The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) gives Barber Shop Permits. This permit lets you run a barber shop in New York City. Barbers cut hair and trim or shave mustaches and beards. The shop owner must file the application.

You also need a separate license from New York State if your business will offer other beauty services.

This page explains how to:

• Apply for the permit
• Follow the rules
• Pass inspections

It covers health-related rules for barber shops. Read the linked documents to understand all DOHMH rules.

Required documents

You need to send some papers with your application. Check the required documents checklist to see what you need.

Proof of insurance

You must show proof of workers' compensation and disability insurance. This includes:

• The insurance company's name
• Policy number
• Expiration date

If you are exempt: Provide Form CE-200 with the Exemption Certificate Number. The certificate must list the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene as the Certificate Holder.
New York State Workers' Compensation

Sales tax certificate

You need a Certificate of Authority to Collect Sales Tax. The address on the certificate must match your application address. Learn more about Sales Tax Vendor Registration (Certificate of Authority).

Pay outstanding fines

Pay all fines for Health Code Violations before applying or renewing your permit. You can pay fines at:

• 66 John St., 10th floor, New York, NY 10038
• Online at nyc.gov/citypay
  Pay outstanding fines online
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov

Valid email address

You need a valid email address if applying online.

Permit fees

• $15.00: for new permits from November 1 to April 30. Pay by check, credit or debit card in person. Online, pay by credit or debit card.
• $7.50: for new permits from May 1 to October 31. Pay by check, credit or debit card in person. Online, pay by credit or debit card.

Payment methods

• Personal check (online only)
• Certified check (online only)
• Money order (online only)
• American Express
• Discover
• Mastercard
• Visa

Renewing your permit

You can renew your Barber Shop Permit online. Use the NYC Online Licensing system. Follow these steps:

• Register for the NYC Online Licensing system: You must sign up to use the online services.
• Pay any unpaid fines before renewing your permit: You can pay these fines online.
• To renew online for the first time, use the Personal Identification Number (PIN) from your Renewal Notice: This PIN helps you link your permits or licenses to one online account. You only need to link each permit or license once.
• If you don't have your Renewal Notice, get your PIN by filling out an online PIN Request Form or by calling 311: You can request your PIN if you have lost your Renewal Notice.

Note: If you need to upload documents, download the Microsoft Silverlight application.
PIN Request Form

Other permits and licenses

A Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) permit or license does not cover all the rules from other City and State Agencies. You must apply for all other needed permits, licenses and authorizations. A DOHMH permit does not allow you to use or occupy your shop. According to New York City Charter Section 645, you need a certificate of occupancy from the New York City Commissioner of Buildings before you can use your shop.

If you do not follow all the rules, including those from other agencies, your DOHMH permits may be suspended until you show proof of compliance.

For help with technical problems when using the online licensing and permitting system, call 311 and ask for Health Permits Online.

• Gather all required documents: make electronic versions of all documents. You can upload PDF, JPG, GIF, PNG, XLS, XLSX, DOC, DOCX, VSD and TXT files.
• Create an account: with the NYC Online Licensing system. Have your credit or debit card ready for payment.
• Select Barber Shop Permit type: fill in the required fields and upload the required documents.
• Pay with a credit or debit card: to complete the application.
• Receive a receipt via email: if you did not upload all required documents, you will get a letter asking you to submit them in person within 10 days or withdraw your application. If you do not respond, your application will be terminated. You can request a refund by calling 311.
• Check your application status: online or by calling 311. Approved permits will be mailed to your address.

• Complete the application for permit: gather all required documents.

• Submit your renewal notice: including workers' compensation information, and pay the renewal fee at the DCWP Citywide Licensing Center.
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov

• Receive a receipt: you should get your permit in the mail in 7-10 days. If not, call 311 and ask for Barber Shop Permit.