Apply for a barbershop license

Your application must include all items on this checklist. If any items are missing, your application will be held for 90 days. After that, you'll need to reapply.

Your signed application must include:

• An 8.5-inch by 11-inch floor plan with the entire layout of the barber shop. You must keep a copy of the floor plan on the premises at all times. The floor plan must include:
  • All rooms, equipment, chairs, and doors. Each room must be labeled.
  • Additional sinks (cannot be located in the bathroom). Barbershops must have a least one non-shampoo sink with hot and cold water. Your floor plan must clearly show this extra non-shampoo sink. Shops that don't have this extra sink will not pass inspection.
  • Shop sign
  • The location of the barber pole or decal
  • Bathrooms
• A 2-inch by 2-inch photo of each owner/partner 
• A copy of each owner's driver's license or photo ID, and a copy of the barber license of a person who will be working at the barbershop. This person may also be the owner.
• A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form for each owner. 
• A business certificate from the city or town where the shop is located.
• A Plumbing Inspection and Electrical Inspection form if work has been done. If no work has been done, the No Work Required form must be completed.
• If the business is incorporated, submit a copy of the Articles of Incorporation; if it is a partnership or LLP, a copy of the partnership agreement; for LLCs, submit a copy of the Certificate of Organization
• Price list (gender pricing is prohibited)

If you are a military veteran or service member you may qualify for benefits under the VALOR Act. 

• Every barbershop owner must contact the town where their shop is located. Every shop owner must pass required town inspections and get required town permits and certificates before applying for a barbershop license. 
• The barbershop must be completely set up with signage and ready for business to pass final inspection for licensing. An investigator will contact you with an inspection date.
• If your barbershop is a new business or is changing locations, you must remain closed until you are approved for a license after inspection.
• A barbershop license is NOT Transferable. The license only covers the barbershop at the location to which it was issued. If you change locations or move to a different space, even at the same address, you must submit a new application.
• If the layout of your barbershop changes after you are licensed, you must submit an expansion/renovation application.
• Owners must immediately notify the board if they plan to sell an operating barbershop, and the new owners must file a new barbershop application. After a change in ownership, the barbershop may remain open for 30 days before the new owners must obtain a new license.
• See the Board’s rules and regulations about operating a barbershop.