Opening a nail salon in New Jersey: the salon licence
What New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling publishes about licensing the salon itself, checked on September 7, 2026.
- Fees
- A nonrefundable application fee of $350.00 in the even year of the two-year licensing period, or $250.00 in the odd year, by certified check or money order payable to the State of New Jersey. The application must be notarised. The same form covers a new shop, a relocation and a transfer of ownership.
- Source: New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling - Application to operate a new shop, relocate or transfer ownership (PDF) · Checked September 7, 2026
- Before opening
- It is unlawful to operate a shop without first obtaining the licence. One week after submitting the application, call the Board for the inspection date. Before the inspection the shop must hold a file for every worker (two forms of ID, one with a photo), a price list of all services, every employee's wall licence, a sign naming the manager, and the required notices posted in plain sight.
- Source: New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling - Application to operate a new shop, relocate or transfer ownership (PDF) · Checked September 7, 2026
- Required manager
- Every shop must employ an Experienced Practicing Licensee (EPL) to oversee its management: a licensee with a minimum of 3 years of licensed experience. The application must include that person's signed wall licence with photograph and a copy of their government-issued photo ID.
- Source: New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling - Application to operate a new shop, relocate or transfer ownership (PDF) · Checked September 7, 2026
- What the premises must have
- At least 350 square feet for one or two licensed operators at two stations, plus 50 square feet for every additional operator or station (N.J.A.C. 13:28-2.5), and one lavatory within the shop. The application needs a floor plan drawn to scale, a copy of the entire lease or the deed, and documentation that the municipality has approved the premises for business use.
- Source: New Jersey Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling - Application to operate a new shop, relocate or transfer ownership (PDF) · Checked September 7, 2026
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The oldest line on this page was checked September 7, 2026