Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Providence, RI

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island.

Verified 2026-09-06 5 stops $300–$1,000 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 - Hairdresser/Cosmetologist License

    Each cosmetologist must hold a Rhode Island Hairdresser/Cosmetologist license from the RI Department of Health, administered through the Board of Hairdressing and Barbering. It requires not less than 1,000 hours of continuous study and practice (the 1,500-hour rule applied only before June 22, 2017) plus passing the written theory exam, given by PSI, and the practical exam.

    Official government source

    $25 for application by examination; $25 at each renewal, per RIDOH's fee schedule 216-RICR-10-05-2.Not published by RIDOH.

  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 - Hair Design Shop License

    Hair salons in Rhode Island are licensed as Hair Design Shops by the RI Department of Health through the Board of Barbering and Hairdressing. An inspection is required before the license issues and the license renews annually. Each stylist separately holds a Hairdresser/Cosmetician license, which under R.I. Gen. Laws 5-10-9(1) requires a course of not less than 1,000 hours of continuous study and practice at an approved school plus written and practical board examinations.

    Official government source

    $170.00 for the Hair Design Shop license, both initial and annual renewal; $25.00 for each individual Hairdresser/Cosmetician license, per RIDOH fee regulation 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. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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