Barber Shop Permit Requirements in Philadelphia, PA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a barber shop in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.

$450 -- $1600 4–9 weeks to obtain all licenses and permits 6 requirements

Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. Last verified: .

Philadelphia / Philadelphia County Requirements

2 requirements
1

City of Philadelphia — Commercial Activity License

All businesses operating in Philadelphia must obtain a Commercial Activity License from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I). This is the primary business operating permit for barber shops. Apply through the Philadelphia Business Services portal.

$300 (biennial — every 2 years)1–3 weeks
Official government source
2

Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections — Certificate of Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy (Use Registration Permit) from Philadelphia L&I is required to confirm the space is properly zoned for personal services use. Contact L&I at 215-686-2400.

$200–$600 (varies by scope of work)2–6 weeks
Official government source

Pennsylvania State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners — Barber Shop License

All barber shops in Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Barber Examiners (within the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs). The barber shop establishment license requires an application, on-site inspection, and compliance with the Pennsylvania Barber License Law (63 P.S. §551 et seq.) and 49 Pa. Code Chapter 3. The shop must meet sanitation, equipment, and facility standards.

$50 application fee4–8 weeks (includes application review and on-site inspection)
Official government source
2

Individual Barber License (per barber)

Every barber working in the shop must hold a valid Pennsylvania Barber License issued by the State Board of Barber Examiners. This requires completing an approved 1,250-hour barber program, passing a written and practical exam.

$35 application fee per barber4–8 weeks (after completing required education and passing exams)
Official government source
3

Pennsylvania Sales Tax License

Required for selling retail products in your barber shop. The combined sales tax rate in Philadelphia is 8%.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Federal Requirements

1 requirement
1

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

Official Sources

Get your personalized permit checklist

Find out exactly which permits and licenses your barber shop needs in Philadelphia, PA — with costs, timelines, and official links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe Official links & citations

Related Guides

Stop guessing about permits

Know exactly what permits your business needs

Get a personalized permit report with every license, registration, and permit required for your business — with costs, timelines, and official application links.

Get Your Permit Report — $9.99
Ready in ~60 seconds Secure payment via Stripe 50 states, 4,000+ jurisdictions