Get a license as a barber shop
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1
Review the requirements for mobile barber shops
The board has a checklist to help you make sure your shop will meet our requirements. We encourage you to review this checklist before building your space so that you don't run into problems after construction is finished.
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2
Identify a licensed barber manager
You'll need to identify a licensed barber who will be responsible for making sure your shop complies with our regulations after you open. We call this person the "licensed barber manager." This person doesn't need to manage all aspects of your business; for example, they don't have to be a manager who makes hiring and firing decisions. Instead, this is one of the people we'll hold responsible if we conduct an inspection and find violations of our laws.
Note: apprentice barbers cannot serve as licensed barber managers. The term "licensed barber" refers to a specific license type. Before January 1, 2023, this person used to be called a "registered barber," and some barbers like to use the term "master barber."
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3
Decide what fee you'll pay up front
This doesn't mean you get to decide the fee, but you only have to pay one fee when you submit your application. Before you can open, you must submit two fees:
- Inspection fee of $120
- Permit fee of $50
You only have to pay the inspection fee up front, but you won't be able to operate until you pay the permit fee. If you want to avoid any delay, we recommend paying the full $170.00 up front.
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4
Submit the application (even if you're not ready to open!)
You can submit the mobile barber shop permit application anytime, even if you're not ready to open. In fact, we recommend that you submit the application as soon as possible. We won't conduct an inspection until you're ready to operate, so it's OK if you submit an application early. But by submitting the application early, you won't have any delay in opening.
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5
Your application will be assigned to an inspector
Our office staff will assign your application to an inspector based on county. (If you submit the application online, the assignment will be automatic.) That inspector will reach out to you to schedule an inspection.
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6
We'll conduct an inspection
An inspector for the board will conduct an inspection of your shop. The requirements for shops are in our statutes in rules, and all shops are judged by the same standards.
For first step in this process, we encouraged you to review the New Mobile Shop Inspection Checklist. This may be a good time to review the checklist again and make sure you meet all the requirements.
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7
Pay your permit fee (if you haven't already)
If you paid your permit fee up front (the full $170), you can skip to the next step. But if you pass inspection and haven't paid your permit fee, you must do that before we can issue the permit. You'll need to send the payment to 7001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-7000, with a note that includes the business name and contact information and explains that you're paying the initial permit fee for a mobile shop.
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8
Get your permit
Once you've paid all fees and pass inspection, we'll mail you the permit. You should receive it within a week, so be sure to contact us if you don't get it within that amount of time.
Be sure to keep your permit displayed at all times, and don't forget to renew the license before it expires!