Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

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

Verified 2026-08-31 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

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

    $160 application fee (effective July 1, 2024; biennial renewal $287)4–8 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, then passing written and practical exams.

    Official government source

    $173 total per barber ($33 application fee + $63 theory exam fee + $77 practical exam fee)4-8 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. There is no fee for the license and it does not need to be renewed. Apply through the Philadelphia Business Services portal or eCLIPSE.

    Official government source

    Free (no fee; license does not need renewal)1–3 weeks

  2. Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections - Zoning/Use Permit & Certificate of Occupancy

    A zoning/use registration permit from Philadelphia L&I confirms the space is approved for personal-services use; if the project involves new construction or a change of use or occupancy, a Certificate of Occupancy is also required. Contact L&I at 311 or (215) 686-8686.

    Official government source

    $189 per use for the zoning/use permit; a Certificate of Occupancy, where required, is $260.50 per space ($253 permit fee, which the $100 non-refundable filing fee is applied toward, plus $7.50 in city and state surcharges)Applications that include plans are reviewed within about 20 business days

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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