Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Nashville, TN

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee.

Updated 2026-03-13 7 stops $400–$900 est. 4-8 weeks
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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)

State of Tennessee

3 stops

  1. Tennessee Cosmetology Salon License

    Required for all hair salons operating in Tennessee. Issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. The salon owner must apply for an establishment license separate from individual practitioner licenses.

    Official government source

    $100-$200/year2-4 weeks after application and inspection

  2. Individual Cosmetologist License (per stylist)

    Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a current Tennessee cosmetology license issued by the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners. Requires completion of a state-approved cosmetology program and passing written and practical exams.

    Official government source

    $50-$100/year per practitioner4-8 weeks to complete exam and receive license

  3. Tennessee Sales Tax Certificate

    Required for retail sales of beauty products (shampoos, styling products, etc.) in the salon. Issued by the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Services may also be taxable; consult the Department of Revenue for current rules.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online registration)

City of Nashville / Davidson County

3 stops

  1. Metro Nashville Business Tax License

    Required for all businesses operating within Metro Nashville-Davidson County. Issued by the Metro Nashville Finance Department. Salons are classified as personal service businesses and fees are assessed on gross revenue.

    Official government source

    $15-$100/year based on gross revenue1-2 weeks

  2. Metro Nashville Public Health Sanitation Inspection

    Hair salons in Nashville must pass a sanitation inspection conducted by the Metro Public Health Department before opening. Inspectors verify compliance with sanitation standards for cosmetology establishments, including sterilization equipment and workstation cleanliness.

    Official government source

    Included in business licensing process1-3 weeks to schedule and pass inspection

  3. Certificate of Occupancy

    Required before opening a salon in a commercial space in Nashville. Issued by Metro Nashville Codes Administration. Verifies that the building meets safety, fire, and zoning requirements for the intended use.

    Official government source

    $100-$500 depending on build-out scope2-6 weeks depending on construction/renovation needed

Terminus

Open for business — est. $400–$900 · 4-8 weeks

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Official Sources

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