Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Jersey City, NJ

1. EIN (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)

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Barber License (per barber)

   Each barber must hold a New Jersey barber license issued by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs — New Jersey has no separate barber board. Applicants must complete high school or the equivalent, complete a 900-hour barbering course, and pass the state examination.

   Official government source for New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Barber License (per barber) (opens in a new tab)

   $140 in the first year of a licensing cycle ($50 nonrefundable application filing fee plus a $90 licensing fee) or $95 in the second year ($50 plus $45), by check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey.·Licensure follows authorization to sit for and pass the state examination — confirm current scheduling with the Board (973-504-6400).

   $140 in the first year of a licensing cycle ($50 nonrefundable application filing fee plus a $90 licensing fee) or $95 in the second year ($50 plus $45), by check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey.

   Licensure follows authorization to sit for and pass the state examination — confirm current scheduling with the Board (973-504-6400).

2. New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority

   Required for all businesses selling taxable goods or services in New Jersey. New Jersey charges a 6.625% state sales tax. Most services are exempt; retail product sales and certain services are taxable. Register free online via the State of New Jersey Business Registration portal.

   Official government source for New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales Tax Certificate of Authority (opens in a new tab)

   Free·Immediate to 3 business days (online)

   Free

   Immediate to 3 business days (online)

1. New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Shop License

   Barber shops in New Jersey must be licensed as a shop by the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling, part of the Division of Consumer Affairs — there is no separate 'Board of Barber and Hairstyling.' Under N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.1 the application requires the lease or deed, ownership documents, the municipality's final Certificate of Occupancy with zoning certificate and fire permit, a scaled floor plan, and an Experienced Practicing Licensee (manager) with at least three years of licensed experience. The shop is inspected before the license is issued, and licenses run on a two-year cycle. Chair and booth rentals and sublets are prohibited. In Jersey City the shop also needs a Class B Cosmetology health license from the city's Division of Environmental Health.

   Official government source for New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling — Shop License (opens in a new tab)

   $350.00 in the even year of the biennial licensing period or $250.00 in the odd year — nonrefundable, by certified check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey. Jersey City's Class B Cosmetology (barbershop) health license is $210 per year.·Contact the Board about one week after submitting the application to receive the shop inspection date; the license issues after a satisfactory inspection.

   $350.00 in the even year of the biennial licensing period or $250.00 in the odd year — nonrefundable, by certified check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey. Jersey City's Class B Cosmetology (barbershop) health license is $210 per year.

   Contact the Board about one week after submitting the application to receive the shop inspection date; the license issues after a satisfactory inspection.

2. Jersey City Business Licensing (activity-specific, no general license)

   Jersey City does not issue a general Municipal Business License, and there is no gross-receipts-based city business license. Licensing is activity-specific: the Division of Commerce licenses regulated activities (alcohol, cannabis, peddlers, taxis, used cars, towing, second-hand dealers, parking lots, nightclubs, florists, sidewalk cafes and similar); the Department of Health & Human Services licenses food establishments, mobile food vendors, body art, cosmetology, laundries, childcare and animal-related businesses; and the Division of Construction Code issues Certificates of Occupancy. Determine which specific license, if any, applies to your business.

   Official government source for Jersey City Business Licensing (activity-specific, no general license) (opens in a new tab)

   Varies by license category — no blanket business license fee exists·1–3 weeks

   Varies by license category — no blanket business license fee exists

   1–3 weeks

Official Sources

• New Jersey Board of Barber and Hairstyling — Salon License
• Jersey City Division of Revenue and Finance

Related Guides