Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $300–$1,200 est. 3–8 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. Also required to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas Barber Shop License (Establishment Permit)

    All barber shops in Texas must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) under the Barbering program. The application requires the shop address, proof of lease or ownership, and an on-site inspection. The shop must meet sanitation, equipment, and facility standards set by 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83 (Barbers and Cosmetologists — the former Chapter 82 barbering rules were consolidated into Chapter 83 effective Sept 1, 2023).

    Official government source

    $75 application fee + $50 inspection fee2–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site TDLR inspection)

  2. Individual Barber License (per barber)

    Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Texas Barber License issued by TDLR. Class A Barber License requires 1,500 hours of education at a licensed barber school, plus written and practical exams. Ensure all staff licenses are current and posted visibly in the shop.

    Official government source

    $50 application fee per barber4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

  3. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for selling retail products (hair care products, styling tools, etc.) in your barber shop. Barber services are generally not subject to Texas sales tax, but retail product sales are taxable. Apply through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal. Combined tax rate in Austin is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Austin / Travis County

2 stops

  1. Certificate of Occupancy — City of Austin

    Barber shops operating in a commercial space must have a valid Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for the business use classification. If moving into a previously permitted barber or salon space, verify the existing CO covers your use. New build-outs or change of use require a building permit and new CO from Austin Development Services Department.

    Official government source

    $200–$800 (varies by scope of work)2–6 weeks

  2. Travis County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Required if operating under a business name other than your legal personal name. Filed with the Travis County Clerk in person or by mail. Valid for up to 10 years.

    Official government source

    $24 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,200 · 3–8 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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