A Practical, Plain-Language Guide for Cosmetologists, Barbers & Salon Owners

Tips for Opening a Georgia Salon or Barbershop

Nearly every cosmetologist, barber, nail tech, esthetician, or salon suite renter dreams about opening their own space one day.

But before you make your “Grand Opening” post on Instagram and stock your retail shelves, there’s paperwork to tackle. You’ll need to be familiar with:

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
Salon/shop applications
Licensing fees
Inspections
Local business permits

The Board doesn’t care about your color line or your modern aesthetic. They care about sanitation, infection control, and ensuring licensed professionals provide services safely.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by this process, you’re not alone. This guide is to provide future Georgia salon and barbershop owners a simple, accurate overview of what you need to know so you don’t end up with fines or a disciplinary hearing.

We’ve helped thousands of people navigate the licensing process and hang their license on their wall. We love hearing from people that are finally doing something they have dreamt about for years. We want that for you, too.

First, we are going to introduce you to some terms you need to know before you begin the process and then get into our frequently asked questions (FAQs). Last, but not least, we will provide you with a step by step checklist to help make this new adventure less daunting and more exciting!

Important: Georgia laws and rules change. Always double-check the SOS and Board websites for current fees, deadlines, and requirements.

Georgia Has Moved to the GOALS Website for Licensing

The Georgia Secretary of State (SOS) now handles all cosmetology and barber licensing through the GOALS system. This includes:

New salon/shop license applications
Renewals
Name changes
Address changes
Ownership changes
License verification
Application status checks

The older MyLicense system and older PDFs are outdated. All current licensing should be done through GOALS.

Important GOALS Links

What Does “Facility” Mean in Georgia?

Throughout Georgia’s laws and applications, you’ll see the term facility. This is the State Board’s formal name for:

A salon
A barbershop
A cosmetology or barber school

So when the Board refers to a “facility license,” they mean the same thing as a salon or shop license. We will be using all of these terms in this article.

Frequently Asked Questions About Opening a Georgia Salon or Barbershop

Over the years, we’ve answered hundreds of questions from Georgia cosmetology and barber professionals getting ready to open their first space. Below are the most common questions we see—organized in plain language to help you feel confident and prepared.

Do I Need a Salon/Shop License if I Already Have a Georgia License?

Yes.
Your individual license covers you as a professional. A salon/shop (facility) license covers the location where services are performed. You cannot open or operate until the facility license is issued and posted.

What Are the Georgia Salon/Shop Fees?

Common fees include:

Salon/Shop License: $75
Processing Fee: $10
Late Renewal Fee: $200
All fees are non-refundable

What Do I Need for the Salon/Shop Application?

You will submit:

A complete facility application (GOALS or paper—salons are one of the few allowed paper applications)
A bill of sale or lease
Owner affidavit
A secure and verifiable ID
A 3-hour Board-approved Health & Safety CE course for one owner
Any required zoning or local approvals

Recommended Course: Take our Georgia Cosmetology & Barber 5-Hour Course (Includes Health & Safety) for applications or renewals.

Do I Need a Salon License if I Only Do Nails, Skin, Brows, or Lashes?

Yes.
These services fall under the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. If services are performed in a room, suite, home, or commercial space, a facility license is usually required.

Do Hair Braiders Need a License or Salon License?

Georgia does not require a cosmetology license for natural hair braiding.
However:

A braiding-only business may still need a facility license
If services like nails, lashes, or any cosmetology/barber service happen in the space, a facility license is absolutely required

Always check with the Board before opening a braiding-only location.

Can I Perform House Calls or Mobile Services?

Yes, in certain situations.
Georgia allows services in:

Homes
Nursing homes
Assisted living communities
Hospitals

—but only when a client cannot physically travel to a salon/shop. This is not meant to replace operating a licensed salon.

Does Georgia Allow Mobile Salons, Vans, or Trailers?

No.
Mobile salons, vans, and traveling barbershops are not allowed in Georgia.

Can Barbers and Cosmetologists Work Together in the Same Space?

Yes.
Only one facility license is required. Licensed barbers and licensed cosmetologists may work together in the same location.

Does Georgia License Booths or Individual Suites?

No.
Georgia does not license:

Booths
Suites
Individual rooms
Kiosks

The entire space is licensed as one facility.

When Can I Open?

You may open only after:

Your facility license is issued
It is posted within 15 feet of the entrance
Your space meets all Board rules

After opening, expect an unannounced inspection.

What Physical Requirements Must My Salon or Barbershop Meet?

Restroom Requirements

Must be on-site or in the same building
Must be within 300 feet
Must have a toilet and sink
Must have hot and cold running water
Must have soap and proper hand drying

Environment Requirements

Clean, sanitary floors and surfaces
Working equipment
Proper disinfecting setup
Safe layout

Posting Requirements

Facility license
Individual licenses
Most recent inspection report
Health & Safety rules visible or accessible

Home Salon Requirements

Must be fully separated from living areas
No shared doorway
Must meet zoning requirements
Must pass the same inspection as any other facility

Can I Own a Salon or Barbershop Without Being Licensed?

Yes.
Owners do not need a cosmetology or barber license.
However:

Only licensed individuals may perform services
Owners are responsible for compliance
Allowing unlicensed practice results in fines and disciplinary action

What Other Permits Might I Need?

Georgia salons may also need:

A city/county business license
Certificate of occupancy
Zoning approval
Sales tax registration
Fire marshal inspection
LLC or corporation filing
Liability insurance

What Are the Continuing Education Requirements?

To renew your individual cosmetology or barber license, you must complete 5 hours of CE:

3 hours: Health & Safety (Board-approved)
2 hours: Additional CE (business, skills, trends, etc.)

Your CE must be completed before renewal.

When Do Georgia Salons and Barbershops Renew?

Facility licenses renew: June 30 of every odd-numbered year.
Late renewals incur a $200 late fee.

Helpful Links

Wishing You Success on Your New Salon or Barbershop Journey

Opening a salon or barbershop is a huge step you are about to take. It is normal to feel excited and nervous about this new adventure. We hope this guide makes the process easier and gives you confidence as you bring your vision to life.

If you’d like, feel free to share the name of your new facility. We’d love to cheer you on and celebrate with you. Here’s to your success, smooth inspections, and an amazing grand opening!

Don’t forget your free checklist!

Download Checklist

Georgia Salon & Barbershop Opening Checklist

Your step-by-step guide to getting licensed and ready to open in Georgia.

Before You Apply

[ ] Choose your location
[ ] Confirm zoning allows a salon, barbershop, or beauty business
[ ] Obtain your lease or bill of sale (only key pages needed)
[ ] Decide on business structure (LLC, sole proprietor, etc.)
[ ] Register your business with GA SOS (if forming an LLC/corp)
[ ] Obtain city/county business license requirements
[ ] Gather IDs and documents needed for the GOALS portal

Set Up Your GOALS Account

[ ] Create your GOALS account
[ ] Verify your identity
[ ] Link your existing Georgia license (if you already hold one)
[ ] Review the Salon/Shop How-To Guide on the SOS website
[ ] Bookmark your GOALS login page

Complete Your Required Education

[ ] One owner completes the 3-hour Health & Safety CE course
[ ] Optional: Complete your full 5-hour CE course if you are also renewing your personal license
[ ] Save PDF copies of all CE certificates for upload

Prepare Your Application (Facility License)

[ ] Completed salon/shop (facility) application
[ ] Bill of sale or lease uploaded (key pages only)
[ ] Secure and verifiable ID uploaded
[ ] Owner affidavits signed and uploaded
[ ] Any zoning approvals uploaded
[ ] Pay fees:
- $75 salon/shop license
- $10 processing fee
[ ] Submit through GOALS or paper (salons are one of the few that may still use paper)

Set Up Your Space

[ ] Restroom within 300 feet of the facility
[ ] Toilet and sink in working order
[ ] Hot and cold water available
[ ] Hand soap and proper hand-drying available
[ ] Proper sanitation/disinfection setup
[ ] Floors, walls, and surfaces clean and in good condition
[ ] Equipment functional and safe
[ ] For home salons:
- Completely separated from living areas
- No shared doorway
- Zoning approval received

Meet Posting Requirements

[ ] Facility license posted within 15 feet of the entrance (once issued)
[ ] Each practitioner’s individual license posted and visible
[ ] Most recent inspection report posted
[ ] Health & Safety rules visible or accessible for clients

Before You Open

[ ] Verify your facility license is active and posted
[ ] Confirm all sanitation rules are in place
[ ] Review Georgia’s facility rules (Chapter 240-4)
[ ] Make sure everyone working has a valid individual license
[ ] Clean and prepare the space for inspection
[ ] Have your grand opening plan ready
[ ] Optional: Notify clients about your opening date

After Opening

[ ] Prepare for unannounced inspections
[ ] Schedule deep-clean days for compliance
[ ] Keep sanitation logs updated
[ ] Renew by June 30 of odd-numbered years
[ ] Avoid the $200 late renewal fee
[ ] Complete required CE hours before renewing your personal license

Extra Business Essentials

[ ] Obtain liability insurance
[ ] Register for sales tax (if selling retail)
[ ] Apply for any sign permits required by your city or county
[ ] Arrange for a fire marshal inspection if required
[ ] Create client intake forms and policies
[ ] Set up booking, payment, and recordkeeping systems

Congratulations, You’re Ready to Open!