Nail Salon 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 application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

   Nail salons with employees handle hazardous chemicals (acetone, acrylics, gel products). OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemical products, proper container labeling, and employee training on chemical hazards. Ventilation is not part of the HazCom standard, but employers must keep chemical exposures below OSHA's permissible exposure limits (29 CFR 1910.1000), and OSHA's nail-salon guidance recommends good salon ventilation. No fee — this is a compliance requirement.

   Official government source

   Free (compliance requirement)·Implement before opening

   Free (compliance requirement)

   Implement before opening

1. Texas Barbering and Cosmetology Establishment License (Nail Salon)

   All nail salons in Texas must hold a Barbering and Cosmetology Establishment License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), tied to the salon's fixed physical location. The salon must comply with 16 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 83 (Barbering and Cosmetology) ventilation, sanitation, and equipment standards; TDLR inspects establishments for compliance. The application fee is $78 and all requirements must be met within one year of application.

   Official government source

   $78 application fee (license valid 2 years)·2–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

   $78 application fee (license valid 2 years)

   2–6 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)

2. Individual Manicurist License (per nail technician)

   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 technician·4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)

   $50 application fee per technician

   4–8 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

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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

   CO/building-permit fees vary by scope of work - confirm with Austin Development Services·2–6 weeks

   CO/building-permit fees vary by scope of work - confirm with Austin Development Services

   2–6 weeks

2. No City Health Inspection for Nail Salons (TDLR regulates salons)

   Austin Public Health does not license or inspect nail salons - the $178 pre-opening inspection applies to food establishments only. Nail salon sanitation and safety are regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), which licenses the salon and its technicians and conducts its own inspections. City-level requirements are limited to zoning compliance and a Certificate of Occupancy.

   Official government source

   $0 - no city health inspection applies·1–3 weeks to schedule and complete inspection

   $0 - no city health inspection applies

   1–3 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

   $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

• Texas TDLR — Cosmetology
• City of Austin — Development Services
• Travis County Clerk — DBAs
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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