Hair Salon Permit Requirements in Denver, CO

Complete permit and license guide for starting a hair salon in Denver, Denver County, Colorado.

$400 -- $1000 3–6 weeks from application to opening 7 requirements

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

Denver / Denver County Requirements

3 requirements
1

Denver Business License

Required for all businesses operating in Denver. Issued by the Denver Department of Excise & Licenses. Hair salons must register before opening and renew annually.

$25–$50/year1–2 weeks
Official government source
2

DDPHE Salon Sanitation Inspection

Denver salons are subject to sanitation inspections by the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. Inspections verify sterilization of tools, proper handling of chemical services, and compliance with state cosmetology rules.

No separate feeScheduled upon opening
Official government source
3

Certificate of Occupancy

Required before opening in a commercial space. Issued by Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) after the space passes building, fire, and zoning inspections.

$100–$500 (building permit fees depending on renovation scope)2–6 weeks
Official government source

Colorado State Requirements

3 requirements
1

Colorado Sales Tax License

Required for businesses selling retail products (shampoo, styling products) in Colorado. Issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue.

$16/yearImmediate (online application)
Official government source
2

CO DORA Cosmetology Salon License

All cosmetology salons in Colorado must hold a salon establishment license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Office of Barber and Cosmetology Licensure. The salon must meet physical requirements including proper lighting, ventilation, and sanitation facilities.

$100–$150/year2–4 weeks
Official government source
3

Individual Cosmetologist License

Every cosmetologist working in your salon must hold a current Colorado cosmetologist license from DORA. Requires completion of an approved cosmetology program (1,500 hours) and passing the Colorado state board exams.

$25–$75/year per licenseeVaries (depends on exam scheduling)
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, obtained instantly online.

FreeImmediate (online application)
Official government source

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