Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Santa Fe, NM

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico.

Updated 2026-03-15 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. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

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 Mexico

2 stops

  1. New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Individual Cosmetologist License

    Each cosmetologist must hold a valid New Mexico Cosmetologist License. Requires 1,600 hours of cosmetology school and passing the state board exam.

    Official government source

    $40 (initial)4–8 weeks

  2. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

    New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

    Official government source

    Free (no registration fee)Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

City of Santa Fe / Santa Fe County

2 stops

  1. New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Salon License

    All cosmetology salons in New Mexico must be licensed by the NM Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. An inspection is required before the license is issued.

    Official government source

    $50 (initial)3–6 weeks

  2. City of Santa Fe City Clerk — Business License

    Santa Fe requires a City Business Registration for all businesses operating within city limits. Certain regulated businesses require additional permits. This license must be renewed annually and displayed at your place of business.

    Official government source

    $50–$500/year depending on business type and gross revenues1–3 weeks

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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