Hair Salon Permit Requirements in El Paso, 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)

1. Texas TDLR Cosmetology Establishment License

   All El Paso hair salons must obtain a Cosmetology Establishment License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before opening. The license is specific to the salon's physical address and must be renewed every two years. TDLR will conduct an inspection to verify compliance with sanitation and equipment standards before issuing the license. The license must be displayed prominently at the salon.

   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. City of El Paso Certificate of Occupancy

   Hair salons operating from a commercial location in El Paso must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of El Paso's Planning and Inspections Department before opening. The CO confirms that the space meets building code, zoning, and fire safety requirements for personal services use. Apply through the city's One Stop Shop at 811 Texas Ave., El Paso, TX 79901, or contact (915) 212-0105.

   Official government source

   Varies by building size and required inspections - confirm with the One Stop Shop, (915) 212-0104·2–4 weeks

   Varies by building size and required inspections - confirm with the One Stop Shop, (915) 212-0104

   2–4 weeks

2. El Paso County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

   If your salon operates under a trade name other than your legal name, file an Assumed Name Certificate with the El Paso County Clerk. The certificate is valid for 10 years. Expedited processing (1–2 business days) is available for an additional $25 fee. Submit in person at the El Paso County Courthouse, or by mail with a check payable to the El Paso County Clerk.

   Official government source

   $28 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)·Same day (in person) to 1 week (by mail)

   $28 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)

   Same day (in person) to 1 week (by mail)

Official Sources

• Texas TDLR — Barbering and Cosmetology Establishments
• Texas TDLR — Apply for a Cosmetology Operator License
• City of El Paso — City Issued Permits
• El Paso County — Assumed Names
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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