Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Annapolis, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

Verified 2026-08-28 5 stops $200–$800 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 Maryland

2 stops

  1. State Barber License (per barber)

    Each barber must hold a valid Maryland barber license from the Maryland Board of Barbers (Maryland Department of Labor — a separate board from cosmetology). Requires 1,200 hours of barber school training (or 2,250 hours as a registered apprentice) and passing the Board's examination. Effective Jan 1, 2026, initial applicants must also complete a one-hour domestic violence awareness training.

    Official government source

    $50 application (license valid 2 years); exam fee separate4–8 weeks

  2. Maryland Comptroller — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Maryland (6% state rate; Maryland has no local sales taxes). Retail product sales are taxable. Some services are also taxable — notably cleaning of a COMMERCIAL or industrial building (janitorial/commercial cleaning) under Md. Tax-General §11-101(m): commercial cleaning businesses must collect 6% on the service itself, while residential cleaning is not taxable. Sales of photographs (portrait/wedding) are taxable as tangible personal property. Registration with the Comptroller of Maryland is free.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via bFile)

City of Annapolis / Anne Arundel County

2 stops

  1. Maryland Board of Barbers — Barbershop Permit

    Barbershops in Maryland must hold a shop permit from the Maryland Board of Barbers (a separate board from the Board of Cosmetologists). The shop must meet the board's health and safety standards and is subject to inspection. The permit is renewed every 2 years.

    Official government source

    $225 (initial shop permit); $56 (renewal every 2 years)4–8 weeks after application and inspection

  2. Annapolis — No General Business License Required

    Neither the City of Annapolis nor the State of Maryland requires a general business license. The Annapolis Department of Finance does not license businesses. Annapolis licenses only specific activities (peddlers/mobile vendors, bed-and-breakfasts, rental housing, trade contractors) through the City Clerk and Licenses & Permits Division. Businesses selling goods need a Maryland trader's license from the Anne Arundel County Clerk of the Circuit Court, and opening a commercial space in Annapolis requires a Certificate of Use from Planning and Zoning.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business license exists; activity-specific licenses, if applicable, have their own feesNot applicable

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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