Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, MD

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland.

Updated 2026-03-14 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. 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 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 Silver Spring / Montgomery County

2 stops

  1. Maryland Board of Cosmetologists — Barber Establishment License

    Barber shops in Maryland must be licensed by the state cosmetology/barber board. The shop must pass an inspection before the license is issued. Annual or biennial renewal required.

    Official government source

    $100 (initial); $100 (renewal every 2 years)4–8 weeks after application and inspection

  2. Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services — Business License

    Silver Spring is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County; permits are issued by Montgomery County. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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