Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Richmond, VA

Required for all LLCs; online filing available. Annual registration separate (see below).

All LLCs must pay annual fee even if not transacting business.

Prerequisites: 1,100 hours education at approved school + passing written/practical exams (via PSI Exams). Shop license also required.

Prerequisites: 1,500 hours education at approved school + passing exams. Multiple specialties available (e.g., nail technician 350 hours).

Required for any physical location offering barber/cosmetology services. Must have licensed manager/owner. Application includes floor plan, inspections.

No renewal required; refile only if name changes. Search required to confirm availability.

Most barber/cosmetology services are nontaxable; register via Virginia Tax Online.

Barber and cosmetology services are generally exempt from sales tax in Virginia. However, if the business sells retail products (e.g., hair care products), a sales tax permit is required to collect and remit tax on those sales. See Virginia Regulation (VR) 630-10-80 for service exemptions.

Required for all employers paying wages to employees in Virginia. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages and file periodic returns (Form WH-1).

All employers with one or more employees must register. New employers pay a standard rate of 2.5% on the first $8,000 of each employee's annual wages (2024 taxable wage base).

LLCs are pass-through entities; income is reported on owners' personal Virginia income tax returns (Form 760). However, if the LLC elects corporate taxation or is a multi-member LLC with nexus, it may have filing obligations. All businesses must file if they owe tax or are required to report.

Virginia repealed its corporate franchise tax effective January 1, 2021. No franchise or gross receipts tax applies to LLCs or other entities in Virginia as of that date.

Most Virginia localities impose a BPOL tax on businesses operating within their jurisdiction. The tax is based on gross receipts and varies by locality. Barber shops are typically classified under 'Personal Services' or 'Barber/Beauty Shops'. Contact local treasurer for exact rate and registration.

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising standards. Claims about services (e.g., "organic," "chemical-free") must be truthful, substantiated, and not misleading. Applies to websites, social media, and promotional materials. No federal licensing for cosmetology claims, but false credentials (e.g., "certified by FDA") are prohibited.

No statewide excise or tourism tax applies to barber or cosmetology services. However, if the business operates within a designated TDZ, a local Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) fee may apply. These are rare and locality-specific. No known TDZs currently include barber shops as taxable entities.

All barbers and cosmetologists must hold a valid state-issued license. Establishments must also be registered with the Board. Continuing education (14 hours every 2 years) is required for renewal.

All Virginia LLCs must file an annual report with the SCC to maintain good standing, regardless of revenue.

Barber shops permitted in C-1/C-2 commercial zones typically. Home occupations limited to 25% of home, 1 non-resident employee max in most jurisdictions.

All employers, including barber shop LLCs, must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization for every employee. Employers must retain forms for 3 years after hire date or 1 year after employment ends, whichever is later. E-Verify is not federally required unless under federal contract.

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63) enforced locally.

Size, lighting, setback restrictions vary.

Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (13VAC5-51) enforced locally.

VDH Body Art/Salon regulations (12VAC5-490). Submit floor plans, equipment list.

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Virginia, including LLCs. Sole proprietors and partners may elect exemption only if they file Form WC-1, Election to be Exempt. See https://www.vwcc.virginia.gov/docs/forms/wc1.pdf

Not legally required by Virginia state law or the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), but strongly recommended due to risk of client injury or property damage. May be required by landlords or third-party platforms.

Not mandated by Virginia DPOR for barbers or cosmetologists. However, it is strongly recommended to cover claims of negligence, improper service, or allergic reactions. Not a substitute for workers' comp or general liability.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for barber shops (establishments), not individual barbers. This bond ensures compliance with state regulations. Not required for individual barber licenses. See DPOR's Barber & Cosmetology Regulations, 18VAC110-20-100. https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/wp-content/uploads/dpor-website/dpor-rules/18vacr110-20.pdf

Virginia law requires all motor vehicles operated on public roads to carry liability insurance. Commercial vehicles used for business purposes (e.g., mobile barber services) must have commercial auto insurance. Personal policies do not cover business use. Minimums: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $20,000 property damage.

Not mandated by Virginia law or DPOR. However, if the business sells physical beauty products, product liability coverage is strongly recommended to protect against claims of defective or harmful products. Typically bundled with general liability.

Only required if the barber shop holds an ABC license to serve alcohol. Most barber shops do not serve alcohol; this applies only if the business has obtained a special permit. Virginia ABC requires proof of liquor liability insurance for certain license types.

While single-member LLCs with no employees may use the owner's SSN, obtaining an EIN is recommended for privacy and banking purposes. All multi-member LLCs must have an EIN.

A single-member LLC is disregarded for federal tax purposes and reports income on Schedule C (Form 1040). Multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships and must file Form 1065. All net income is subject to self-employment tax if over $400.

Barbershops must comply with OSHA’s General Duty Clause requiring a workplace free from recognized hazards. Specific requirements include Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) for chemical safety (e.g., hair dyes, disinfectants), proper labeling, access to Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and employee training. No federal requirement for a written hazard communication program unless employing 11 or more, but best practice for all.

Barber shops are considered "public accommodations" under ADA Title III. Must ensure physical access (e.g., entrances, restrooms), communication access (e.g., serving customers with disabilities), and provide reasonable modifications unless it causes "undue burden." Existing buildings may follow "readily achievable" barrier removal standards.

FLSA requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for hours over 40/week) unless exempt. Barbers may qualify for "retail commission" exemption if over 75% of earnings are commissions and paid over minimum wage. Tip credits allowed if conditions met. Independent contractors must meet FLSA criteria to avoid misclassification.

FMLA requires eligible employees (worked 1,250 hours in past 12 months, employed 12 months, at worksite with 50+ employees within 75 miles) to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying reasons. Most small barber shops do not meet the 50-employee threshold.

There is no federal license for barbers or cosmetologists. Licensing is regulated entirely at the state level by the Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology. Federal agencies (e.g., FDA, FCC, ATF, DOT) do not issue licenses for barbering or cosmetology services.

The FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Products must be properly labeled (ingredients in descending order, identity of product, net quantity, name/place of business). No pre-market approval, but products must not be adulterated or misbranded. Claims that products treat disease may trigger drug classification.

All Virginia LLCs must file an annual registration with the SCC each year on the anniversary of the formation date. This includes a $50 fee and a statement of current principal office and registered agent.

Barber licenses must be renewed biennially. The renewal is tied to the individual barber’s birth month. Online renewal available through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

All barber shops, cosmetology salons, and specialty salons must renew their establishment license every two years. Renewal is required even if no services are currently being offered.

Barbers must complete 16 hours of approved continuing education every two years, including at least 2 hours in infection control and 2 hours in safety practices. Courses must be approved by the Board.

Most cities and counties require annual fire safety inspections for commercial establishments. The frequency and requirements are determined by the local fire marshal’s office. Applies to all businesses in commercial buildings.

While most modern barbering tools do not contain mercury, if such devices are used or discarded, they are regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Proper disposal through certified hazardous waste handlers is required. No federal requirement for routine salon waste (e.g., hair, paper towels) unless contaminated with blood or chemicals.

Barber shops and cosmetology salons are subject to routine inspections by local health departments for compliance with sanitation, disinfection, and equipment sterilization standards under the Virginia Sanitary Regulations for Personal Services Establishments.

Employers must file Form 941 (quarterly) for federal payroll taxes and Form 940 (annually) for Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA). Form 940 is due by January 31 following the end of the tax year.

Employers must file Form 941 equivalents (Form VA-1) quarterly to report state income tax withholding. Due dates are the last day of the month following the end of each quarter.

Self-employed barbers must make estimated federal tax payments quarterly using Form 1040-ES. Due dates vary slightly from standard quarters.

Self-employed individuals must make estimated state tax payments if they expect to owe $150 or more. Payments due on these dates for calendar-year taxpayers.

Barber shops must maintain client records (if applicable), sanitation logs, equipment maintenance logs, and records of chemical usage. Records must be available for inspection by the Board. Retention period is at least 2 years.

The current cosmetology establishment license and each barber’s current license must be displayed in a prominent, publicly visible location within the business premises.

All employers, including those with no employees, must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health – It's the Law poster. Available for free download from OSHA website.

Employers must display the Virginia Minimum Wage and Overtime Requirements poster in a conspicuous place accessible to employees. Available from DOLI website.

Barber shops must maintain logs of daily sanitation, autoclave testing, and chemical disinfectant usage. These are subject to review during routine or complaint-based inspections.