Barber Shop Permit Requirements in St. Louis, MO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in St. Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri.

Verified 2026-08-28 5 stops $200–$800 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Missouri

2 stops

  1. State Barber License (per barber)

    Each barber must hold a valid Missouri barber license from the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Requires at least 1,000 hours in a board-approved barber school (or a 2,000-hour registered apprenticeship) and passing the written and practical exams (RSMo 328.080).

    Official government source

    $40–$100 (confirm against the board fee rule — needs_review)4–8 weeks

  2. Missouri Department of Revenue — Sales Tax License

    Required for all businesses selling taxable goods in Missouri. The state rate is 4.225%; local rates vary by city and county. Register online with the Missouri Department of Revenue.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of St. Louis / St. Louis City

2 stops

  1. Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Barber Establishment License

    Barber shops in Missouri must be licensed by the Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Submit the establishment application at least 30 days before the anticipated opening; the shop must pass a board inspection before the license is issued. Renewal is on the board's regular cycle.

    Official government source

    $100 initial certificate of registration/license; $50 renewal3–6 weeks

  2. City of St. Louis License Collector — Business License

    St. Louis City is an independent city (not part of St. Louis County) and requires a Graduated Business License (GBL) from the License Collector's Office before commencing business. The license must be renewed annually; renewal applications and payment are due before June 1 to avoid penalties.

    Official government source

    $200 initial fee ($100 if starting between January 1 and May 31); annual renewal is graduated by number of St. Louis employees, from $200 (0-2 employees) up to $37,5001–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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