Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Minneapolis, MN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $400–$1,000 est. 4–8 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 Minnesota

4 stops

  1. Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners — Salon License

    The Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners issues salon establishment licenses to all cosmetology businesses in Minnesota. The salon license is required in addition to individual cosmetologist licenses. Application includes proof of facility compliance with board standards.

    Official government source

    $100–$200/year2–4 weeks

  2. Individual Cosmetologist Licenses

    All cosmetologists, stylists, estheticians, and nail technicians working in Minnesota must hold individual licenses issued by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetologist Examiners. Licenses require completion of accredited training programs and passing state licensing exams.

    Official government source

    $50–$75/year per individual2–6 weeks

  3. Minnesota Secretary of State Business Registration

    All formal business entities operating in Minnesota must register with the Minnesota Secretary of State. An LLC is the most common structure for salon owners and costs approximately $155 to file.

    Official government source

    $155 (LLC filing fee)1–2 weeks

  4. Minnesota Department of Revenue Sales Tax License

    Hair salon services in Minnesota are subject to sales tax. Salon owners must register for a sales tax license with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and collect the applicable state and local sales tax rates on taxable services.

    Official government source

    Free1 week

City of Minneapolis / Hennepin County

3 stops

  1. City of Minneapolis Business License

    The City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections (DSI) requires a general business license for hair salons operating in Minneapolis. The license must be renewed annually and may require a facility inspection for new salon locations.

    Official government source

    $50–$150/year1–2 weeks

  2. Certificate of Occupancy

    Minneapolis requires a Certificate of Occupancy for new salon locations or when making significant improvements to a commercial space. The City of Minneapolis Department of Safety & Inspections reviews zoning compliance, building codes, and ADA accessibility requirements before issuing this certificate.

    Official government source

    $150–$500 (depending on improvements)3–8 weeks

  3. Hennepin County Environmental Health Salon Inspection

    Hennepin County Environmental Health inspects cosmetology establishments to ensure compliance with Minnesota sanitation standards. Salons must maintain proper ventilation, sanitation equipment, and comply with chemical storage requirements.

    $75–$150 (inspection fee)2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,000 · 4–8 weeks

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Official Sources

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