Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board — Barber Shop License

   All barber shops in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. The barber shop establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4709. Licenses renew biennially, not annually.

   Official government source

   Up to $110 (new license) / up to $75 (biennial renewal) per ORC 4709.12 statutory maximum·3-6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   Up to $110 (new license) / up to $75 (biennial renewal) per ORC 4709.12 statutory maximum

   3-6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

   Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Ohio Barber License issued by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. This requires 1,800 hours of barber school education, plus a written and practical exam.

   Official government source

   Per ORC 4709.12 statutory maximums: barber exam application up to $90, temporary pre-exam work permit up to $15, initial license issuance up to $30; biennial renewal up to $110·4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   Per ORC 4709.12 statutory maximums: barber exam application up to $90, temporary pre-exam work permit up to $15, initial license issuance up to $30; biennial renewal up to $110

   4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

3. Ohio Sales Tax Vendor License

   Required for selling retail products in your barber shop. The combined sales tax rate in Columbus/Franklin County is 8% (5.75% state + 1.25% county + 1% COTA transit tax).

   Official government source

   $50·1–2 weeks

   $50

   1–2 weeks

1. City of Columbus — Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the Columbus Division of Building and Zoning Services is required before opening a barber shop. This confirms the space is zoned and built for personal services use. Contact the Division at 614-645-7433.

   Official government source

   Fee varies by project scope (third-party estimates cite roughly $200-$500); confirm the exact current amount on the City's Combined Development Related Fee Schedule or by calling Columbus Division of Building and Zoning Services, 614-645-7433.·2–5 weeks

   Fee varies by project scope (third-party estimates cite roughly $200-$500); confirm the exact current amount on the City's Combined Development Related Fee Schedule or by calling Columbus Division of Building and Zoning Services, 614-645-7433.

   2–5 weeks

Official Sources

• Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
• City of Columbus — Building and Zoning Services
• Ohio Business Gateway

Related Guides