Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Newark, NJ

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey.

Verified 2026-08-31 5 stops $300–$1,000 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 New Jersey

2 stops

  1. New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Cosmetologist-Hairstylist License (per person)

    Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a New Jersey cosmetologist-hairstylist 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 1,200 hours of instruction at a Board-approved cosmetology and hairstyling school, and pass the examination administered by the Board. Licensure by endorsement is available to applicants already licensed elsewhere whose training the Board finds substantially similar.

    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; confirm the current renewal fee with the Board4–8 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

    FreeImmediate to 3 business days (online)

City of Newark / Essex County

2 stops

  1. New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Shop License

    All cosmetology salons 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. 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 salon is inspected before the license is issued and the license is renewed every two years. 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 salon 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 Portal1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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