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Permits for a Salon / Barbershop in Washington, District Of Columbia

A salon / barbershop in Washington, District Of Columbia needs 12 permits including city/county business license, dc basic business license (bbl), dc business entity registration (dcra), and more. Each has specific costs, deadlines, and renewal requirements.

We found 12 permits you’ll likely need. Costs, deadlines, and direct .gov links included.

12 permits found

For a Salon / Barbershop in Washington, DC

Business License (3)Employment (2)Fire Safety (2)Health & Safety (1)Signage (1)Tax (2)Zoning (1)

Business License

City/County Business License
City/County Clerk or Revenue Office·DC (state-level)
Business License

Most cities and counties in District of Columbia require a local business license or business tax registration before operating. Fees and requirements vary by municipality.

$0 - $5 (varies by municipality)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~14 days
Operating without a required local business license can result in fines and code enforcement actions. ($1 - $10)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
DC Basic Business License (BBL)
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)·DC (state-level)
Business License

All businesses operating in DC must obtain a Basic Business License from DLCP. The BBL covers multiple endorsement categories (food, alcohol, general contracting, salon, retail). Specific endorsements added based on business type.

$2 - $6 (License fee varies by endorsement category. General business $200–$600. Biennial renewal.)
Renewal: Every 2 years
Processing: ~30 days
Operating without a BBL: fines up to $2,000 per violation. Business may be shut down. ($5 - $20)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
DC Business Entity Registration (DCRA)
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection·DC (state-level)
Business License

LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities must register with the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (formerly DCRA). Required before obtaining a Basic Business License.

$1 - $3 (filing fee varies by entity type)
Renewal: Every 2 years
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to maintain registration results in administrative dissolution. ($0 - $5)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Employment

DC Unemployment Insurance Registration
DC Department of Employment Services (DOES)·DC (state-level)
Employment

DC employers must register with the Department of Employment Services (DOES). New employer rate approximately 2.7%. Taxable wage base is $9,000 per employee.

$0 - $0 (Registration free. Tax rate varies by experience.)
Renewal: Varies
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register or pay: penalties and interest. ($1 - $50)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Workers' Compensation Insurance
DC Department of Employment Services — Office of Workers' Compensation·DC (state-level)
Employment

DC requires all employers to carry workers' compensation insurance. No minimum employee threshold. Coverage from private insurers.

$5 - $50 (Premium varies by industry, payroll, and experience.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~7 days
Operating without coverage: fine up to $10,000 and/or imprisonment up to 1 year. ($10 - $100)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Fire Safety

Certificate of Occupancy
DC Department of Buildings·DC (state-level)
Fire Safety

Required before occupying any commercial space in DC. Verifies building code compliance. Issued by the DC Department of Buildings (formerly DCRA).

$1 - $5 (Fees vary by building type and occupancy. Typical range $50–$500.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~30 days
Occupying without a C of O: fines and stop-work orders. ($1 - $10)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
Fire Safety Inspection Certificate
DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS)·DC (state-level)
Fire Safety

Required for commercial establishments. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) performs fire safety inspections for compliance with DC Fire Code.

$1 - $3 (Fees vary. Typical range $50–$300.)
Renewal: Annually
Processing: ~14 days
Non-compliance: fines and closure under DC Fire Code. ($1 - $10)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Health & Safety

Cosmetology / Barber Salon License
DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)·DC (state-level)
Health & Safety

Required for cosmetology and barbering establishments in DC. Issued by the Board of Barber and Cosmetology under DLCP. License fee $110, application fee $65.

$2 - $2 (Application fee $65. License fee $110. Total initial cost approximately $230 including exam fee.)
Renewal: Every 2 years
Processing: ~30 days
Operating without a license: fines under DC Official Code. ($2 - $10)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Signage

Sign Permit
DC Department of Buildings·DC (state-level)
Signage

Required before installing exterior signage in DC. DC zoning regulations (Title 11 DCMR) govern sign type, size, and placement.

$1 - $3 (Fees vary by sign type and size. Typical range $50–$300.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Installing without a permit: fines and mandatory removal. ($1 - $5)
Apply Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Tax

DC Sales Tax Registration
DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR)·DC (state-level)
Tax

Required for businesses making retail sales. DC sales tax rate is 6%. Meals and beverages taxed at 10%. Registration through MyTax.DC.gov.

$0 - $0 (Free to register.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~7 days
Failure to collect or remit: penalties and interest under DC Tax Code. ($0 - $100)
Apply Renew Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026
District of Columbia Withholding Tax Registration
District of Columbia Department of Revenue / Taxation·DC (state-level)
Tax

Employers in District of Columbia must register to withhold state income tax from employee wages. Registration required before first payroll.

$0 - $0 (no registration fee)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~14 days
Failure to register for withholding can result in penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. ($1 - $50)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

Zoning

Certificate of Occupancy — Zoning
DC Office of Zoning / Department of Buildings·DC (state-level)
Zoning

Verifies that the proposed business use complies with DC zoning regulations (Title 11 DCMR). Required before obtaining a BBL or building permit.

$1 - $3 (Fees vary. Typical range $50–$300.)
Renewal: One-time
Processing: ~21 days
Operating in non-compliant zone: fines and closure. ($1 - $5)
Source Last verified: Mar 15, 2026

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From $12/month

Total penalty exposure

$23 – $375

if you skip or miss these permits

Based on published penalty schedules. Your actual fines may differ depending on your city or county.

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Riverside Bar & Grill

Austin, TX

94%
Liquor LicenseActive
Business LicenseActive
Health PermitActive
Fire Safety InspectionExpiring Soon
Sign PermitApplied
Verified by PermitDue — as of March 15, 2026
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