Opening a nail salon in Pennsylvania: the salon licence
What Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology publishes about licensing the salon itself, checked on September 7, 2026.
- Before opening
- In the Board's own capitals: the salon CANNOT be open or operating prior to inspection. The inspection is scheduled only after the completed application is reviewed, approved and all discrepancies are resolved.
- Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology - Salon licensure procedure · Checked September 7, 2026
- How to apply and the fee
- Every salon applies through the PALS portal (pals.pa.gov). Fees are due at the time of application and are non-refundable. The Board's page does not print the amount, only points to 49 Pa. Code section 7.2, so read the figure on the PALS portal when applying. Changes to the salon's physical dimensions need a sketch attached.
- Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology - Salon licensure procedure · Checked September 7, 2026
- Premises
- The salon must meet the floor space minimums in 49 Pa. Code section 7.76; a variance from those minimums may be requested. Salon space may not be used for other purposes (section 7.77). Bureau inspectors inspect the entirety of the salon, not only the work area.
- Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology - Board page · Checked September 7, 2026
- Renewal
- Salon licences (Cosmetology Salon, Nail Technology Salon, Esthetician Salon) expire on 31 January of odd-numbered years, on a two-year cycle. The renewal fee is $144.00. Renewal notices go to the email address on file with the Board.
- Source: Pennsylvania State Board of Cosmetology - Renewal information · Checked September 7, 2026
Every line carries its own check date, because a page is only as trustworthy as its oldest line.
The oldest line on this page was checked September 7, 2026