Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Houston, TX

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

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

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. Texas TDLR Cosmetology Establishment License

   Required by state law for any salon location where cosmetology services are performed. Issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Specific to the physical address of the salon. Must be renewed every two years. The establishment must meet TDLR equipment and sanitation standards. License must be displayed 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. Certificate of Occupancy

   Required before operating a hair salon in any commercial space in Houston. Issued by the Houston Permitting Center (Building Code Enforcement). A CO is required for first occupancy, a change of use, or a new tenant. Hair salons — which require plumbing, ventilation, and electrical compliance for shampoo bowls and chemical services — typically need a plan review and inspection.

   Official government source

   $94.00–$537.12 (per Houston Permitting Center occupancy fee schedule)·2–4 weeks after application and inspection

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

   2–4 weeks after application and inspection

2. Assumed Name (DBA) Certificate — Harris County

   Required if operating the salon under any name other than the owner's legal name. Filed with the Harris County Clerk's Office. Valid for 10 years.

   Official government source

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

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

   Same day

Official Sources

• Texas TDLR — Barbering and Cosmetology Establishments
• Texas TDLR — Apply for a Cosmetology Establishment License
• Texas TDLR — Apply for a Cosmetology Operator License
• Houston Permitting Center — Certificate of Occupancy
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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