Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, 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

   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). The license is tied to the establishment's address and must be renewed every two years. The salon must comply with TDLR equipment and sanitation standards, and the license must be conspicuously displayed at the location.

   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 Fort Worth Certificate of Occupancy

   Every hair salon operating from a physical location in Fort Worth requires a Certificate of Occupancy before opening. Apply via the Accela Citizen Access portal ('Occupancy Change of Use' if the use differs; 'Occupancy Existing Ordinance' for a same-use tenant change); building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical ordinance inspections may be required depending on scope. 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)·2–4 weeks

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

   2–4 weeks

2. Tarrant County Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate

   If your hair salon operates under a trade name other than your legal name (e.g., 'Luxe Hair Studio'), file an Assumed Name Certificate with the Tarrant County Clerk. Unincorporated assumed name applications may be partially completed online, but applicants must appear in person to sign and pay. Valid for 10 years from the filing date. File at the downtown Tarrant County courthouse or a sub-courthouse location.

   Official government source

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)·Same day (in person)

   $24 for one owner ($0.50 for each additional owner listed)

   Same day (in person)

Official Sources

• Texas TDLR — Barbering and Cosmetology Establishments
• Texas TDLR — Apply for a Cosmetology Operator License
• City of Fort Worth — Certificate of Occupancy
• Tarrant County Clerk — Assumed Names
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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