Hair salon licenses
in Los Angeles, California
Start with the main licenses and permits below. For a checklist based on your own business, tell us what you’re opening and how it will operate.
Researched Sep 2026
About this example
The business is a hair salon located in Los Angeles, California, which will have W-2 employees and sell tangible goods. It is subject to federal, state, county, and city licensing requirements, with specific regulations applicable to its operations.
Requirement labels below refer to this setup. Conditional items depend on additional details.
Authorities researched
Details to confirm before you apply
- Is the salon's retail sales of tangible goods subject to a California seller's permit?
- What specific zoning district is the salon located in?
- Does the salon need to file for any additional city permits beyond the BTRC?
- Are there any specific health permits required if the salon offers additional services?
- What is the timeline for obtaining the required licenses and permits?
- Are there any local business incentives or exemptions available for new businesses?
- Confirm with the responsible agencies whether additional requirements apply in these areas: Federal employer obligations; State unemployment insurance employer account; Workers' compensation coverage; New-hire reporting; State wage withholding account; Individual salon practitioner licensing; Business personal-property filing or exemption; Construction permits for the commercial premises. These areas remain unresolved in this guide.
The main licenses and permits
6 of 8- 01Establishment License (California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology)California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) · California
An 'establishment' must be licensed by the BBC before operating.
RequiredEvery 2 years - 02Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC)City of Los Angeles Office of Finance · Los Angeles
The City of Los Angeles requires every business to hold a BTRC.
RequiredAnnual - 03California Seller's Permit (sales and use tax)California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) · California
The salon sells tangible goods (retail products) to customers, which are subject to sales tax.
RequiredNot published - 04Employer Identification Number (EIN)Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Federal
The salon will hire W-2 employees, and every employer needs an EIN to report and pay federal payroll taxes.
RequiredNone (one-time number) - 05Zoning verification for a personal services useLos Angeles Department of City Planning · Los Angeles
Required that the location's zoning allows personal services.
ConditionalNone - 06Certificate of Occupancy / Change of Use approvalLos Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) · Los Angeles
Required if the space does not already hold a C of O valid for a hair salon.
ConditionalNone
This example includes 2 other potential requirements. A report based on your business explains which apply, how to file, published fees and timing, and what to complete first.
Make the checklist yours
Your location, activities, and business structure can change the list. Get a free preview for your business, then decide whether to unlock the full report for $49.
Questions people ask
What city business licenses or registrations should a hair salon in Los Angeles check?
Our research identifies Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC), issued by City of Los Angeles Office of Finance, as required. The City of Los Angeles requires every business to hold a BTRC. Check the other city permits in this guide and confirm the requirements for your premises and activities.
How much do licenses and permits cost for a hair salon in Los Angeles?
Most fees vary by item; see report. Several items have fees that depend on your entity type, square footage, or payroll, so the full report lists each fee as the agency publishes it.
What should I do first?
Review Employer Identification Number (EIN) (Internal Revenue Service (IRS)), then Business entity formation — Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation) (if applicable) (California Secretary of State, Business Entities Division), then California Seller's Permit (sales and use tax) (California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA)). Confirm each item's applicability and prerequisites before applying; the report provides a suggested order for the full checklist.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a research summary of public requirements published by government agencies, each linked to its official page. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.
Related guides
Researched from official government sources on September 2, 2026 for a typical hair salon. Requirements change and depend on your facts; this page is not legal advice. Confirm with the issuing agency before filing.