Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $450–$1,600 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 Pennsylvania

3 stops

  1. Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners — Barber Shop License

    All barber shops in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners (within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs). The barber shop establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with the Pennsylvania Barber License Law (63 P.S. §551 et seq.) and 49 Pa. Code Chapter 3. The shop must meet sanitation, equipment, and facility standards.

    Official government source

    $50 application fee4–8 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

  2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

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

    Official government source

    $35 application fee per barber4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

  3. Pennsylvania Sales Tax License

    Required for selling retail products in your barber shop. The combined sales tax rate in Philadelphia is 8%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Philadelphia / Philadelphia County

2 stops

  1. City of Philadelphia — Commercial Activity License

    All businesses operating in Philadelphia must obtain a Commercial Activity License from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I). This is the primary business operating permit for barber shops. Apply through the Philadelphia Business Services portal.

    Official government source

    $300 (biennial — every 2 years)1–3 weeks

  2. Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections — Certificate of Occupancy

    A Certificate of Occupancy (Use Registration Permit) from Philadelphia L&I is required to confirm the space is properly zoned for personal services use. Contact L&I at 215-686-2400.

    Official government source

    $200–$600 (varies by scope of work)2–6 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $450–$1,600 · 4–9 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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