Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Portland, 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 Portland Business License (specific regulated activities only)

   Portland does not require a business licence of every business. The City's Business License Administrator (207-874-8557, [email protected]) issues licences only for specific regulated categories: food service and liquor establishments, breweries and distilleries, food trucks and pushcarts, temporary events and catering, flea markets and second-hand dealers, marijuana businesses, massage therapists and establishments, taxi/livery/tour vehicles and valet parking, farmers market vendors, fire permits, scrap metal recycling and transient sellers. If your business is not in one of those categories, no City of Portland business licence is required. Where one does apply, most types need Zoning, Health, Code Enforcement, Fire, Police (SBI background check) and Treasury approvals first, and outstanding taxes or sewer fees will block issuance.

   Official government source

   $45 flat application fee (a single $45 fee even when applying for several licence types at once) and $35 a year to renew - not revenue-tiered. Sole proprietors and partnerships also file a d/b/a for $10.·Licences are annual. Allow time for the departmental approvals - zoning, health, code, fire, police background check and treasury - before the licence issues

   $45 flat application fee (a single $45 fee even when applying for several licence types at once) and $35 a year to renew - not revenue-tiered. Sole proprietors and partnerships also file a d/b/a for $10.

   Licences are annual. Allow time for the departmental approvals - zoning, health, code, fire, police background check and treasury - before the licence issues

Official Sources

• Maine Board of Barbering and Cosmetology — Salon License
• City of Portland City Clerk / Licensing Division
• Maine Revenue Services — Sales Tax Registration

Related Guides