Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Dallas, 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. Salons found employing unlicensed technicians are subject to TDLR fines.

   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 in your salon. Apply through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal. 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

   Nail salons operating in Dallas must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from Dallas Development Services. 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. Build-out work needs separate building/trade permits.

   Official government source

   $375 (Certificate of Occupancy - General Permit fee)·2–6 weeks

   $375 (Certificate of Occupancy - General Permit fee)

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

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