Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Detroit, MI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $400–$1,000 est. 6-12 weeks
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Michigan

3 stops

  1. MI Cosmetology Establishment License

    Required by the Michigan Board of Cosmetology under the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). All cosmetology salons must be licensed as an establishment. The application requires proof of compliance with state sanitation standards and facility requirements.

    Official government source

    $100-$200/year4-8 weeks

  2. Individual Cosmetologist License

    Each cosmetologist, barber, or esthetician working in the salon must hold a valid Michigan individual license issued by the MI Board of Cosmetology under LARA. Requires completion of state-approved training hours and passage of state board examinations.

    Official government source

    $75-$150/per stylist4-8 weeks

  3. MI Sales Tax License

    Required by the Michigan Department of Treasury if the salon sells retail products (hair care products, styling items). Michigan sales tax applies to retail product sales.

    Official government source

    Free1-2 weeks

City of Detroit / Wayne County

3 stops

  1. City of Detroit Business License

    Issued by the Detroit Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department (BSEED), this is the foundational business license required for operating a hair salon in Detroit. All commercial establishments must hold this license before opening.

    Official government source

    $75-$150/year1-2 weeks

  2. BSEED Salon Sanitation Inspection

    Detroit BSEED conducts an inspection of the salon premises to ensure compliance with sanitation, safety, and building code standards. The inspection must be passed before the salon can legally open to the public.

    Official government source

    Included in business license fees1-3 weeks

  3. Certificate of Occupancy

    Issued by Detroit BSEED for commercial spaces. Required when a new business occupies a commercial property or when significant renovations are made. Confirms the space meets Detroit building and fire codes for salon use.

    Official government source

    $100-$3002-4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,000 · 6-12 weeks

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Official Sources

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