Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City, UT

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. Utah DOPL — Cosmetology Barber License (per stylist)

   Each stylist must hold a Utah cosmetology barber license from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). As of January 1, 2026 (SB 330), this requires 1,250 hours of instruction at a licensed cosmetology school (reduced from 1,600 hours) or an approved apprenticeship, plus passing the required examinations. Stylists who only cut, style, and color hair may alternatively qualify for the 1,200-hour hair designer license.

   Official government source

   Approximately $60 application fee (exam fees separate); verify current fee with DOPL·4–8 weeks

   Approximately $60 application fee (exam fees separate); verify current fee with DOPL

   4–8 weeks

2. Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in Utah. Utah charges a 4.85% state sales tax; local jurisdictions add additional taxes bringing totals to 6–9%. Register with the Utah State Tax Commission online.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

   Free

   Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

1. Utah DOPL — Individual Cosmetology/Barber Licenses (no salon license in Utah)

   Utah does not issue a salon or establishment license. DOPL licenses individual practitioners (cosmetologist/barber, hair designer, esthetician, nail technician, etc.), and each licensee must display their license where they practice (Utah Code 58-11a-305). The salon premises need only the city business license; there is no state salon license or pre-opening DOPL inspection. NOTE (Salt Lake County only): although Utah has no STATE establishment license, the Salt Lake County Health Department separately requires a Regulated Business (Cosmetology Facility) permit — covering hair salons, barbershops, esthetician spas, and nail salons — with a pre-opening inspection. Fee is not published online; call 385-468-3835.

   Official government source

   $60 application / $52 renewal per individual cosmetology license (DOPL fee schedule FY2026); no salon license exists·3–6 weeks

   $60 application / $52 renewal per individual cosmetology license (DOPL fee schedule FY2026); no salon license exists

   3–6 weeks

2. Salt Lake City Business License Division — Business License

   Salt Lake City requires a business license for businesses operating within city limits (SLC Code Title 5). Apply through the Business Licensing Division; licenses renew annually and must be displayed. Exception: under Utah Code 10-1-203.5, a no-impact home-based business (one whose combined off-site impact does not materially exceed that of the residence alone) cannot be required to obtain a city license or pay a license fee.

   Official government source

   Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)·1–3 weeks

   Base license fee plus per-employee/regulatory fees per the Salt Lake City Consolidated Fee Schedule (fees are not published as a flat range; confirm current amounts at slc.gov or 801-535-6644)

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing — Cosmetology Salon License
• Salt Lake City Business License Division
• Utah State Tax Commission — Sales Tax License

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