Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Indianapolis, IN

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Indiana Nail Technician License (per technician)

   Each nail technician must hold a valid Indiana Manicurist License. Requires completion of 450 hours of nail technology training and passing the state board exam.

   Official government source

   $40 (initial application)·4–8 weeks

   $40 (initial application)

   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 fee·Immediate (online via INBiz)

   $25 one-time registration fee

   Immediate (online via INBiz)

1. Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Beauty Culture Salon License (nail salon)

   Nail salons in Indiana must hold a Beauty Culture Salon licence from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency's State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. The salon must pass an inspection before the licence is issued, and every technician working there must hold an individual manicurist licence.

   Official government source

   $40 (initial salon licence application; renewal is also $40, reinstatement $80)·The salon must pass an inspection before the licence is issued

   $40 (initial salon licence application; renewal is also $40, reinstatement $80)

   The salon must pass an inspection before the licence is issued

2. Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services — Business License

   Indianapolis (Marion County) has no general business license and no product called a 'Commercial Zoning Certificate.' DBNS licenses only specific business types by ordinance (e.g., massage establishments $177, kennels/pet shops/stables $200, hotels, pawnbrokers). Most business types listed here do not require any Indianapolis business license — check DBNS's Business Licenses list for your specific type.

   Official government source

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)·N/A

   N/A for most business types; specific licensed types have individual fees (e.g., $177–$200)

   N/A

Official Sources

• Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Cosmetology Salon License
• Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services

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