Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Salt Lake City, UT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah.

Verified 2026-08-27 5 stops $300–$900 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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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 or corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of Utah

2 stops

  1. Utah Nail Technician License (per technician)

    Each nail technician must hold a Utah nail technician license from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Requires completing a 300-hour nail technology school program (or an approved apprenticeship) and passing the NIC Theory and Practical examinations.

    Official government source

    Approximately $60 application fee (exam fees separate); verify current fee with DOPL4–8 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

    FreeImmediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

City of Salt Lake City / Salt Lake County

2 stops

  1. Utah DOPL — Individual Nail Technician Licenses (no establishment license in Utah)

    Utah does not license nail salons as establishments. Each nail technician must hold an individual DOPL Nail Technology license and display it at the work location (Utah Code 58-11a-305). The salon itself needs only the city business license; there is no state establishment license or pre-opening 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 nail technology license (DOPL fee schedule FY2026); no establishment license exists3–6 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

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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