Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Jersey City, NJ

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Jersey Manicurist (Nail Technician) License — per technician

   Each nail technician must hold a New Jersey manicurist license from the State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs). Applicants must be at least 17 years old, provide proof of high school completion or its equivalent, complete a 300-hour manicuring course at a Board-approved school, and pass the examination administered by the Board.

   Official government source

   $140 in the first year of the biennial licensing cycle ($50 nonrefundable application filing fee plus a $90 license fee) or $95 in the second year ($50 plus $45), by check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey·4–8 weeks

   $140 in the first year of the biennial licensing cycle ($50 nonrefundable application filing fee plus a $90 license fee) or $95 in the second year ($50 plus $45), by check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey

   4–8 weeks

2. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

1. New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Salon License

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

   Official government source

   $250 (odd year of biennial cycle) to $350 (even year), per NJ Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling shop-license application·4–8 weeks after application and inspection

   $250 (odd year of biennial cycle) to $350 (even year), per NJ Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling shop-license application

   4–8 weeks after application and inspection

2. Jersey City Business Licensing (activity-specific, no general license)

   Jersey City does not issue a general Municipal Business License, and there is no gross-receipts-based city business license. Licensing is activity-specific: the Division of Commerce licenses regulated activities (alcohol, cannabis, peddlers, taxis, used cars, towing, second-hand dealers, parking lots, nightclubs, florists, sidewalk cafes and similar); the Department of Health & Human Services licenses food establishments, mobile food vendors, body art, cosmetology, laundries, childcare and animal-related businesses; and the Division of Construction Code issues Certificates of Occupancy. Determine which specific license, if any, applies to your business.

   Official government source

   Varies by license category — no blanket business license fee exists·1–3 weeks

   Varies by license category — no blanket business license fee exists

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Salon License
• Jersey City Division of Revenue and Finance

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