Barber / Cosmetology Permits & Licenses in Laramie, WY

Required for all LLCs. Includes filing cover sheet. Effective immediately upon filing.

Applies to all LLCs. Fee based on total assets in Wyoming.

Required for individuals performing cosmetology services (hair cutting, styling, etc.). Prerequisites: 1,500 hours education or apprenticeship + passing written/practical exams.

Required for individuals performing barbering services. Prerequisites: 1,500 hours education/apprenticeship + exams. Overlaps with cosmetology for many services.

Required for physical location offering barber/cosmetology services. Must have licensed manager/owner. Sanitation inspections required.

Applies only if using assumed/trade name. No renewal required unless changes made.

Barber/cosmetology services generally nontaxable, but retail product sales require license. Renews automatically unless changes.

Barber and cosmetology services are generally exempt from sales tax in Wyoming. However, tangible personal property (e.g., shampoos, conditioners, styling products) sold to customers is subject to 4% state sales tax. Local option taxes may apply depending on municipality.

Required for all employers paying wages to employees in Wyoming. Employers must withhold state income tax from employee wages. Wyoming does not have a state income tax on individuals, but this registration is still required for reporting purposes and compliance tracking.

All employers with employees in Wyoming must register for Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax. The tax rate varies based on experience rating. New employers are assigned a standard rate (as of 2024: 2.4% on first $30,000 of each employee's wages).

Wyoming does not levy a state income tax on individuals or corporations. LLCs, as pass-through entities, are not subject to state income tax. However, owners must report income on their personal federal returns. No registration is required for state income tax purposes.

All LLCs registered in Wyoming must pay an annual license tax (commonly referred to as franchise tax). The tax is based on the value of assets in Wyoming. A minimum tax of $60 applies if asset value is $300,000 or less. Required as part of the Annual Report filing.

Many Wyoming municipalities require a local business license or privilege tax for barbershops and cosmetology businesses. For example, Cheyenne requires a Business Registration Certificate; Casper requires a Business License. Contact city clerk’s office for specific requirements. No statewide database; must check locally.

Required for federal tax reporting. Even single-member LLCs should obtain an EIN to open a business bank account and maintain liability protection. Applied for online via IRS Form SS-4.

While not a tax, this is a mandatory regulatory fee for operation. The Wyoming Board of Barber Examiners requires both individual barber licenses and shop licenses. Fees are renewed every two years. Required under W.S. § 33-29-101 et seq.

Wyoming does not have uniform county-level business licensing; check specific county clerk offices. No statewide business license exists.

Required for all businesses; cosmetology shops specifically listed. Other cities like Casper: https://www.casperwy.gov/Finance/Business-License/

Must verify commercial zoning (C-1/C-2 districts typically allow salons). Home occupation permit may substitute for residences.

Allowed in most WY cities with restrictions (no employees, limited traffic). See Laramie code: https://www.cityoflaramie.org/156/Zoning

Required for sinks, workstations, ADA compliance in commercial spaces.

Size/location restrictions per zoning district. Wall signs typically allowed up to 1.5 sq ft per linear ft of building frontage.

Requires 2 exits, extinguishers, no storage in exits. Natrona County FD: similar requirements.

State-level but enforced locally; covers sanitation, wastewater. Local health depts conduct inspections.

12 false alarms/year max; many WY cities have similar ordinances.

Posted occupancy limit required.

Required for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time and family members. Sole proprietors without employees are exempt. Coverage must be obtained through the state fund (Wyoming is a monopolistic state for workers' comp).

LLC owners must report business income on Schedule C (Form 1040) and pay self-employment tax via Schedule SE. Estimated tax payments required if tax liability exceeds $1,000. Applies to sole proprietors and single-member LLCs by default.

No routine mercury use in barbering; this applies more to cosmetology using skin-lightening creams (not typical in barbershops). If no mercury products are used, no compliance burden. EPA discourages use of mercury in cosmetics.

Applies to all businesses. Barbershops must avoid false claims (e.g., “certified organic shampoo” without certification). Must disclose material connections in influencer marketing. FTC enforces against unfair or deceptive practices under Section 5 of the FTC Act.

Requires payment of federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) and overtime (1.5x regular rate for >40 hours/week). Applies to barbers regardless of tips. Independent contractor misclassification is a common issue—barbers must meet strict criteria to avoid being classified as employees.

Most barbershops do not meet threshold. If met, must provide eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying medical/family reasons.

All U.S. employers must verify identity and work authorization using Form I-9. E-Verify is not federally required unless under federal contract or state law.

FDA regulates cosmetics used in barbershops. Products must be safe and properly labeled. No pre-market approval, but firms are responsible for safety. Prohibited ingredients include chloroform, mercury compounds, and certain color additives. Barbers must avoid using unapproved or adulterated products.

Barbers often receive tips. Employees must report cash tips over $20/month to employer. Employers must report to IRS and pay FICA taxes on reported tips.

All LLCs formed or registered in Wyoming must file an annual report by the first day of the anniversary month of formation or registration. The report updates ownership and contact information. Example: If formed in March, the report is due March 1 annually.

All barbering and cosmetology establishments must renew their license biennially. The license period runs January 1 (odd year) to December 31 (odd year). Renewal requires proof of current liability insurance and compliance with sanitation standards.

All licensed barbers, cosmetologists, and apprentices must renew their individual licenses every two years. Renewal is required to legally perform services. Applies to all practitioners in the business.

Not legally mandated by Wyoming state law for barbers or cosmetology businesses, but strongly recommended. Often required by commercial landlords or local municipalities as part of occupancy permits.

Not legally required by Wyoming for barbers or cosmetology businesses. However, it is strongly recommended to protect against claims of negligence or harm due to services rendered.

A $10,000 surety bond is required for each barber shop location. Individual barbers are not required to post a bond unless they own and operate the shop. The bond ensures compliance with state barber laws and regulations.

Required if the business owns or operates any vehicle under its name. Wyoming mandates minimum liability coverage of $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage (25/50/20).

Not mandated by Wyoming law, but highly recommended if selling physical goods. General liability insurance typically covers product liability claims. No state-specific mandate exists for cosmetology businesses.

Only applicable if the barber shop obtains a liquor license to serve alcohol (e.g., in a lounge setting). Wyoming requires liquor liability insurance as part of the licensing process. Most barber shops do not serve alcohol and thus are not subject to this requirement.

Single-member LLCs without employees may use the owner's SSN, but obtaining an EIN is recommended for liability separation and banking purposes. Required for opening a business bank account.

Most single-member barber LLCs are treated as disregarded entities; income/loss reported on owner’s Form 1040 via Schedule C. Multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships unless they elect corporate status. Self-employment tax (15.3%) applies to net earnings over $400.

Barbers use chemicals (dyes, disinfectants) requiring Safety Data Sheets (SDS), proper labeling, and employee training under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200). General duty clause requires safe workplace free from recognized hazards.

Must provide equal access to services for people with disabilities. Includes physical access (entrances, restrooms), communication (staff trained to assist), and service policies. Existing facilities must remove barriers if "readily achievable.

Wyoming imposes a 4% state sales tax. Local jurisdictions may add up to 2%. Businesses must collect and remit sales tax using Form ST-1. Filing frequency is determined by the Department of Revenue based on sales volume.

Licensed barbers and cosmetologists must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years (biennial renewal cycle). At least 4 hours must be in infection control and safety. CE must be from board-approved providers.

The Environmental Health Division conducts routine inspections of cosmetology and barber establishments to ensure compliance with sanitation, sterilization, and facility standards under WY Admin Code Ch. 2, Sec. 5. Inspectors check equipment, records, and hygiene practices.

An EIN is required for payroll tax reporting, federal income tax deposits, and business bank accounts. While not renewed, it must be used correctly in all federal tax submissions.

Employers must withhold Wyoming state income tax (if applicable) and file Form WY-121 monthly or quarterly. Wyoming does not have a state income tax, but employers must still file returns to report zero withholding if no tax was withheld.

Employers must file Form 941 each quarter to report federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes withheld from employee wages.

Form 940 reports federal unemployment tax (FUTA). Most small employers qualify for the 5.4% credit if they pay state unemployment taxes on time, reducing the effective FUTA rate to 0.6%.

Employers must file quarterly wage reports and pay unemployment insurance tax. New employers are assigned a base rate; rates adjust based on claims history.

All employers must display the OSHA Job Safety and Health Protection poster (OSHA Form 2203) in a conspicuous location accessible to employees. Available in English and Spanish on OSHA’s website.

Employers must post the Wyoming Labor Law Notice, which includes minimum wage, child labor, and workers’ compensation information. Available for download from the WY DWS website.

The current establishment license and individual licenses of all practitioners must be visibly displayed in the business. Required under WY Admin Code Ch. 2, Sec. 5.

Businesses must maintain records of sanitation logs, sterilization procedures, and client service records (if applicable) for a minimum of two years. Required for inspection purposes.

Local fire departments or the State Fire Marshal may conduct periodic fire safety inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes (e.g., exits, extinguishers, electrical safety). Frequency varies by municipality.