Skip to main content

Nail Salon Permit Requirements in Albuquerque, NM

Complete permit and license guide for starting a nail salon in Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico.

Verified 2026-08-19 5 stops $300–$900 est. 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses
Get my personalized route — $14.99

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 stop

  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)

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of New Mexico

2 stops

  1. New Mexico Nail Technician License (per technician)

    Each nail technician must hold a valid New Mexico Nail Technician (Manicurist) License. Requires completion of a nail technology program (typically 300–600 hours) and passing a state board exam.

    Official government source for New Mexico Nail Technician License (per technician) (opens in a new tab)

    $40–$75 (initial)4–8 weeks

  2. New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration

    New Mexico levies a GROSS RECEIPTS TAX (GRT) rather than a conventional sales tax, and it applies to goods AND most services performed in New Mexico. Register (free) with the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for a Business Tax Identification Number. The state GRT rate is 4.875% (since July 1, 2023); combined state + local rates range from about 5.125% to just over 9% depending on your location code — use the department's official rate map.

    Official government source for New Mexico Taxation and Revenue — Gross Receipts Tax Registration (opens in a new tab)

    Free (no registration fee)Immediate (online via Taxpayer Access Point)

City of Albuquerque / Bernalillo County

2 stops

  1. New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Salon License

    Nail salons in New Mexico must obtain a cosmetology establishment license from the state board. An inspection is required before the license is issued.

    Official government source for New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists — Salon License (opens in a new tab)

    Unverified — see the board's fee page.3–6 weeks

  2. City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Business License

    Albuquerque requires an annual Business Registration ($35 per location) through the Planning Department's Business License Section, plus a Certificate of Occupancy for commercial spaces. A current NM Taxation & Revenue Department registration certificate (CRS/BTIN) is required before applying. Renew annually; display at the place of business.

    Official government source for City of Albuquerque Planning Department — Business License (opens in a new tab)

    $35 per year per location (Business License Ordinance section 13-1-4(A)(1), effective 2025-07-01).1–3 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $300–$900 · 4–10 weeks to obtain all permits and licenses

Want this mapped to your exact business and structure, in filing order?

Get my personalized route — $14.99

Official Sources

Related Guides