09-03 5 stops $300–$1,000 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 Indiana

2 stops

  1. Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Individual Cosmetologist License

    Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a valid Indiana Cosmetologist License. Requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training and passing the state board exam.

    Official government source

    $40 (initial)4–8 weeks

  2. Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.

    Official government source

    $25 one-time registration feeImmediate (online via INBiz)

City of Evansville / Vanderburgh County

2 stops

  1. Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Beauty Culture Salon License

    Every hair salon in Indiana must hold a Beauty Culture Salon license from the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency). Apply online through MyLicense One; the salon must meet 820 IAC sanitation and equipment rules and is subject to board inspection. All practitioners must separately hold individual beauty culture licenses (cosmetologist $40).

    Official government source

    $40 application; $40 renewal (4-year cycle); $80 reinstatement4–8 weeks

  2. No General Business License in Evansville

    Evansville does not require a general/universal business license for most business types. The City Controller's office issues licenses only for specific activities (e.g., street vending, hotels, pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers) — none apply to a typical service business. Verify zoning compliance and, if applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy with the Area Plan Commission / Building Commission before opening.

    Official government source

    Not applicable (no general license fee)Not applicable

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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