Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Columbus, OH

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.

Updated 2026-03-13 8 stops $300–$800 est. 4-8 weeks
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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/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

State of Ohio

4 stops

  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 (formerly the State Cosmetology Board). The salon establishment license is separate from individual cosmetologist licenses. The salon must meet minimum equipment and layout standards and pass a Board inspection.

    Official government source

    $75-$150/year2-4 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

    $50-$100/year per practitioner4-8 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

    $25 (one-time registration fee)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-$125 depending on entity type1-3 weeks (online filing)

City of Columbus / Franklin County

3 stops

  1. City of Columbus Business License

    Required for all businesses operating within the City of Columbus. Issued by the Columbus Division of Income Tax. Hair salons must obtain this general business license before opening to the public.

    Official government source

    $25-$50/year1-2 weeks

  2. Columbus Public Health Salon Inspection

    Hair salons in Columbus must pass a sanitation inspection by Columbus Public Health before opening. Inspectors verify that sterilization equipment, workstations, and sanitation practices meet Ohio's cosmetology facility standards.

    Official government source

    Included in state licensing process1-3 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

    $100-$500 depending on build-out scope2-6 weeks depending on construction/renovation needed

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$800 · 4-8 weeks

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Official Sources

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