Mobile Dog Grooming Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

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

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. No State Grooming License Required

   Texas does not require a state-level license or certification for dog groomers or mobile pet groomers. No formal training is legally mandated by the state, though professional certification (e.g., National Dog Groomers Association of America, International Professional Groomers) is strongly recommended for client trust.

   Official government source

   N/A·N/A

   N/A

   N/A

2. Texas Sales Tax Permit

   Pet grooming is a taxable service in Texas. A Texas Sales Tax Permit is required for collecting the 8.25% combined sales tax rate in Austin (state + city). Register free online through the Texas Comptroller eSystems portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

3. Commercial Vehicle Registration

   Your mobile grooming van or trailer must be properly registered with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. If the vehicle is used exclusively for commercial purposes or exceeds standard weight limits, register as a commercial vehicle at your county tax office.

   Official government source

   $50.75 base (vehicles up to 6,000 lbs) plus weight-based increases and county fees; heavy trucks can exceed $200/year·Same day at county tax office

   $50.75 base (vehicles up to 6,000 lbs) plus weight-based increases and county fees; heavy trucks can exceed $200/year

   Same day at county tax office

1. City of Austin - No General Business License Required

   The City of Austin does not require a general business license, business registration, or occupational license to operate a business. There is no city license application, no annual renewal, and no city licensing fee. Requirements in Austin are activity-specific (e.g., a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial space, health permits for food businesses). If operating under a trade name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Travis County Clerk. There is no 'Austin Business License Center' - that office does not exist. Mobile groomers need no city registration.

   Official government source

   $0 - no general business license exists in Austin·1–2 weeks

   $0 - no general business license exists in Austin

   1–2 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. Valid 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

   $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

Official Sources

• City of Austin — Business Resources
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit
• Texas DMV — Register Your Vehicle

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