Barber Shop Permit Requirements in El Paso, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in El Paso, El Paso County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $300–$1,100 est. 3–8 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. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Texas

3 stops

  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)

  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)

  3. Texas Sales Tax Permit

    Required for selling retail products. The combined tax rate in El Paso is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of El Paso / El Paso County

2 stops

  1. City of El Paso Certificate of Occupancy

    Barber shops must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of El Paso Planning and Inspections Department confirming the space is approved for personal services use. Apply at the One Stop Shop, 811 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901, (915) 212-0104.

    Official government source

    Varies - confirm current CO fees with the One Stop Shop2–5 weeks

  2. El Paso County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

    Required if operating under a trade name other than your legal name. Filed with the El Paso County Clerk.

    Official government source

    $28 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,100 · 3–8 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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