Barber Shop Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in New York City, New York County, New York.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $500–$2,000 est. 5–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New York

3 stops

  1. New York State Department of State — Barber Shop Owner License

    All barber shops in New York State must hold a Barber Shop Owner license from the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services (this is a separate license category from Appearance Enhancement, under General Business Law Article 28 — Barbering). The owner submits an application with the required fee; the shop must operate at the licensed location and comply with DOS sanitary rules.

    Official government source

    $60 initial application (4-year license; $60 renewal)4–8 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

  2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

    Every barber working in the shop must hold a New York State barber operator license from the NY Department of State. Qualification requires either completing a DOS-approved barber school course of study or a two-year registered barber apprenticeship under a licensed barber, then passing the NYS practical examination.

    Official government source

    $40 application fee + $15 practical exam fee per barber4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

  3. New York State Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

    Required for selling retail products in your barber shop. The combined NYC sales tax rate is 8.875%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of New York City / New York County

2 stops

  1. NYS Department of State — Barber Shop License (no separate NYC city license)

    Barber shops are licensed by the New York State Department of State (Division of Licensing Services), which licenses both the barber shop and individual barbers statewide. New York City does not issue an additional city-level barber shop or appearance enhancement license — the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's license roster does not include barber shops.

    Official government source

    NYS DOS license fees apply (state-level); no NYC city license fee — verify current fees at dos.ny.gov2–4 weeks

  2. NYC Department of Buildings — Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) is required if the barber shop is in a new or altered space. Contact DOB at 212-566-5000.

    Official government source

    Varies by scope of work — verify DOB filing fees with the Department of Buildings3–8 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $500–$2,000 · 5–10 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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