Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Newark, 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 State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Barber License (per barber)

   Each barber must hold a New Jersey barber license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs — New Jersey has no separate barber board. Applicants must complete high school or the equivalent, complete a 900-hour barbering course, and pass the state examination.

   Official government source

   $140 in the first year of a licensing cycle ($50 nonrefundable application filing fee plus a $90 licensing fee) or $95 in the second year ($50 plus $45), by check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey.·Licensure follows authorization to sit for and pass the state examination — confirm current scheduling with the Board (973-504-6400).

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

   Licensure follows authorization to sit for and pass the state examination — confirm current scheduling with the Board (973-504-6400).

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 State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Shop License

   Barber shops in New Jersey must be licensed as a shop by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs — there is no separate 'Board of Barber and Hairstyling.' Under N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.1 the application requires the lease or deed, ownership documents, the municipality's final Certificate of Occupancy with zoning certificate and fire permit, a scaled floor plan, and an Experienced Practicing Licensee (manager) with at least three years of licensed experience. The shop is inspected before the license is issued, and licenses run on a two-year cycle. Chair and booth rentals and sublets are prohibited.

   Official government source

   $350.00 in the even year of the biennial licensing period or $250.00 in the odd year — nonrefundable, by certified check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey.·Contact the Board about one week after submitting the application to receive the shop inspection date; the license issues after a satisfactory inspection.

   $350.00 in the even year of the biennial licensing period or $250.00 in the odd year — nonrefundable, by certified check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey.

   Contact the Board about one week after submitting the application to receive the shop inspection date; the license issues after a satisfactory inspection.

2. City of Newark Business License (category-specific)

   The City of Newark licenses businesses by specific enumerated category (e.g., Restaurant/Eatery, Bakery, Retail, Public Garage, Dog Kennels, Food Caterer, Dry Cleaners, etc.) through its online Business License Portal, rather than issuing one universal registration certificate to every business type. Check the City's license list for your specific business type -- some service businesses (e.g., personal training, tutoring, insurance/real estate sales, cleaning, handyman, massage therapy, landscaping, HVAC/electrical/plumbing contracting, photography, pet sitting) may not appear on Newark's enumerated license list at all. Where a license does apply, it must be displayed at the place of business and renewed per the category's terms.

   Official government source

   Varies by license category; fees are listed per-category on Newark's Business License Portal·1–3 weeks

   Varies by license category; fees are listed per-category on Newark's Business License Portal

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• New Jersey Board of Barber and Hairstyling — Salon License
• City of Newark Division of Revenue & Finance

Related Guides