Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Burlington, VT

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Burlington, Chittenden County, Vermont.

Verified 2026-09-07 5 stops $300–$1,000 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 Vermont

2 stops

  1. Vermont OPR — Individual Cosmetologist Licence

    Each cosmetologist must hold a valid Vermont Cosmetologist licence from the Office of Professional Regulation. Per OPR's FAQ, the education requirement is 1,000 hours at a licensed school or a 1,500-hour Vermont apprenticeship (300 crossover hours for a licensed barber), followed by the national written and practical exams administered through Prometric.

    Official government source

    $120 application fee (initial); $155 renewal (OPR licence code 010, renewed 30 November of odd years)OPR does not publish a processing time; allow several weeks after exam results and a complete application.

  2. Vermont Department of Taxes — Sales Tax Registration

    Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property or taxable services in Vermont. Vermont charges a 6% state sales tax; meals and lodging are taxed at 9%. Register with the Vermont Department of Taxes online.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online via myVTax)

City of Burlington / Chittenden County

2 stops

  1. Vermont Office of Professional Regulation — Cosmetology Shop License

    A hair salon in Vermont must hold a Cosmetology Shop (establishment) licence from the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, separate from the individual cosmetologist licences of the staff. The shop names a designated licensee/manager, completes OPR's shop self-inspection form, and must meet OPR's sanitation standards. Burlington does not license salons — this is a state licence only.

    Official government source

    $355 application fee (initial); $285 renewal (OPR licence code 012, renewing November 30 of odd years)OPR does not publish a processing time; allow several weeks after a complete application is submitted.

  2. Burlington Business License (not required for most businesses)

    Burlington's City Clerk/Treasurer does not issue a general business licence, and there is no gross-receipts-based city business tax certificate. The office licenses exactly four categories: cannabis, liquor, peddler, and taxi. Fitness studios, tutoring, cleaning services, salons, contractors, food trucks, child care, pet services, photography, and professional services are not required to hold a blanket city business licence. Check whether your business falls into one of the four licensed categories; otherwise the relevant approvals are trade- or use-specific — a zoning permit or Certificate of Occupancy from the Department of Permitting & Inspections, a state Health Department food licence, or a state professional licence from the Office of Professional Regulation.

    Official government source

    $0 — no general business licence exists in BurlingtonN/A — there is no application to file unless your business is cannabis, liquor, peddling, or taxi

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

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Official Sources

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