Barber Shop Permit Requirements in San Antonio, TX

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.

Verified 2026-08-27 6 stops $300–$1,100 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. The combined tax rate in San Antonio is 8.25%.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

City of San Antonio / Bexar County

2 stops

  1. City of San Antonio — Development Services Certificate of Occupancy

    Barber shops must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from San Antonio Development Services confirming the space is approved for personal services use. Contact San Antonio Development Services at 210-207-1111.

    Official government source

    Fee not published on the CO page; see the DSD Development Fee Schedule (docsonline.sanantonio.gov/DSDUploads/CurrentFeeSchedule.pdf) or call 210-207-11112–5 weeks

  2. Bexar County Assumed Name Certificate (DBA)

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

    Official government source

    $13 (plus $0.50 per additional owner)Same day to 1 week

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,100 · 3–8 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits

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Official Sources

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