How to Start a Hair Salon in Idaho (2026)

Last updated: February 26, 2026

Opening a hair salon in Idaho requires two separate licenses: an individual cosmetologist license for each practitioner, and a salon establishment license for the physical location. Both are issued by the Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board under the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). Idaho requires 2,000 hours of cosmetology school training, passage of the NIC theory and practical exams, and an Idaho Jurisprudence exam before a cosmetologist can practice. Salon establishment licenses are straightforward – $50 to open, $35 annual renewal. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and step.

Idaho Hair Salon Licensing Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Agency	Cost	Renewal
Cosmetologist license (individual)	Idaho DOPL / Barber & Cosmetology Board	$25 license + $75 exam fee = $100	$25/year
NIC theory exam	National-Interstate Council (NIC)	Included in $75 exam fee	N/A (pass once)
NIC practical exam	National-Interstate Council (NIC)	Included in $75 exam fee	N/A (pass once)
Idaho Jurisprudence exam	Idaho DOPL	Included in $75 exam fee	N/A (pass once)
Salon establishment license	Idaho DOPL / Barber & Cosmetology Board	$50	$35/year
LLC formation	Idaho Secretary of State	$103 online	$0 annual report
Cosmetology school (2,000 hours)	Idaho-approved cosmetology school	$10,000-$20,000	N/A (one-time)

How to Start a Hair Salon in Idaho (Step by Step)

Step 1: Complete 2,000 Hours at an Approved Cosmetology School

Before applying for an Idaho cosmetologist license, you must complete 2,000 hours of training at an Idaho-approved cosmetology school.

Eligibility requirements:

Must have completed at least the 10th grade (or equivalent)
Must be at least 16.5 years old when beginning training

Training program details:

Full-time programs typically run 12-18 months
Programs cover hair cutting, coloring, chemical services (perms, relaxers), skincare, nail care, and sanitation and health requirements
Tuition typically ranges from $10,000-$20,000 depending on school and program
Financial aid and VA benefits may be available through accredited schools

Find approved Idaho cosmetology schools through the Idaho DOPL: dopl.idaho.gov/bcb.

Step 2: Pass the NIC and Jurisprudence Exams

After graduating from cosmetology school, you must pass three examinations:

NIC Theory Exam: Written examination covering cosmetology theory, chemistry, and science. Administered by the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC).
NIC Practical Exam: Hands-on examination demonstrating technical cosmetology skills.
Idaho Jurisprudence Exam: Covers Idaho’s specific cosmetology laws, rules, and regulations.

The $75 exam fee (submitted to Idaho DOPL) covers all three examinations. Contact Idaho DOPL for current exam scheduling and approved testing centers.

Idaho DOPL / Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board:
11341 W. Chinden Blvd. #4, Boise, ID 83714
Phone: 208-334-3233
Website: dopl.idaho.gov/bcb

Step 3: Apply for Your Idaho Cosmetologist License

Submit your Idaho Application for Licensure to the Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board with:

Proof of school graduation (2,000 hours completed)
Passing exam scores for all three exams
License fee: $25

Once issued, your cosmetologist license must be renewed annually for $25. Idaho DOPL currently does not require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal, but this can change – check dopl.idaho.gov/bcb for current requirements.

Step 4: Form Your Business and Get the Salon Establishment License

Form your LLC with the Idaho Secretary of State for $103 online at SOSBiz. Annual reports are free.

Then apply for an Idaho Salon Establishment License from DOPL:

Initial fee: $50
Annual renewal: $35
The license covers your specific salon location
Home salons are permitted in Idaho
Mobile salons are NOT permitted in Idaho
Each salon location requires its own establishment license

Step 5: Sanitation and Facility Standards

All Idaho-licensed salons must maintain DOPL sanitation standards:

Proper sterilization and disinfection of all implements between clients (combs, scissors, brushes)
Clean capes, towels, and draping supplies
Properly organized workspace with no cross-contamination
Sanitation logs may be required
DOPL may conduct unannounced inspections

Step 6: Sales Tax and Insurance

Salon services are taxable in Idaho at the 6% state sales tax rate. Register for a free seller’s permit with the Idaho State Tax Commission at tax.idaho.gov before your first paid service.

Insurance recommendations:

General liability: $1M per occurrence – covers slip and fall, client injury claims
Professional liability: Covers claims arising from services (chemical burns, allergic reactions, etc.)
Combined annual cost: approximately $800-$2,000 for a small salon

Cost to Start a Hair Salon in Idaho

Item	Cost	Notes
Cosmetology school (2,000 hours)	$10,000-$20,000	One-time; financial aid may be available
NIC + Jurisprudence exam fee	$75	Covers all three required exams
Cosmetologist license	$25	One-time initial; $25/year renewal
Salon establishment license	$50	One-time initial; $35/year renewal
LLC formation (Secretary of State)	$103	One-time; annual report free
Salon equipment and furnishings	$5,000-$30,000	Stations, chairs, shampoo bowls, equipment
General + professional liability insurance	~$800-$2,000/year	Annual
Initial product inventory	$500-$2,000	Color, shampoo, styling products
Year 1 Total (excluding school, single stylist)	~$7,000-$35,000	Equipment, licenses, insurance, supplies

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of cosmetology school does Idaho require?

Idaho requires 2,000 hours of training at an Idaho-approved cosmetology school. You must have completed at least the 10th grade and be at least 16.5 years old to begin. Full-time programs typically take 12-18 months to complete. After graduation, you must pass the NIC theory exam, NIC practical exam, and the Idaho Jurisprudence exam before applying for your license.

How much does an Idaho cosmetologist license cost?

The initial license costs $25, plus a $75 exam fee that covers the NIC theory exam, NIC practical exam, and Idaho Jurisprudence exam – a total of $100. Annual renewal is $25. There is no continuing education requirement for renewal as of 2026 – check DOPL for any updates.

Do I need a separate license to open a salon in Idaho?

Yes. Beyond your individual cosmetologist license, you need an Idaho Salon Establishment License for the physical salon location. The establishment license costs $50 initially and $35 per year to renew. Each salon location requires its own establishment license. Home salons are permitted; mobile salons are not allowed in Idaho.

Are salon services taxable in Idaho?

Yes. Hair salon and cosmetology services are taxable in Idaho at the 6% state sales tax rate. You must register for a free seller’s permit with the Idaho State Tax Commission at tax.idaho.gov before providing paid services. Report and remit collected sales tax on the schedule assigned by the Tax Commission.

Can I run a salon out of my home in Idaho?

Yes. Idaho permits home salons. You still need the individual cosmetologist license and the salon establishment license from DOPL for your home-based salon location. Mobile salons (operating from a vehicle or trailer) are not permitted under Idaho cosmetology law. Check with your city or county for any additional home occupation permit requirements.

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About the Author

Robert Smith has run a licensed private investigation firm for 8 years from the Florida-Georgia state line - where he learned firsthand how wildly business licensing rules differ between states just miles apart. He personally researched requirements across all 50 states and D.C., reviewing hundreds of government sources over hundreds of hours to build guides he wished existed when he started. Not a lawyer or accountant - just a business owner who has done the research so you don't have to.

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