Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

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

Verified 2026-08-27 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. 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)

    Free from the IRS — apply online and receive your EIN immediately upon approval; the IRS never charges for an EIN (avoid third-party sites that do). Federally required if you hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership (including a multi-member LLC); a single-member LLC with no employees and no excise-tax liability may use the owner's SSN instead, though most banks ask for an EIN to open a business bank account.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas Barbering and Cosmetology Establishment License (Barber Shop)

    All barber shops in Texas must hold a Barbering and Cosmetology Establishment License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Barbering and cosmetology were consolidated into one program (rules at 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83, replacing the former Chapter 82 barbering rules, effective Sept 1, 2023), so barber shops and salons now use the same Establishment License. The application is tied to the shop's physical address; the shop must meet TDLR sanitation, equipment, and facility standards, and TDLR inspects establishments for compliance. All application requirements must be met within one year or the application is void.

    Official government source

    $78 application fee (license valid 2 years)2–6 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 Class A Barber License issued by TDLR. The Class A Barber license requires 1,000 hours of instruction at a barbering/cosmetology school licensed in Texas (written exam eligibility after 900 hours), plus passing written and practical exams. The non-refundable application fee is $50 and the license is valid for two years. Ensure all staff licenses are current.

    Official government source

    $50 application fee per barber (license valid 2 years)4–8 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

    Varies by scope of work - no flat CO fee published; confirm with Austin Development Services2–6 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

    $23 for one owner (plus $0.50 per additional owner; add $2 per acknowledgment if signed in the Clerk's office)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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