California cosmetology and salon license basics
The individual cosmetology license and the salon license in California, summarized from the state board with a link to every source.
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Check before you file. We summarized these rules from each state’s official licensing board in October 2026 and link every source. Requirements, fees and forms change, and cities and counties often add their own license or registration. This is general information, not legal advice.
California cosmetology license
Who licenses it: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
| License | Cosmetologist license; you must be at least 17 with a 10th-grade education or the equivalent. |
|---|---|
| Training hours | 1,000 hours. |
| Exams | A written exam (the practical exam was dropped). |
Source: California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, checked October 2026.
Opening a salon in California
An establishment license is required, and only the owner can apply.
Barbers are under the same combined board.
Register the business
You file Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) online through bizfile Online. The SOS lists the fee as $70 (checked October 2026).
Source: California Secretary of State (bizfile Online), checked October 2026.
You’ll also want a free EIN from the IRS (apply online) and a business bank account.
Once you’re open
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Questions people ask
How many hours do I need for a cosmetology license in California?
1,000 hours. Confirm the current requirement with California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Do I need a separate license to open a salon in California?
An establishment license is required, and only the owner can apply.
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