How to renew your license: Cosmetologist, barber, manicurist, esthetician, hair design, or master esthetician
Things to know
- License expires every 2 years.
- You can renew 120 days before your license expires.
- There will be a late fee if you don't renew before it expires.
- If your license has been expired for more than 1 year, it's canceled and you must reapply.
- We consider you unlicensed if your license expires or gets canceled. You can receive a fine for engaging in unlicensed activity.
Before you renew
- Be ready to answer the legal background questions and provide documents if needed.
What you'll need
- Your license number
- Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card to pay renewal fee
- If needed, documents for legal background questions, ready to upload.
- If needed, update your contact information online before you renew
Want to renew by mail?
- Follow the instructions on your renewal notice.
- No renewal notice? Submit the appropriate fees with a completed Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, Master Esthetician, or Instructor License Renewal, Reinstatement, Out-of-Country, or Reciprocity Application (English, Español, Русский, and more) (check the “Renewal,” “Late renewal,” or “Reinstatement” box as needed).
If your license has been expired for more than 1 year, you must reapply for a license. To reapply, submit a completed Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, Master Esthetician, or Instructor License Renewal, Reinstatement, Out-of-Country, or Reciprocity Application (English, Español, Русский, and more).
After you renew
- If you renewed online: Within 14 business days.
- If you renewed by mail: Within 45 days.
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. See the NIC website for a list of U.S. licensing boards.
Related information
- How to renew your license: Salon/shop, personal service, mobile unit
- How to renew your license: Permanent cosmetic artists
- How to renew your license: Cosmetology instructor
