Business Licenses & Permits: What Beauty & Wellness Businesses Actually Need
Skip the confusion. Here's exactly what licenses you need to operate legally.
One of the most common questions from new beauty and wellness business owners: "What licenses do I actually need?"
The answer depends on your profession and location. This guide breaks it down clearly — with links to where you apply.
Types of Licenses You May Need
- 1Professional License — Required to practice your trade
- 2Business License — Permission to operate a business in your city
- 3Establishment Permit — For operating a physical location
- 4Seller's Permit — If you sell products (retail)
Licenses by Profession
Nail Technician / Manicurist
Required: State Cosmetology/Nail License
- • Complete 250-600 training hours (varies by state)
- • Pass written and practical exams
- • Cost: $50-150 license fee
Where to Apply
State Cosmetology Board Directory - Find your state's licensing board
Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)
Required: State Massage Therapy License
- • Complete 500-1,000 training hours (varies by state)
- • Pass the MBLEx exam ($265)
- • Background check in most states
- • Cost: $50-200 license fee
Where to Apply
- FSMTB.org - MBLEx exam registration
- State Licensing Requirements - Find your state's requirements
Esthetician / Skincare Specialist
Required: State Esthetics License
- • Complete 260-750 training hours (varies by state)
- • Pass written and practical exams
- • Cost: $50-150 license fee
For Advanced Services (microneedling, chemical peels)
- • Master Esthetician license in some states
- • Additional 600+ training hours
- • May require physician supervision for certain procedures
Where to Apply
State Cosmetology Board Directory - Esthetics licenses are typically handled by the same board as cosmetology
Lash Technician / Lash Artist
Requirements Vary Significantly by State
- • Some states: Require esthetician or cosmetology license
- • Some states: Only require lash-specific certification
- • A few states: No license required at all
Important
Check your specific state requirements. In California, Texas, and Florida, you typically need an esthetician or cosmetology license to apply lash extensions.
Business Licenses (Everyone Needs These)
Beyond your professional license, you need these to legally operate a business:
City/County Business License
Required by most cities to operate any business within city limits.
Cosmetology Establishment License
Required if you operate from a physical location (not required for mobile or home-based in most states).
Seller's Permit (Sales Tax License)
Required if you sell any retail products (skincare, nail polish, etc.) — not just services.
SBA.gov Permits Guide - Links to each state's Department of Revenue
Zoning & Location Permits
Where you operate affects what permits you need:
Commercial Space (Salon/Spa)
- ✓Zoning verification (make sure beauty services are allowed)
- ✓Certificate of Occupancy
- ✓Fire department inspection (in some cities)
- ✓Health department inspection (for some services)
- ✓Signage permit (if installing exterior signs)
Home-Based Business
- ?Home occupation permit — Required in most cities
- ?Zoning check — Verify clients are allowed to visit
- ?HOA approval — If you live in an HOA community
Note: Some cities prohibit or heavily restrict home-based beauty businesses. Always check your local zoning laws first.
Mobile / On-Location Services
- ✓Professional license (same as salon work)
- ✓Business license
- ?Mobile business permit (some cities require this)
Mobile beauty services typically have fewer permit requirements since you're not operating from a fixed location.
Required Insurance
While not technically a "license," liability insurance is often required to:
- •Rent booth space in a salon
- •Sign a commercial lease
- •Work at events or on-location
- •Protect yourself from lawsuits
Where to Get Insurance
- Beauty & Bodywork Insurance: beautyandstyle.com - From $96/year for nail techs
- AMTA/ABMP (Massage): amtamassage.org - Included with membership
- Hiscox: hiscox.com - General small business insurance
- Next Insurance: nextinsurance.com - Quick online quotes
How to Find Your Exact Requirements
Since requirements vary by state and city, here's how to find exactly what you need:
SBA Licenses & Permits Guide - Enter your business type and location for customized requirements
Search "[your state] cosmetology board" or "[your state] massage therapy board"
Ask specifically about business licenses and home occupation permits
sba.gov/local-assistance - Free local advisors who know your area's requirements
Your License Checklist
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Once you have your licenses, set up an AI receptionist to handle bookings while you focus on clients.
See How It Works →