Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Lewiston, ME

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. Maine Cosmetologist License

   Each cosmetologist must hold a Cosmetologist licence from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology within the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. Eligibility under 32 MRSA section 14226 requires either 1,500 hours of cosmetology instruction over not less than 9 months at a licensed school, or 2,500 hours as a trainee over at least 18 months, plus passing the approved examination. The salon itself must separately hold a Level 1 or Level 2 establishment licence.

   Official government source

   $20 per year - the same amount for initial issuance and renewal under OPOR's Chapter 10 fee rule; a Trainee licence is $10. A $50 late fee applies after expiration, rising to $50 plus $25 in penalty fees more than 90 days late.·Licences run annually and expire October 31; renewal reminders are emailed 30 days ahead and renewal is done online

   $20 per year - the same amount for initial issuance and renewal under OPOR's Chapter 10 fee rule; a Trainee licence is $10. A $50 late fee applies after expiration, rising to $50 plus $25 in penalty fees more than 90 days late.

   Licences run annually and expire October 31; renewal reminders are emailed 30 days ahead and renewal is done online

2. Maine Revenue Services — Sales Tax Registration

   Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Maine. Maine charges a 5.5% state sales tax (food and lodging have different rates). Register with Maine Revenue Services online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Maine Board of Barbering and Cosmetology - Establishment (Salon) License

   Hair salons in Maine must hold an establishment licence from the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology within the Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, in addition to an individual cosmetologist licence for each person providing services. Establishments are licensed at Level 1 or Level 2 depending on the services offered, and a mobile establishment licence is available for salons that travel. OPOR's Chapter 10 fee rule sets one fee per licence that applies to both initial issuance and renewal, so there is no separate initial application fee.

   Official government source

   $20 per year for a Level 1, Level 2 or Mobile Establishment licence - the same amount for initial issuance and renewal - plus a further $20 licence fee on a change of location or ownership; a $50 late fee applies after expiration. Individual cosmetologist licences are $20 each per year.·Establishment licences run annually and expire October 31; a licence fee is also payable when the salon changes location or owner

   $20 per year for a Level 1, Level 2 or Mobile Establishment licence - the same amount for initial issuance and renewal - plus a further $20 licence fee on a change of location or ownership; a $50 late fee applies after expiration. Individual cosmetologist licences are $20 each per year.

   Establishment licences run annually and expire October 31; a licence fee is also payable when the salon changes location or owner

2. City of Lewiston - Selective Business Licensing (City Clerk)

   Lewiston does not require a general business licence or registration, and licensing is run by the City Clerk's Department (207-513-3124), not the Finance Department. The Clerk licenses over 40 specific business types required by Maine statute or city ordinance - among them food service establishments, mobile units and roving diners, massage establishments and therapists, tattoo parlours, lodging houses, flea markets, pawnbrokers, peddlers, second-hand dealers, taxicab companies, junk collectors and adult businesses. Most other trades - cleaning, landscaping, handyman, photography, tutoring, pet sitting, notary, bookkeeping, real estate, insurance, plumbing, electrical and HVAC contracting - are not licensed by the City at all. Most licensed types require inspection by the Fire, Code (Health) or Police departments before issue.

   Official government source

   Fees are published per category in the City's Business License Applications Fees, Penalties and Inspection and Approval Schedule - for example food service establishment $150-$575 by class and size, mobile unit / roving diner $100, massage establishment $110 application plus $195 licence, tattooing $110 plus $195, second-hand dealer $88, peddler $56 in state. Most businesses pay nothing because they are not a licensed category.·File the application at least seven days before you begin operating, and allow time for any required Fire, Code (Health) or Police inspection

   Fees are published per category in the City's Business License Applications Fees, Penalties and Inspection and Approval Schedule - for example food service establishment $150-$575 by class and size, mobile unit / roving diner $100, massage establishment $110 application plus $195 licence, tattooing $110 plus $195, second-hand dealer $88, peddler $56 in state. Most businesses pay nothing because they are not a licensed category.

   File the application at least seven days before you begin operating, and allow time for any required Fire, Code (Health) or Police inspection

Official Sources

• Maine Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Salon License
• City of Lewiston Finance Department
• Maine Revenue Services — Sales Tax Registration

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