# How to Get a Salon License in Texas (2026): Establishment, Specialty and Mini

> Source: PermitPulled, https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/salon-license-texas
> Compiled from the public TDLR license file. Published under CC BY 4.0; attribution to PermitPulled required.
> For an individual license record, use the official TDLR search: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/LicenseSearch/

[Texas license lookup](</>) / [Get licensed](</get-licensed>) / Salon (establishment)

# How to get a salon license in Texas

In Texas the people and the premises are licensed separately. A licensed cosmetologist or barber still needs the **place** they work in to hold a TDLR establishment license, whether it is a full salon, a nail bar or a lash suite inside a larger salon.

Reviewed 8 October 2026 against TDLR's application page

## At a glance

Full-service establishment| $78, non-refundable  
---|---  
Specialty establishment| $78 (nail, esthetics, lash, hair weaving and similar)  
Mini-establishment| $70; must be inside a licensed full-service or specialty establishment  
License term| 2 years for establishments  
Deadline| All requirements within 1 year of the application, or it is void  
  
[Official TDLR application page](<https://tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/establishments/apply.htm>)

## Step by step

  1. **Pick the right license type.** Full-service for barbering and cosmetology, specialty for a single discipline such as nails or lashes, mini-establishment for a suite inside a licensed salon. Mobile establishments have their own application.
  2. **Gather ownership details.** The application asks for detailed information on every owner and how the business is structured: sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation and so on.
  3. **Renting space to others? Add the contractor list.** A gallery establishment that rents space to mini-establishments or individual practitioners must include an Independent Contractor List.
  4. **Apply and pay.** Online is recommended where available, because it goes straight to TDLR's licensing division. Pay the non-refundable fee.
  5. **Expect inspections.** TDLR inspects establishments. Keep the establishment license and every practitioner's license current.

## Buying or moving a salon

A license does not transfer with the business or the address. TDLR has separate processes for a [change of ownership](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/establishments/change-of-ownership.htm>) and a [change of location](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/establishments/change-of-location.htm>).

## How many people hold this license

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows **57,800 active salon (establishment) licenses** , of which 28,147 come up for renewal in the next twelve months.

  * [Full Service Establishment](</trade/full-service-establishment>): 29,276 active
  * [Mini Establishment](</trade/mini-establishment>): 17,383 active
  * [Manicurist/Esthetician Establishment](</trade/manicurist-esthetician-establishment>): 6,073 active
  * [Esthetician Establishment](</trade/esthetician-establishment>): 3,808 active
  * [Manicurist Establishment](</trade/manicurist-establishment>): 630 active
  * [Eyelash Extension Establishment](</trade/eyelash-extension-establishment>): 449 active
  * [Mobile Establishment](</trade/mobile-establishment>): 125 active
  * [Hair Weaving Establishment](</trade/hair-weaving-establishment>): 56 active

Where they are: Harris County (9,193), Dallas County (5,691), Tarrant County (5,305), Bexar County (3,950), Collin County (3,047).

[See the full county breakdown and renewal calendar](</trade/full-service-establishment>)

## After you are licensed

  * **Renewal:** every two years, judging by the expiration dates in the license file.
  * **Continuing education:** Facility license; no CE of its own.

## Before you apply

  * **Criminal history.** TDLR runs a background check on every applicant. With any conviction other than a minor traffic offence, or a guilty or no-contest plea with deferred adjudication, include the Criminal History Questionnaire. Reviews take one to six weeks. You can ask TDLR in advance whether a conviction would bar you, through a [criminal history evaluation letter](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/crimHistoryEval.htm>).
  * **Lawful presence.** TDLR may ask for proof of lawful presence in the United States. Send documents only if it asks. [What TDLR accepts](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/lawful-presence.htm>).
  * **Military.** Service members, veterans and spouses may qualify for [fee waivers and other provisions](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/military/>).

## Questions

### Do I need a license to open a salon in Texas?

Yes. The premises need a TDLR establishment license in addition to the individual licenses of everyone working there.

### How much is a salon license in Texas?

$78 for a full-service or specialty establishment and $70 for a mini-establishment, per TDLR's application page.

### What is a mini-establishment?

A small licensed space, such as a suite, located inside a licensed full-service or specialty establishment.

### How many people hold this license in Texas?

The public TDLR license file dated 20 September 2026 shows 57,800 active salon (establishment) licenses.

## Related licenses

  * [How to get a cosmetology license in Texas](</get-licensed/cosmetology-license-texas>)
  * [How to get a barber license in Texas](</get-licensed/barber-license-texas>)
  * [How to get a nail technician license in Texas](</get-licensed/nail-technician-license-texas>)
  * [How to get an eyelash extension license in Texas](</get-licensed/eyelash-extension-license-texas>)
  * [All license guides](</get-licensed>)

## Sources

[TDLR: Apply for an establishment license](<https://tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/establishments/apply.htm>). License counts compiled from the public [TDLR license file](<https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/licensesearch/licfile.asp>) dated 20 September 2026.

Reviewed 8 October 2026. Written by an independent site; not an official TDLR publication and not legal advice. Fees and requirements change: confirm them on the TDLR page before you apply.

**Cite this page**

PermitPulled (2026). _How to get a salon license in Texas._ Retrieved from `https://permitpulled.com/get-licensed/salon-license-texas`

Figures compiled from the public TDLR license file and published under [CC BY 4.0](<https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/>). Attribution required.