Nail Salon Permit Requirements in St. Louis, MO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in St. Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri.

Verified 2026-08-28 5 stops $300–$900 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. Missouri Nail Technician License (per technician)

    Each nail technician must hold a valid Missouri Nail Technician (Manicurist) License. Requires completion of a nail technology program (400 hours in a licensed school in Missouri, or an 800-hour apprenticeship — RSMo 329.050) and passing a state board exam.

    Official government source

    $40–$75 (initial)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 State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners — Nail Salon / Cosmetology Establishment License

    Nail salons in Missouri must obtain a cosmetology establishment license from the state board. An inspection is required before the license is issued.

    Official government source

    $100 application/license fee (establishments up to 3 operators; $10 per additional operator); $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. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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