Apply for a Mobile Establishment License
A mobile establishment is a self-contained, self-supporting, enclosed mobile unit in which barbering or cosmetology is practiced.
Application and Fee
To apply for a license, submit a completed license application form (PDF) along with the non-refundable fee of $78.
You must provide detailed information of all business owners on the application form as well as information about how your business ownership is structured (e.g., sole proprietorship, corporation, etc.).
Mobile establishment licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue.
All requirements must be met within one year of the date the application is received, or the application will be deemed void.
Physical Location
Permanent Address
A mobile establishment must maintain a permanent physical address from which the mobile establishment unit is dispatched and to which the mobile establishment unit is returned when not in use.
The mobile establishment must notify the department of any change in mailing address within 10 calendar days of the change.
Mobile Establishment Location
The mobile establishment must be made available to the department by one of the following methods:
- The vehicle is equipped with a Global Positioning System that can be tracked by TDLR at all times the mobile establishment is in operation or open for business,
-- OR --
- The owner submits a weekly itinerary (PDF), showing the dates, exact locations, and times of service to be provided. The itinerary must be submitted not less than 7 calendar days prior to the beginning of service described in the itinerary and any changes in the itinerary must be submitted not less than 24 hours prior to the change.
Penalties may be incurred if the mobile establishment is not in the location where the itinerary indicates.
Required Equipment
Mobile establishments are subject to the same equipment requirements as regular establishments that provide the same services.
Please see the required equipment for establishments page for a complete list of requirements by establishment type.
Safety Requirements
In addition to the general health and safety requirements applicable to regular establishments, mobile establishments must ensure that the following precautions have been taken to protect public safety and avoid injury:
- Furniture must be anchored to the unit.
- Chemicals must be stored in cabinets secured with safety catches and be stored separately from other equipment.
- The exterior of the mobile establishment must display the license number and a sign stating the name of the shop on both (left and right) sides of the vehicle.
- Hot water must be provided by an onboard water heater that provides fresh hot water continuously and on-demand
- Fresh water must be supplied by a holding tank sufficient to supply a full day’s business. If the fresh water supply is depleted, operation must cease until the water supply is replenished.
- A functioning restroom must be available for use on the premises where the mobile establishment is located when providing services
- Services may not be performed outside the mobile establishment unit or while the unit is in motion.
- A mobile establishment may not be used as a residence or for any other purpose besides providing barbering or cosmetology services.
Records On Site
Records of the following must be kept within the mobile establishment unit at all times and made available for inspection by department personnel upon request:
- Appointments
- Itineraries (if applicable)
- License numbers of employees and contractors
- Vehicle identification numbers of the mobile establishment
Records of appointments and itineraries must be kept for a period of at least one year from the date they were created.
Inspections
Mobile establishment owners are responsible for ensuring that the mobile establishment meets the requirements in the law and administrative rules.
For a complete list of criteria that will be inspected, please see the inspections guide webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional questions about operating a mobile establishment, please see the mobile establishments FAQs page, or contact us for help with specific questions.
