Home › Permits › Cosmetology License

Cosmetology License: State-by-State Guide

Cosmetology License applies to hair stylists, estheticians, nail technicians, and barbers. Who issues it is the first thing that changes at the state line — sometimes a state agency, often a city or county. Each state page below names the office we verified for that state, or says plainly that we could not.

Typical cost (US range)
$100–$500
Typical timeline
30–90 days
Renewal
Commonly every one to two years, with continuing education in many states.

Who issues this across the US

38 jurisdictions with a named state issuer; 13 jurisdictions where we have not verified the issuing office.

What varies: required training hours, whether a practical exam is used, reciprocity with other states, and whether an apprenticeship route exists.

Choose your state

Related filings

Most businesses that need a cosmetology license end up needing at least one of these too.

Business License