Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $300–$1,200 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 in your barber shop. The combined tax rate in Houston is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of Houston / Harris County

2 stops

  1. City of Houston Certificate of Occupancy

    Barber shops must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy through the Houston Permitting Center (Houston Public Works — Building Code Enforcement) confirming the space is approved for the intended use. Houston does not require a general business license, making the CO the primary city-level approval. Apply with form CE-1045A; the certificate is emailed after passing the occupancy inspection.

    Official government source

    $94.00–$537.12 (per Houston Permitting Center occupancy fee schedule)2–6 weeks

  2. Harris County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

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

    Official government source

    $24 (notarized; plus $0.50 per additional owner) or $25 + $1 witnessing fee if not notarizedSame day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,200 · 3–8 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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