Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Manchester, NH

Required if business owns or uses vehicles for business purposes (e.g., mobile barbering). Must meet state minimum liability limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage. Personal auto policies do not cover business use.

Not legally required by New Hampshire law. However, recommended if selling shampoos, conditioners, or styling products due to potential liability from allergic reactions or product defects.

Not required unless the barber shop hosts events where alcohol is served. New Hampshire does not typically permit alcohol in barber shops unless special event licensing is obtained. Not applicable to standard operations.

Not mandated by state law, but strongly recommended and often required by landlords. Covers damage to building improvements and business property (e.g., chairs, tools, inventory).

Applies to all LLCs. Online filing available.

Requires 1,500 hours training at approved school + passing written/practical exam. Individual practitioner license required.

Requires licensed manager on-site, health/safety inspections, floor plan submission. All shops must be licensed regardless of LLC structure.

Required if using DBA. Renewed only if name changes. Publication not required in NH.

Required for all LLCs. Annual report required separately (see below).

LLCs typically use SOS DBA filing instead. Confirm with local clerk for unincorporated operations.

Barber and cosmetology services are generally exempt from sales tax in NH; however, sale of tangible personal property (e.g., shampoos, conditioners) is subject to 7% sales tax. Registration required if selling taxable items.

Required for all employers paying wages to employees in NH. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages.

Employers must pay unemployment insurance tax on first $19,500 of each employee's annual wages (rate varies by experience rating, minimum 0.11%).

LLCs taxed as pass-through entities may not owe BPT directly unless they elect corporate taxation or exceed thresholds. Most small single-member LLCs are not subject.

BET applies to most businesses with more than $200,000 in enterprise value. Most small barbershops operating as LLCs with modest revenue will not meet threshold.

While not required for sole proprietors with no employees, most LLCs will need an EIN. The IRS provides EINs free of charge via online application.

Barber/cosmetology income is subject to self-employment tax (15.3% for Social Security and Medicare) unless structured as an S-corp. LLCs must report income via Schedule C (sole proprietorship) or Form 1065 (partnership).

Employers must provide a workplace free from recognized hazards. For barbershops, this includes chemical exposure (e.g., hair dyes, disinfectants), ergonomic risks, and bloodborne pathogens if cutting skin. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) applies to chemical use.

Requires employers to maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS), label containers, and train employees on chemical hazards. Common in barber/cosmetology settings due to salon products.

Requires physical access (e.g., entrances, restrooms), communication access (e.g., for people with hearing/speech disabilities), and policy modifications (e.g., service animals). New construction or alterations must meet ADA Standards.

Barbershops using fluorescent bulbs must manage spent lamps as universal waste—stored safely and disposed of through certified handlers. LED bulbs are not regulated as hazardous.

If such devices are present, they must be managed under universal waste rules. Most modern salons do not use mercury devices.

Not all NH towns impose a local business tax. Examples: Manchester, Nashua, and Concord do. Contact local town clerk for specific requirements.

Required for all LLCs regardless of employee status. Used for federal tax reporting, banking, and licensing.

All barbers and cosmetologists must be individually licensed. The business owner must ensure all practitioners are licensed. Licensing ensures compliance with health, safety, and consumer protection standards.

New Hampshire does not have a uniform statewide local business license requirement. Many municipalities do not require a general business license for barbershops. Check specific city/county ordinances (e.g., Manchester, Nashua). No statewide municipal code found mandating this for all localities.

Zoning is handled at municipal level. Barber/cosmetology shops typically allowed in commercial zones. Home occupations may require special permit if client visits generate traffic. No statewide list; contact local planning department.

Issued by local building departments. Comply with NH State Building Code (IBC 2018 edition). Examples: Manchester Building Dept (https://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Public-Works/Building-Safety)

Regulated by local ordinances (e.g., size, lighting, setback). No statewide requirement. Example: Concord Sign Ordinance (https://www.concordnh.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1234/Sign-Ordinance-PDF)

Barber/cosmetology regulated under Body Artist rules (He-P 296). Local health officers enforce. Salons must register with DHHS.

Local fire marshals enforce NH Fire Code (NFPA 1). Barbershops typically low hazard but require extinguishers, exits.

Issued by local building official after inspections pass.

No statewide requirement. Example: Nashua Police Alarm Ordinance (https://www.nashuanh.gov/156/Alarm-Registration)

Rare for small barbershops. Handled via site plan review in some towns.

Governed by general nuisance ordinances. No specific permit usually required.

Required for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time. Sole proprietors and partners may elect exemption unless working in high-risk industries (cosmetology not exempt by default). Coverage must be obtained through private insurer or state fund.

Not legally required by New Hampshire state law for barbers or cosmetologists, but often required by landlords, clients, or third-party platforms. Strongly recommended due to risk of client injury or property damage.

Not legally required in New Hampshire for barbers or cosmetologists. However, recommended to cover claims of negligence, hair damage, or allergic reactions. No state mandate exists.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for each cosmetology or barber shop license. This is a license bond to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations. Bond must be issued by a surety company authorized in New Hampshire.

Requires that all advertising be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated. Applies to online ads, pricing claims, and service guarantees. For example, “$10 haircuts” must reflect actual availability.

Employers must verify identity and work authorization using Form I-9. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week). Tipped employees (e.g., assistants) may be paid $2.13/hour if tips bring total to at least $7.25. Some states have higher minimums (NH has no state minimum, so federal applies).

Requires eligible employees (12 months, 1,250 hours) to be granted up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons. Most small barbershops do not meet the 50-employee threshold.

FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Products must be safe, properly labeled, and not adulterated. Barbershops using dyes or conditioners must ensure compliance. No pre-market approval, but FDA can take action post-market.

Licensing for barbers and cosmetologists is handled exclusively at the state level (in NH, by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology). No federal license is required to operate a barber shop.

All NH businesses must register and file annually. BPT on net income, BET on gross receipts.

Must classify workers correctly (W-2 vs. 1099). Barbershops typically cover all staff.

LLCs formed in New Hampshire must file an annual report with the Secretary of State each year on the anniversary of the formation date. For example, if the LLC was formed on March 15, the report is due March 1 every year thereafter.

All barber, cosmetology, and esthetics establishments must renew their license annually by June 30. The license must be displayed prominently at the place of business.

Services like haircuts are not taxable, but retail sales of shampoo, gel, etc., are.