Own an esthetics shop or salon in California as an LLC or partnership? SB 1363 was signed into law and starts January 1, 2027. You'll need an establishment license, and a licensed person in charge whenever services happen.
By Amber Bechthold, Founder & CEO of Aesthetic Compliance Experts · Esthetician with 25 years in medicine and aesthetics · Last reviewed October 27, 2026
Key Facts at a Glance
Status: Passed · takes effect soon
State: California
Law: SB 1363 (Chapter 233, Statutes of 2026)
Signed: September 14, 2026
Takes effect: January 1, 2027
What it does: partnerships and LLCs that run a salon or esthetics shop need an establishment license
Who it affects: shops licensed by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
What Changed
LLCs and partnerships need a license: corporations already needed one.
A licensed person in charge: someone licensed has to be in charge whenever services happen.
Good standing: an LLC or corporation not in good standing with the Secretary of State loses its license 30 days after notice, unless it sends proof.
Why This Matters in a Med Spa
Many med spas have an esthetics side that runs under the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. If that side is owned by an LLC or partnership, this law changes how it's licensed.
Does This Apply to My Clinic?
If your California esthetics side is owned by an LLC or partnership, it's worth a look. Estheticians, cosmetologists, barbers, electrologists, hairstylists and manicurists are covered.
What the law doesn't spell out
What counts as "being in charge"
It does not change what estheticians can do
It does not mention lasers, peels or microneedling
Ask the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology or your attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does SB 1363 take effect?
January 1, 2027.
Does this change what estheticians can do?
No. It doesn't change esthetician scope.
What if my LLC falls out of good standing?
It loses its license 30 days after notice, unless it sends proof of good standing.
Sources
LegiScan: California SB 1363 (2025-2026)
CalMatters Digital Democracy: SB 1363
What This Means for Your Clinic
If your clinic is in California, the areas this touches are:
How your esthetics side is owned: LLC, partnership or corporation
Your establishment license with the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
Who is in charge during services
Your standing with the Secretary of State
Our clients get the step-by-step plan. Questions about your own setup go to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology or your attorney.
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Need a legal answer for your clinic?
ACE works with Doris Dike, Esq., founder of Dike Law Group PLLC, our outside legal counsel. If you need an attorney to look at how this applies to your clinic, her office can help. Her office includes an attorney licensed in California.
Phone: (972) 290-1031
Office: 6160 Warren Parkway, Suite 100, Frisco, TX 75034
Book a call: dklawg.com/contact
Have questions about how this applies to your clinic? Book a free 30-minute Gap Analysis Call or text us anytime at (817) 442-7484.
This post is educational. It is not legal advice, and requirements differ by state and by practice. Confirm how any change applies to your clinic with your own attorney or your licensing board.
