Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Barber Shop License

   All barber shops in Michigan must be licensed by LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing. The barbershop establishment license requires an application, an on-site inspection, and compliance with the Michigan Occupational Code, Act 299 of 1980, Article 11 (MCL 339.1101-339.1118). The shop must meet sanitation, equipment, and facility standards.

   Official government source

   $130 (application + 2-year license fee); renewal $80; relicensure $150 (LARA Barbershop Licensing Guide, rev. 6/4/2025)·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   $130 (application + 2-year license fee); renewal $80; relicensure $150 (LARA Barbershop Licensing Guide, rev. 6/4/2025)

   3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

   Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Michigan Barber License issued by LARA. This requires completing an approved 1,800-hour barber college program (or 1,800-hour apprenticeship), and passing a written and practical exam.

   Official government source

   $63.00 (application + 2-year license fee, by exam or reciprocity)·4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   $63.00 (application + 2-year license fee, by exam or reciprocity)

   4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

3. Michigan Sales Tax License

   Required if you sell tangible retail products (grooming supplies, pomades, accessories) in your barber shop. Michigan imposes 6% sales tax on the total price of taxable retail sales of tangible personal property, and Michigan does not allow city or local sales taxes, so the rate is 6% statewide. Barbering services themselves are not taxable — Michigan taxes tangible personal property, not services generally. Register with the Michigan Department of Treasury through Michigan Treasury Online (MTO) e-Registration or by paper Registration Booklet (Form 518); Treasury states entities must register with it to receive a sales tax license.

   Official government source

   Free — Treasury publishes no fee to register for or renew a Michigan sales tax license.·Treasury states a new Sales Tax License can arrive 'in as little as 7 business days' through Online New Business Registration; paper registration by mail takes longer. The license runs January 1 through December 31 and renews annually.

   Free — Treasury publishes no fee to register for or renew a Michigan sales tax license.

   Treasury states a new Sales Tax License can arrive 'in as little as 7 business days' through Online New Business Registration; paper registration by mail takes longer. The license runs January 1 through December 31 and renews annually.

1. Michigan LARA Barbershop License

   Detroit does not require a general business license and BSEED has no 'personal services' or barber shop category - barbershops are licensed by LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing under the Occupational Code, Act 299 of 1980, Article 11. The applicant certifies all requirements are met except the inspection required by MCL 339.1111 and gives a date the premises will be ready; business may not be conducted until the inspection is passed. Each barber must separately hold a Michigan barber license.

   Official government source

   $130.00 application + 2-year license fee; renewal $80.00; relicensure $150.00·Varies - license issues only after the on-site inspection is passed

   $130.00 application + 2-year license fee; renewal $80.00; relicensure $150.00

   Varies - license issues only after the on-site inspection is passed

2. City of Detroit - Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy from BSEED is required to confirm the space is approved for its intended use. Contact BSEED at (313) 224-2733 (main) or the License & Permits Division at (313) 224-3179; the number 313-224-3158 in the original text does not appear on BSEED's published contact list.

   Official government source

   $147 flat (BSEED Fee Schedule eff. 1/1/2024, mod. 7/18/2025); temporary Certificate of Occupancy $520; Certificate of Occupancy records research $37·Varies by scope of work - confirm with the BSEED Construction Division

   $147 flat (BSEED Fee Schedule eff. 1/1/2024, mod. 7/18/2025); temporary Certificate of Occupancy $520; Certificate of Occupancy records research $37

   Varies by scope of work - confirm with the BSEED Construction Division

Official Sources

• Michigan LARA — Barbers
• City of Detroit — BSEED
• Michigan Department of Treasury — Sales Tax

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