Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Portland, OR

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

Updated 2026-02-15 7 stops $450–$1,500 est. 4–9 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits
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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 application)

State of Oregon

3 stops

  1. Oregon Health Licensing Office — Barber Shop License

    All barber shops in Oregon must be licensed by the Oregon Health Licensing Office (OHLO) under the Oregon Board of Cosmetology (which regulates barbering). The barber shop establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with ORS Chapter 690 and OAR Chapter 817. The shop must meet sanitation, equipment, and facility standards.

    Official government source

    $75 application fee3–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

  2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

    Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Oregon Barber License issued by OHLO. This requires completing an approved 1,250-hour barber program, passing a written and practical exam.

    Official government source

    $50 application fee per barber4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

  3. Oregon Business Registry (if operating as LLC/Corporation)

    If your barber shop is structured as an LLC or corporation, register with the Oregon Secretary of State Business Registry.

    Official government source

    $100 (LLC registration)1–2 weeks (online)

City of Portland / Multnomah County

3 stops

  1. City of Portland — Business License Tax Registration

    All businesses operating in Portland with gross receipts over $50,000 must register for the Portland Business License Tax with the Portland Revenue Division. Apply online through the Portland Business Licensing portal.

    Official government source

    $100–$400/year (based on gross receipts; exemption for under $50,000)1–2 weeks

  2. City of Portland — Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy from the Portland Bureau of Development Services (BDS) is required before opening a barber shop. Contact BDS at 503-823-7300.

    Official government source

    $200–$800 (varies by scope of work)2–6 weeks

  3. Multnomah County — Environmental Health — Cosmetology Establishment Permit

    Barber shops in Portland require a Cosmetology Establishment Permit from Multnomah County Environmental Health. This includes a pre-opening inspection for sanitation and equipment compliance. Contact at 503-988-3400.

    Official government source

    $150–$300/year2–4 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $450–$1,500 · 4–9 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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