A provision in HB1126 significantly raises establishment license fees—and most salon owners haven't heard about it yet.
Most North Dakota salon and personal care establishment owners don't realize that a bill signed into law will more than triple their annual license renewal costs starting next year. The change is buried in HB1126, a measure that also addresses brush rollers and licensing qualifications. If you own or manage a salon, esthetics studio, or nail salon in North Dakota, this affects your bottom line.
Effective January 1, 2026, North Dakota is replacing its old salon license fee schedule with a new mandatory structure. Under the old system, an original salon establishment registration cost $80 per year, and annual renewals cost $30 per year. Starting in 2026, those fees jump to $150 for original establishment licensure and $100 for each annual renewal—a more than threefold increase in renewal costs.
The new fee structure applies to both salon establishments and independent licensees, meaning the $150 original and $100 annual renewal fees apply across the board. Additionally, HB1126 introduces late-renewal penalties: $50 if you renew within one year of expiration, and $100 per year for each additional year expired. These penalties create real financial consequences for administrative delays.
If you hold an establishment license for a salon, esthetics studio, manicure salon, or similar personal care business in North Dakota, you'll pay the new fees when you renew. Independent licensees operating under their own licenses face the same fee structure. The change applies statewide and is not optional—these are the new mandatory fee caps set by law.
Review your current license renewal date. If your renewal falls after January 1, 2026, the new fees will apply. Some owners may want to renew early under the old fee schedule if their renewal date is close to the effective date, though you should verify renewal eligibility with the North Dakota Cosmetology Commission.
Budget accordingly. The jump from $30 to $100 in annual renewal costs is significant for small operations. Factor this into your 2026 business planning and cash flow projections. If you operate multiple establishments or hold multiple licenses, multiply the impact accordingly.
Mark your calendar for renewal deadlines. With new late-renewal penalties in place, missing a renewal deadline now carries a steeper financial penalty than it did before. Set reminders well in advance of your renewal date to avoid the $50 or $100 penalty fees.
The fee changes are codified in Section 32 (43-11-28) of HB1126, found on pages 19-20 of the bill text. The effective date of January 1, 2026, is noted in Section 37 on page 23. You can review the full bill text through the North Dakota Legislative Branch website.
If you need help understanding how this applies to your specific license type or renewal timeline, the North Dakota Cosmetology Commission can provide guidance on implementation and your individual renewal schedule.
For a free, detailed breakdown of how HB1126's fee changes apply to your business type and renewal cycle, contact your state salon association or the North Dakota Cosmetology Commission directly.