Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Providence, RI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.

Verified 2026-09-06 5 stops $200–$800 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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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 or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Rhode Island

2 stops

  1. Rhode Island Department of Health - Barber License (per barber)

    Each barber must hold a Rhode Island Barber license issued by the RI Department of Health through the Board of Barbering and Hairdressing. R.I. Gen. Laws 5-10-9(5) allows three routes: not less than 1,500 hours of barbering instruction at an approved school; or two years holding an apprentice barber registration, evidenced by employer affidavits; or a school-plus-apprenticeship combination, which regulation 216-RICR-40-05-4 sets at 1,000 hours of school instruction plus at least 840 hours of on-the-job training as a registered apprentice, obtained over at least six months. Every route requires passing written and practical board examinations.

    Official government source

    $25.00 for application by examination, and $25.00 each for reexamination, endorsement, renewal, or a 90-day temporary permit, per RIDOH fee regulation 216-RICR-10-05-2. The shop itself needs a Barber Shop license at $170.00.Not published by RIDOH; the license issues once the written and practical examinations are passed.

  2. Rhode Island Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Permit

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Rhode Island. Rhode Island charges a 7% state sales tax with no local sales taxes. Register with the RI Division of Taxation online via the RI Tax Portal.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online)

City of Providence / Providence County

2 stops

  1. Rhode Island Department of Health - Barber Shop License

    Barber shops in Rhode Island are licensed by the RI Department of Health through the Board of Hairdressing and Barbering. The shop must pass an inspection before the license is issued, every barber or hairdresser working there must hold an individual license, and the shop license renews annually.

    Official government source

    $170 for the shop/establishment license and the same $170 at annual renewal; $25 for each individual Barber or Hairdresser/Cosmetologist license, per RIDOH's fee schedule 216-RICR-10-05-2.Not published by RIDOH; the shop inspection must be completed before the license issues.

  2. No Providence General Business License

    Providence does not require a general business license or a fee based on gross revenue. The city's Board of Licenses issues licenses only for specific regulated activities - liquor, entertainment, food establishment, body works, second-hand dealer and second-hand auto, motor vehicle repair, vendor, private detective, pawnbroker, valet, trash hauling and similar. Photography, tutoring and wedding planning are not licensed categories. Check the Board's online licensing portal to see whether your specific activity appears on the list.

    Official government source

    Not applicable - no general Providence business license exists. Fees for the specific regulated categories are set per license type in the Board of Licenses portal.Not applicable; applications for the specific licenses are scheduled for a hearing before the Board of License Commissioners.

Terminus

Open for business — est. $200–$800 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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