Hair Salon 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)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board - Salon License

   Required for all hair salons operating in Ohio. Issued by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. The salon establishment license is separate from individual cosmetologist licenses; licenses renew biennially (every 2 years), not annually. The salon must meet minimum equipment and layout standards and pass a Board inspection.

   Official government source

   Up to $100 (new license) / up to $90 (biennial renewal) per ORC 4713 statutory maximum·2-4 weeks after application and inspection

   Up to $100 (new license) / up to $90 (biennial renewal) per ORC 4713 statutory maximum

   2-4 weeks after application and inspection

2. Individual Cosmetologist License (per stylist)

   Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a current Ohio cosmetology license issued by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. Requires completion of a state-approved cosmetology program and passing written and practical exams.

   Official government source

   $65 renewal every 2 years (biennial, not annual); separate initial licensing/exam fees apply·4-8 weeks to complete exam and receive license

   $65 renewal every 2 years (biennial, not annual); separate initial licensing/exam fees apply

   4-8 weeks to complete exam and receive license

3. Ohio Vendor's License (Sales Tax)

   Required for retail sales of beauty products (shampoos, styling products, etc.) in the salon. Issued by the Ohio Department of Taxation.

   Official government source

   $50·Immediate to 1 week (online registration)

   $50

   Immediate to 1 week (online registration)

4. Ohio Secretary of State Business Registration

   Required if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership in Ohio. Establishes your legal business entity in the state and protects your business name.

   Official government source

   $99 (flat fee for LLC Articles of Organization or Corporation Articles of Incorporation)·3-7 business days (online filing); 2-3 weeks (mail)

   $99 (flat fee for LLC Articles of Organization or Corporation Articles of Incorporation)

   3-7 business days (online filing); 2-3 weeks (mail)

1. No general Columbus business license exists

   Columbus does not have a general city business license issued by the Division of Income Tax — no such blanket license exists for hair salons. Hair salons need a Certificate of Occupancy and Ohio State Board of Cosmetology licensure for the salon/operators; there is no additional general city business license.

   Official government source

   N/A — no general business license required·N/A

   N/A — no general business license required

   N/A

2. Ohio State Board of Cosmetology — Salon Inspection

   Hair salons in Columbus must comply with Ohio cosmetology facility standards enforced by the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology (a state agency, not Columbus Public Health). The Board inspects salons at least once every two years and within 90 days of first licensure; inspectors verify sterilization, workstation sanitation, and infection-control compliance.

   Official government source

   Included in state licensing process·1-3 weeks to schedule and pass inspection

   Included in state licensing process

   1-3 weeks to schedule and pass inspection

3. Certificate of Occupancy

   Required before opening a hair salon in a commercial space in Columbus. Issued by the Columbus Division of Building and Zoning Services. Verifies that the building meets zoning, fire safety, and building code requirements for personal service establishment use.

   Official government source

   No separate fee when the Certificate of Occupancy is issued with a building permit; a Certificate of Occupancy for an existing building not associated with a building permit is $700 (commercial/multi-family) per the City's 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule.·2-6 weeks depending on construction/renovation needed

   No separate fee when the Certificate of Occupancy is issued with a building permit; a Certificate of Occupancy for an existing building not associated with a building permit is $700 (commercial/multi-family) per the City's 2026 Combined Development Related Fee Schedule.

   2-6 weeks depending on construction/renovation needed

Official Sources

• Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board
• Columbus Public Health
• Columbus Division of Building and Zoning Services
• Ohio Department of Taxation - Sales and Use Tax

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