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.

Updated 2026-03-13 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. 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 York

4 stops

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

    New York State requires all salons where appearance enhancement services (including hair services) are performed for compensation to register with the NYS Department of State (DOS), Division of Licensing Services. This is the state-level salon registration, separate from the NYC DCWP license.

    Official government source

    $60/2 years (registration fee)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 license fee); $40 (renewal every 4 years)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. NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection — Appearance Enhancement Business License

    Required by NYC law for any establishment where cosmetology, hairdressing, haircoloring, or nail services are performed for compensation. This is a NYC-specific license issued by the DCWP, in addition to the state establishment registration. Must be renewed every 2 years. License must be posted at the place of business.

    Official government source

    $110/2 years2–6 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; filing fees start around $100; total construction permit costs can reach $1,000–$10,000+4–12 weeks

Terminus

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

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Official Sources

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