Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Los Angeles, California

Required for all LLCs. Online filing available via bizfile.sos.ca.gov.

Required for all California LLCs. Biennial renewal.

Requires 1,500 hours education or apprenticeship + passing written/practical exams. Applies to individual practitioners.

Requires 1,600 hours education or apprenticeship + passing exams. Applies to individual practitioners. Cosmetology encompasses hair, skin, nails.

Required for any location where licensed services are performed. Must meet sanitation/inspection standards.

File in county where principal place of business is located if local operations. Publish in newspaper within 30 days in some counties.

Required if selling retail products. File online at cdtfa.ca.gov.

Federal requirement but essential for CA LLC compliance (e.g., state taxes).

Barber and cosmetology services are taxable in California. The CDTFA requires a seller's permit even if the business only provides taxable services. Filing is done via Form CDTFA-01-A.

Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration is completed through the EDD's online portal or Form DE 1.

All employers in California must pay Unemployment Insurance tax. New employers pay 3.4% for the first 2–3 years, then rates are experience-rated. Registration is via Form DE 1 with EDD.

All LLCs doing business in California must pay an $800 minimum franchise tax each year, even if no income is earned. This is separate from federal income tax. First-year tax is due by the 15th day of the 4th month of the second year of operation.

In addition to the $800 minimum franchise tax, LLCs pay a graduated fee based on total annual income. This is not a tax on net income but on gross revenue. Form 35222 is used to calculate and pay the fee.

Most cities in California require a business license or tax registration. Barber shops are typically subject to this. Examples: Los Angeles Business Tax Registration (https://lacity.org/depts/btr), San Francisco Business Registration (https://sf.gov/topics/business-registration).

Not applicable to standard barber or cosmetology services. Included for completeness. Most barbershops do not sell cannabis products.

Barbering and cosmetology services are distinct under CA law. A barber must hold a Barber license; cosmetologists must hold a Cosmetology license. Both require completion of state-approved training hours (e.g., 1,500 hours for barbering).

Requires completion of 1,500 hours of state-approved training. Separate from tax obligations.

Required for all businesses; cosmetology shops classified under retail/services

All businesses must register; cosmetology/barber shops fall under "Personal Services

Local jurisdictions enforce via inspection; must display license visibly

Barber/cosmetology home occupations limited to 1 employee, no signage >1 sq ft

Verify C-2, C-M zones typically allow personal services like barber shops

Cosmetology shops require 3-compartment sink, ventilation per CBC

Max size 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage in commercial zones

Requires 2 exits, extinguishers, no storage in exits per NFPA 1

B occupancy (business) for salons; max 100 occupants typically

Required in unincorporated areas; audible alarms limited to 15 minutes

Required for all employers in California, including LLCs, regardless of number of employees. Sole proprietors without employees are not required to carry coverage for themselves but may elect to do so. Applies to barbers even if paid by commission.

Not legally required by California state law or the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, but strongly recommended. Often required by landlords for lease agreements and may be necessary for professional risk mitigation.

Not legally required in California for barbers or cosmetologists. However, it is strongly recommended to cover claims of negligence, hair damage, or allergic reactions. Not a regulatory mandate.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for all barber shop or cosmetology establishment licenses issued to corporations, LLCs, or limited partnerships. Sole proprietors may post a $10,000 cash deposit instead of a bond. Bond ensures compliance with state laws and regulations.

Required for any vehicle registered to the business or used for commercial purposes. Personal auto policies typically exclude business use. Applies to mobile barbers who travel to clients.

Not legally required by California or federal law. However, if selling or using hair products (shampoos, dyes, etc.), this coverage protects against claims of product-related injury or allergic reactions. FDA regulates cosmetics but does not mandate insurance.

Only required if the barber shop holds an ABC license to serve alcohol. Most barbershops do not serve alcohol; thus, this does not typically apply. If applicable, both liquor liability and a dram shop bond may be required.

While not insurance, the business license requires compliance with bonding and safety regulations. The $10,000 surety bond is a prerequisite for LLCs. This is a foundational regulatory requirement for operation.

While not required for all LLCs, barbershops operating as LLCs in California typically obtain an EIN to open a business bank account, hire employees, or report taxes. This is especially relevant for a barber business with employees. The EIN is used for federal tax filings including employment taxes.

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C of Form 1040. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065. Barber business owners must pay self-employment tax on net profits. This applies specifically to service-based businesses like barbering where owners are actively working.

While barber shops are not specifically listed as high-risk, OSHA's General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. This includes exposure to bloodborne pathogens (e.g., nicks during shaving), chemical hazards (hair dyes, disinfectants), and ergonomic risks. Employers with employees must comply with OSHA standards, including maintaining Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemicals and implementing a hazard communication program.

Barbers are at risk of needlestick-like injuries or exposure to blood from minor cuts. Employers must have an exposure control plan, provide training, offer hepatitis B vaccination, and use PPE (gloves, face shields). This is a specific federal requirement relevant to barbering.

Barbershops use chemicals such as Barbicide, bleach, and hair dyes that are classified as hazardous. Employers must maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS), label containers, and train employees on chemical hazards. This is a specific federal requirement for cosmetology businesses.

Barber shops are considered "public accommodations" under Title III of the ADA. Must ensure accessibility for customers with disabilities, including physical access (e.g., door width, restroom access), communication access (e.g., serving customers with hearing or speech disabilities), and service policies. Applies to all barber businesses open to the public.

Many barber shops use fluorescent lighting. Spent mercury-containing lamps are regulated as universal waste under federal EPA rules. Small Quantity Universal Waste Generators (≤ 5,000 kg) must store safely and send to authorized facilities. California may have stricter rules, but federal baseline applies.

The EPA has banned the manufacture, import, and sale of paint strippers containing methylene chloride for consumer and most commercial uses under TSCA. While not typical in barbering, if a shop uses such products for furniture or fixture maintenance, it would be in violation. Most barbershops avoid this, but awareness is required.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules. Barber shops must not make false claims (e.g., "FDA-approved haircut"). If offering services with health claims (e.g., "therapeutic scalp treatments"), must have substantiation. Also applies to online reviews and social media. Specific to service businesses making public claims.

All U.S. employers must verify identity and work authorization using Form I-9. Applies to barber shops with employees. Must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. ICE may conduct audits.

FLSA sets federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), but California law requires higher wage (e.g., $16.00 in 2024), so state law prevails. FLSA also mandates overtime (1.5x regular rate after 40 hours/week), recordkeeping, and youth employment rules. Applies to barbers and assistants. Specific to businesses with employees.

FMLA requires eligible employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical and family reasons. Most small barber shops will not meet the 50-employee threshold, but must comply if they do. Notice posting required if threshold is met.

There is no federal license required to operate a barber or cosmetology business. Licensing is handled at the state level by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. This is a key distinction: federal law does not regulate barbering practice directly.

All LLCs in California must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) every 2 years. First filing due within 90 days of formation or registration. Subsequent filings due every 2 years on the anniversary of the initial filing month.

Barber shop facility licenses must be renewed every 2 years. The renewal cycle is tied to even-numbered years. Failure to renew by July 31 results in late fees and potential suspension.

All licensed barbers must renew their individual licenses every 2 years by July 31 in even-numbered years. Applies to all practicing barbers in the LLC.

Licensed barbers must complete 16 hours of Board-approved continuing education every 2 years, including at least 2 hours in California laws and regulations and 2 hours in infection control. Must be completed before license renewal.

Local health departments conduct routine inspections for sanitation, disinfection, and compliance with infection control standards under the California Retail Food Code and local health ordinances. Frequency depends on jurisdiction.

Barber shops are subject to fire safety inspections under the California Fire Code. Inspections are typically conducted by the local fire department. Frequency and fees vary by city or county. Requires proper exit signage, fire extinguishers, and combustible material storage compliance.

Barber shops must collect and remit sales tax on taxable retail sales (e.g., hair products). Services are generally not taxable. Filing frequency is determined by CDTFA based on average monthly tax liability.

All LLCs doing business in California must pay an $800 annual franchise tax, regardless of income. First-year exemption may apply if formed after 2022 (AB 150). Due by April 15 each year. Applies even if no business activity occurred.

If the LLC has elected S-Corp status, it must file Form 1120-S by March 15. If a single-member LLC disregarded entity, income is reported on owner’s Schedule C (Form 1040) by April 15.

Self-employed individuals and S-Corp shareholders may need to make estimated tax payments quarterly. Applies to federal income and self-employment taxes.

Employers must file Form DE 9 (Quarterly Contribution Return) and DE 9C (Wage Report) each quarter. Applies only if the business has employees.

All employers with one or more employees must have a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Includes safety training, hazard communication, and incident reporting. Subject to inspection at any time.

Employers with 10+ employees or in non-exempt industries must complete OSHA Form 300A, summarize work-related injuries, and post it from February 1 to April 30 annually. Records must be retained for 5 years.

Employers must display current labor law posters including minimum wage, workers’ compensation, sexual harassment prevention, and paid sick leave. Posters must be visible to employees. Updated periodically by DIR.

If the barber shop operates under a 'doing business as' (DBA) name, it must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the county and the Secretary of State. Registration must be renewed every 5 years.

Most cities require an annual local business license. Fees and deadlines vary by jurisdiction. Must be renewed annually to legally operate.

The facility license and all individual barber licenses must be visibly displayed at the place of business. Required under California Code of Regulations, Title 16, § 703.

Barber shops must maintain records of sanitation procedures, equipment sterilization logs, and client service records (if applicable) for at least 2 years. Subject to inspection by the Board.