You’ve formed your LLC and have your EIN from the IRS. You are now the owner of a legal business entity. But you are not yet legally allowed to operate a barbershop. To do that, you must get the blessing of the most powerful gatekeeper in our industry: your state board of cosmetology and barber examiners.
This is, without a doubt, the most confusing and anxiety-inducing part of the entire startup process. The websites are often outdated, the forms are confusing, and the stakes are high. A mistake on your barbershop license application can lead to weeks or even months of delays.
This guide will demystify the process of getting your barbershop establishment license and provide a clear roadmap for how to open a barbershop legally.
The Most Important Distinction: Personal License vs. Establishment License
First, you must understand that your personal barber license and a barbershop establishment license are two completely separate things.
- Your Personal Barber License: This certifies that you are a qualified, skilled professional who is legally allowed to perform barbering services on the public.
- The Establishment License: This certifies that your physical location is a safe, sanitary, and properly equipped facility where barbering services can be legally performed.
You cannot simply open a shop because you have a personal license. You must apply for and receive a separate license for the shop itself.
The Application Gauntlet: What to Expect
While the exact state board of barbering requirements vary from state to state, the application process generally follows a standard pattern. You will need to assemble a package of documents and meet several key requirements.
Common Application Requirements:
- The Application Form: This will be a multi-page document that asks for details about your business entity (your LLC), the physical address of the shop, and information about the owner (you).
- A Floor Plan: Most states require a detailed floor plan of your shop. This isn’t just a rough sketch. It needs to show the dimensions of the space, the location of all barber stations, shampoo bowls, restrooms, and waiting areas. This is to ensure your shop meets the minimum space and plumbing requirements.
- Proof of Business Registration: You will need to provide copies of your LLC formation documents and your EIN to prove you are a legitimate business.
- List of Licensed Barbers: You’ll need to provide the names and license numbers of all barbers who will be working in the shop, including yourself.
- The Fee: There will be a non-refundable application fee, typically ranging from $100 to $300.
The Cardinal Rule: Check Your State’s Website First
We cannot stress this enough: every state is different. The requirements in Texas are different from those in California, which are different from those in New York.
Before you do anything else, you must find the official website for your state’s Board of Barbering. This is your single source of truth. Look for a “Forms” or “Applications” section and download the official application for a new “Barbershop Establishment” or “Shop License.” This document will contain the complete checklist of everything you need to submit.
Navigating the state board is a test of your patience and attention to detail. Read every line of the application carefully, assemble all the required documents, and double-check everything before you submit. It’s a bureaucratic hurdle, but it’s the final, official step to earning the right to open your doors.