Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Huntington, WV

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. West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Individual Cosmetologist License

   Each cosmetologist must hold a valid West Virginia Cosmetologist License. Requires 1,800 hours of cosmetology school and passing the state board exam.

   Official government source

   $35 (flat initial application fee)·4–8 weeks

   $35 (flat initial application fee)

   4–8 weeks

2. West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

   Before engaging in business activity in West Virginia every individual or business entity must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the WV Tax Division (WV Code §11-12-1 et seq.), applied for through the Business for West Virginia portal at business4.wv.gov or on form BUS-APP. A separate certificate is needed for each business name and each location. The certificate is permanent — it does not expire — until the legal name, location or ownership changes, and it must be surrendered when the business stops operating in West Virginia. It also authorises you to collect the 6% state sales tax plus any municipal sales tax of up to 1%.

   Official government source

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location·1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

   $30 one-time Business Registration Certificate fee, per business name and location

   1–5 business days when filed online through the Business for West Virginia portal (business4.wv.gov); longer by paper BUS-APP

1. West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Salon License

   All cosmetology salons in West Virginia must be licensed by the WV Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists. An inspection is required before the license is issued. Annual renewal ($40) is due July 1st.

   Official government source

   $90 (initial shop license/opening inspection)·3–6 weeks

   $90 (initial shop license/opening inspection)

   3–6 weeks

2. City of Huntington Finance Department — General Business License

   Huntington requires a General Business License for businesses operating within city limits. The Finance Department processes applications; a copy of the WV Business Registration Certificate is required. The license must be renewed annually (July 1-June 30) and displayed at your place of business. A Business & Occupation gross-receipts tax and a $5/week/employee City Service Fee apply separately.

   Official government source

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee·1–3 weeks

   $20 flat annual fee, plus B&O gross-receipts tax and $5/week/employee City Service Fee

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Salon License
• City of Huntington City Clerk
• West Virginia State Tax Department — Business Registration

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