Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Dallas, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas TDLR Cosmetology Establishment License

   Mandatory state license for any physical location where cosmetology services — including hair cutting, coloring, and chemical treatments — are performed. Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Tied to the establishment address. Must be renewed every two years. Salon must comply with TDLR equipment and sanitation standards and display the license conspicuously.

   Official government source

   $78 (every 2 years)·2–4 weeks after application and TDLR inspection

   $78 (every 2 years)

   2–4 weeks after application and TDLR inspection

2. Texas TDLR Cosmetology Operator License (per stylist)

   Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a valid Texas Cosmetology Operator license from TDLR. Requires completing a 1,000-hour Cosmetology Operator course at a licensed school (written exam eligibility after 900 hours) and passing written and practical exams. The non-refundable application fee is $50 and the license is valid for two years. Booth renters are responsible for their own individual licenses.

   Official government source

   $50 application fee; renewal every 2 years (renewal fee not verified - needs_review)·2–4 weeks after passing state exam

   $50 application fee; renewal every 2 years (renewal fee not verified - needs_review)

   2–4 weeks after passing state exam

3. Texas Sales Tax Permit

   Required if the salon sells retail products (shampoo, styling products, tools) - tangible goods are taxable. Hair and salon services themselves are NOT subject to Texas sales tax (they are not an enumerated taxable service). The permit is free from the Texas Comptroller via the online registration system.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Certificate of Occupancy

   Required for any commercial hair salon in Dallas before occupying the space. The Dallas Development Code requires a CO for all first uses, use changes, and tenant changes. Applications are submitted through the DallasNow portal with a Land Use Questionnaire; change-of-use applications are routed for building-code and zoning review. Salon build-outs also need any applicable trade permits.

   Official government source

   $375 (Certificate of Occupancy - General Permit); a name-only record change to an existing CO is $30·2–4 weeks

   $375 (Certificate of Occupancy - General Permit); a name-only record change to an existing CO is $30

   2–4 weeks

2. Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate — Dallas County

   Required if operating the salon under any trade name other than your legal name. Filed with the Dallas County Clerk's Office. Valid for 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 (in person or by mail)

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

   Same day (in person or by mail)

Official Sources

• Texas TDLR — Barbering and Cosmetology Establishments
• Texas TDLR — Apply for a Cosmetology Establishment License
• Texas TDLR — Apply for a Cosmetology Operator License
• City of Dallas — Certificate of Occupancy
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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