Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Fort Worth, Tarrant 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 Fort Worth is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Fort Worth / Tarrant County

2 stops

  1. City of Fort Worth Certificate of Occupancy

    Barber shops must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from Fort Worth Development Services confirming the space is approved for the use (new CO on change of use or tenant; apply via Accela Citizen Access). Fort Worth does not require a general business license. Contact Development Services at 817-392-2222.

    Official government source

    Certificate of Occupancy / change-of-use permit fees vary -- see the Fort Worth Development Services fee schedule (fees not published on the CO page)2–5 weeks

  2. Tarrant County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

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

    Official government source

    $24Same 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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