San Francisco Hair Salon License Requirements (2026)

📋 Your checklist

State

1. California establishment license (Board of Barbering and Cosmetology)
   A shop needs a BBC establishment license; $50 non-refundable application fee.
   ⏰ Renew every 2 years: $40 ($20 delinquent fee)
   Source: California BBC: Establishment application · California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology: License renewals
2. Each stylist's Cosmetologist or Hairstylist license (BBC)
   Everyone doing hair holds their own BBC license.
   ⏰ Renew every 2 years: $50 ($25 delinquent fee)
   Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology: License renewals
3. Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board filings
   LLCs and corporations file a Statement of Information ($20 or $25) and most businesses pay at least $800 a year in Franchise Tax. A business name other than your own is filed with your county.
   ⏰ Statement of Information: frequency depends on entity type (verify). Franchise tax: yearly
   Source: California Secretary of State: Business entities FAQs

Local (San Francisco / San Francisco County)

1. San Francisco Business Registration (Treasurer & Tax Collector)
   Register within 30 days of starting; working in SF 7 or more days counts as doing business. LLCs and corporations register with the state first.
   ⏰ Renew every year by the last day of February (Annual Business Registration and Tax Form)
   Source: City of San Francisco: Business registration information · San Francisco Treasurer: Renew business registration