Hair salon licenses
in Atlanta, Georgia
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 Atlanta, Georgia, specifically in Fulton County. It operates from a physical commercial location, serves customers in person, and will have W-2 employees while selling tangible goods.
Requirement labels below refer to this setup. Conditional items depend on additional details.
Authorities researched
Details to confirm before you apply
- What is the exact fee for the trade name registration?
- Is the salon's location zoned for commercial use?
- What is the specific application fee for the city professional cosmetology license?
- Will the salon require a fire inspection as part of the Certificate of Occupancy process?
- What is the exact business tax class and rate for the salon?
- Are there any additional local health or salon inspection requirements?
- Confirm with the responsible agencies whether additional requirements apply in these areas: Federal employer obligations; New-hire reporting; Individual salon practitioner licensing; Business personal-property filing or exemption; Zoning or occupancy approval for the premises; Construction permits for the commercial premises. These areas remain unresolved in this guide.
The main licenses and permits
6 of 10- 01Cosmetology salon (shop) licenseGeorgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers · Georgia
A physical hair salon that provides cosmetology services must hold a salon/shop license.
RequiredBiennial; expires June 30 of odd-numbered years - 02Occupational Tax Certificate (Business License)City of Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue · Atlanta
Every business operating within Atlanta city limits must hold an Occupational Tax Certificate.
RequiredAnnual; all certificates expire December 31. - 03Business entity formation (LLC) with the Georgia Secretary of StateGeorgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division · Georgia
A physical, non-home-based salon with employees should operate as a registered entity (LLC or corporation) to limit liability; the entity must be formed with the state.
RequiredAnnual registration due between January 1 and April 1 each year; $60 - 04Sales and use tax registration (seller's permit)Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) · Georgia
The salon sells tangible goods (retail products) to customers, which are taxable sales.
RequiredNone — registration does not require renewal - 05Georgia income tax withholding (payroll) numberGeorgia Department of Revenue (DOR) · Georgia
Any business with employees whose wages are subject to Georgia income tax withholding must register for a withholding payroll number.
RequiredNone — remains in effect as long as the business has employees - 06Employer Identification Number (EIN)Internal Revenue Service (IRS) · Federal
The salon will hire W-2 employees, and an EIN is required to hire employees, pay sales/excise taxes, and operate as an LLC or corporation.
RequiredNone (one-time; EIN does not expire)
This example includes 4 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 Atlanta check?
Our research identifies Occupational Tax Certificate (Business License), issued by City of Atlanta Department of Finance, Office of Revenue, as required. Every business operating within Atlanta city limits must hold an Occupational Tax Certificate. 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 Atlanta?
About $185 in published fixed fees, plus variable fees. 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 (LLC) with the Georgia Secretary of State (Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division), then Trade name (assumed name / DBA) registration (if applicable) (Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division). 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.