Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Austin, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Austin, Travis County, Texas.

Updated 2026-02-15 8 stops $400–$1,500 est. 4–8 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

2 stops

  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)

  2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

    Nail salons handle hazardous chemicals (acetone, acrylics, gel chemicals). OSHA requires maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemical products, proper employee training on chemical hazards, and adequate ventilation meeting OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.1200). No fee — this is a compliance requirement.

    Official government source

    Free (compliance requirement)Implement before opening

State of Texas

3 stops

  1. Texas Cosmetology Salon License (Nail Salon Establishment)

    All nail salons in Texas must obtain a Cosmetology Salon License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The application requires proof of a fixed business location, an inspection by TDLR, and compliance with Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83 (Cosmetology). The salon must meet ventilation, sanitation, and equipment standards before a license is issued.

    Official government source

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

  2. Individual Nail Technician License (per employee)

    Every nail technician working in the salon must hold a valid Texas Nail Technician License issued by TDLR. This requires 600 hours of education from an accredited cosmetology school, passing a written and practical exam. As the owner, ensure all staff licenses are current — TDLR can fine salons that employ unlicensed technicians.

    Official government source

    $50 application fee per technician4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

  3. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for selling retail products (nail polish, nail care kits, etc.) in your salon. Nail services themselves are not subject to Texas sales tax, but tangible goods sold are taxable. Apply through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal. The combined tax rate in Austin is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Austin / Travis County

3 stops

  1. City of Austin General Business License (Home Occupation or Commercial)

    Austin does not require a general business license for most businesses, but nail salons operating in a commercial space must ensure the space has a valid Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for the intended use. If you are moving into an existing space that has been used as a salon, the CO may already be in place. New build-outs require a building permit and new CO from Austin Development Services Department.

    Official government source

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

  2. Austin Public Health — Cosmetology Establishment Inspection

    Nail salons in Austin are subject to inspection by Austin Public Health Environmental Health Services to verify sanitation standards, ventilation, and chemical handling procedures prior to opening. Contact Austin Public Health at 512-978-0300 to schedule a pre-opening inspection.

    Official government source

    $178 pre-opening inspection fee1–3 weeks to schedule and complete inspection

  3. 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. $400–$1,500 · 4–8 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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