Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Houston, 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 with employees handle hazardous chemicals (acetone, acrylics, gel products). OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemical products, proper container labeling, and employee training on chemical hazards. Ventilation is not part of the HazCom standard, but employers must keep chemical exposures below OSHA's permissible exposure limits (29 CFR 1910.1000), and OSHA's nail-salon guidance recommends good salon ventilation. No fee — this is a compliance requirement.

   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 in your salon. The combined tax rate in Houston 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 Houston Certificate of Occupancy

   Nail salons must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy through the Houston Permitting Center (Houston Public Works — Building Code Enforcement) confirming the premises are approved for the intended use. Houston does not require a general business license, so the CO is the primary city-level approval.

   Official government source

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

   $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. Valid for up to 10 years.

   Official government source

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

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

   Same day to 1 week

Official Sources

• Texas TDLR — Cosmetology
• City of Houston Permitting Center
• Harris County Clerk
• Texas Comptroller — Sales Tax Permit

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