Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

2. OSHA Hazard Communication Standard Compliance

   Nail salons handle hazardous chemicals. OSHA requires Safety Data Sheets, employee training, and adequate ventilation (29 CFR 1910.1200).

   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.

   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. The combined tax rate in Fort Worth is 8.25%. Apply through the Texas Comptroller's eSystems portal.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. City of Fort Worth Certificate of Occupancy

   Nail salons must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from Fort Worth Development Services confirming the space is approved for the use (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

   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

   $24·Same day to 1 week

   $24

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• Texas TDLR — Cosmetology
• City of Fort Worth — Development Services
• Tarrant County Clerk
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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