Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

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)

   $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)

   $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 in your barber shop. The combined tax rate in Dallas is 8.25%.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Dallas Certificate of Occupancy

   Barber shops operating in Dallas must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) from Dallas Development Services confirming the space is approved for the use. A new CO is required for a first use, change of use, or change of tenant; apply through the DallasNow portal with a Land Use Questionnaire.

   Official government source

   $375 (Certificate of Occupancy - General Permit fee, per the Dallas Development Services fee schedule)·2–6 weeks

   $375 (Certificate of Occupancy - General Permit fee, per the Dallas Development Services fee schedule)

   2–6 weeks

2. Dallas County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

   Required if operating under a trade name other than your legal name. Filed with the Dallas County Clerk. Valid for up to 10 years.

   Official government source

   $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)·Same day to 1 week

   $23 ($0.50 for each additional owner; $2 acknowledgment fee if a deputy takes the acknowledgment instead of a notary)

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• Texas TDLR — Barbering
• City of Dallas — Development Services / Building Inspection
• Dallas County Clerk — Assumed Name
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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