Learn how to renew or reinstate your cosmetology instructor license.
Renew your license
- You must review your license every two years
- You can renew up to 120 days before your license expires
- There will be a late fee if you don't renew before the expiration
Renewal requirements
Be ready to answer legal background questions and provide supporting documents if needed.
Update your contact information online, if necessary, before you renew your license.
How to renew your license
Follow the following steps to renew your license.
Gather the required documents
- Your license number
- Payment for the license renewal fee
- Documents for legal background questions (if needed)
Renew your license online
Get your license faster by renewing online!
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Renew your license by mail
To renew your license by mail, follow the instructions on your renewal notice.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, complete an Instructor of Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician License, Renewal, or Reciprocity Application.
Mail your form and a check or money order for the renewal fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
If your license expires or gets canceled
We consider you unlicensed if your license expires or gets canceled, and we may fine you if you engage in unlicensed activity.
If your license has expired for more than a year, we will cancel it and you must reapply.
Reinstate your license
If your license lapsed or expired, you must reinstate it. We may fine you if you engage in unlicensed activity.
You'll pay the cosmetology instructor licensing fee when you complete the licensing requirements.
Request reinstatement
Choose the method that works best for you.
Request to reinstate your license online
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) or create an account to submit a reinstatement request.
Request to reinstate your license by mail
Complete an Instructor of Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician License, Renewal, or Reciprocity Application.
ail your form and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
If you have a license in another state
We only renew Washington State licenses. To renew your license in another state, please contact the licensing board in that state for instructions. View a list of U.S. licensing boards.
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