Nail 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 application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

   Nail salons handle hazardous chemicals. OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets, employee training, and adequate ventilation (29 CFR 1910.1200).

   Official government source

   Free (compliance requirement)·Implement before opening

   Free (compliance requirement)

   Implement before opening

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

   All nail salons in Ohio must be licensed by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. The salon establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4713. The salon must meet sanitation, equipment, ventilation, and facility standards.

   Official government source

   Up to $100 (new license) / up to $90 (biennial renewal) per ORC 4713 statutory maximum·3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

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

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

2. Individual Nail Technician License (per employee)

   Every nail technician working in the salon must hold a valid Ohio Nail Technician (Manicurist) License issued by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. This requires 200 hours of board-approved nail technician school education (plus an additional 8-hour course to use an electric nail file), plus a written and practical exam.

   Official government source

   Exam/permit/issuance fees apply (comparable in structure to other Board licenses, likely $100+ total); $65 biennial renewal — confirm exact current fees with cos.ohio.gov·3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   Exam/permit/issuance fees apply (comparable in structure to other Board licenses, likely $100+ total); $65 biennial renewal — confirm exact current fees with cos.ohio.gov

   3–6 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

3. Ohio Sales Tax Vendor License

   Required for selling retail products in your salon. The Ohio state sales tax rate is 5.75%, with Franklin County adding 1.25% and the COTA transit tax adding 1%, for a combined total of 8% in Columbus. Apply online through the Ohio Business Gateway or with the county auditor.

   Official government source

   $50·1–2 weeks

   $50

   1–2 weeks

1. City of Columbus — Vendor License (Sales Tax)

   Columbus businesses selling tangible personal property (retail nail products) must obtain a Vendor License from the Ohio Department of Taxation. This is also your license to collect Ohio sales tax.

   Official government source

   $50 (one-time; increased from $25 effective April 2025)·1–2 weeks

   $50 (one-time; increased from $25 effective April 2025)

   1–2 weeks

2. City of Columbus — Certificate of Occupancy

   A Certificate of Occupancy from the Columbus Division of Building and Zoning Services is required before opening a nail salon. 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

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