Hair Salon Permit Requirements in New York City, NY

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in New York City, New York City (all boroughs) County, New York.

Verified 2026-08-27 7 stops $400–$1,500 est. 6–12 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 York

4 stops

  1. New York State Department of State — Appearance Enhancement Business Registration

    New York State requires every salon where appearance enhancement services (including hair services) are performed for compensation to hold an Appearance Enhancement Business license from the NYS Department of State, Division of Licensing Services — separate from any NYC license. Applicants must show liability insurance (minimum $25,000 per occurrence / $75,000 aggregate) and a wage bond sized to the number of employees.

    Official government source

    $60 application fee (4-year license; $60 renewal)2–4 weeks

  2. New York State Cosmetologist License (per cosmetologist)

    Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a New York State Cosmetologist license from the NYS Department of State. Requires completion of a 1,000-hour cosmetology program and passing the NYS practical and written exams.

    Official government source

    $40 initial application + $15 written exam + $15 practical exam; $40 renewal (4-year license)4–8 weeks after passing state exam

  3. New York State Certificate of Authority (Sales Tax Registration)

    Required to collect and remit New York State + NYC sales tax (8.875% total) on retail product sales in the salon. Hair services in New York are generally not taxable; retail product sales are taxable.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration)

  4. New York State Workers' Compensation and Disability Insurance

    All NYS employers must carry workers' compensation and NY State Disability Benefits (DB) insurance before hiring employees.

    Official government source

    Workers' comp: $1,500–$8,000+/year depending on payroll and number of employeesObtain before first hire

City of New York City / New York City (all boroughs) County

2 stops

  1. NYS Department of State — Appearance Enhancement Business License (no separate NYC license)

    Salons where cosmetology, hairdressing, or related services are performed for compensation are licensed by the New York State Department of State (Appearance Enhancement Business license, plus individual practitioner licenses). New York City does not issue an additional city-level salon license — the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection's roster contains no appearance enhancement license. The state license must be posted at the place of business.

    Official government source

    NYS DOS license fees apply (state-level); no NYC city fee — verify current fees at dos.ny.gov2–6 weeks after application

  2. NYC Department of Buildings — Certificate of Occupancy and Building Permits

    Any tenant improvements to a commercial space (plumbing for shampoo bowls, electrical work, partition walls, ventilation) require permits from the NYC Department of Buildings. A Certificate of Occupancy (or a temporary CO) is required before opening.

    Official government source

    Varies by scope; DOB filing/permit fees — verify with the Department of Buildings4–12 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$1,500 · 6–12 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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