Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Evansville, IN
Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana.
Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Key agencies and fees on this page were re-checked against official government sources on .
Federal — start here
1 stopEIN (Employer Identification Number)
Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC or corporation. Free from the IRS.
Official government source for EIN (Employer Identification Number) (opens in a new tab)FreeImmediate (online application)
Free
Immediate (online application)
State of Indiana
2 stopsIndiana Professional Licensing Agency — Individual Cosmetologist License
Each cosmetologist working in the salon must hold a valid Indiana Cosmetologist License. Requires 1,500 hours of cosmetology training and passing the state board exam.
Official government source for Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Individual Cosmetologist License (opens in a new tab)$40 (initial)4–8 weeks
$40 (initial)
4–8 weeks
Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate
Required for all businesses selling tangible personal property at retail in Indiana. Indiana charges a flat 7% state sales tax with no additional local sales tax. Register online via INBiz.
Official government source for Indiana Department of Revenue — Registered Retail Merchant Certificate (opens in a new tab)$25 one-time registration feeImmediate (online via INBiz)
$25 one-time registration fee
Immediate (online via INBiz)
City of Evansville / Vanderburgh County
2 stopsIndiana Professional Licensing Agency — Beauty Culture Salon License
Every hair salon in Indiana must hold a Beauty Culture Salon license from the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners (administered by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency). Apply online through MyLicense One; the salon must meet 820 IAC sanitation and equipment rules and is subject to board inspection. All practitioners must separately hold individual beauty culture licenses (cosmetologist $40).
Official government source for Indiana Professional Licensing Agency — Beauty Culture Salon License (opens in a new tab)$40 application; $40 renewal (4-year cycle); $80 reinstatement4–8 weeks
$40 application; $40 renewal (4-year cycle); $80 reinstatement
4–8 weeks
No General Business License in Evansville
Evansville does not require a general/universal business license for most business types. The City Controller's office issues licenses only for specific activities (e.g., street vending, hotels, pawnbrokers, secondhand dealers) — none apply to a typical service business. Verify zoning compliance and, if applicable, a Certificate of Occupancy with the Area Plan Commission / Building Commission before opening.
Official government source for No General Business License in Evansville (opens in a new tab)Not applicable (no general license fee)Not applicable
Not applicable (no general license fee)
Not applicable
Terminus
Open for business — est. $300–$1,000 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
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Official Sources
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