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How to renew your license: Cosmetology school and postsecondary school

Things to know

  • License expires annually
  • You can submit your renewal fee and documentation 120 days before your license expires
  • A DOL inspector will conduct a site visit before the license expiration date
  • If your license expires before you renew:
    • Your students can't earn hours towards licensure while your license is in expired status
    • Late fees will apply
    • Your license could be subject to disciplinary action

What you'll need

  • Your license number
  • Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit or debit card to pay renewal fee
  • Answer legal background questions and provide documents if needed.
  • A SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account to renew online.

Start renewal

Renew by mail

Send us the following:

* The Tuition Recovery Trust Fund deposit is not required if your school is 100% publicly funded.

When will I get my license?

We won't mail your license unless you request a printed copy. Your license is available to print online.

If you renewed online

  • We'll process your request within 14 business days. It will be available to print online at any time.
  • Check your email for notifications about your license.
  • See how to self-print your license.

If you renewed by mail

  • We'll process your request within 45 business days and send a copy of your license to the email address listed on the application.
  • You can print your license online at any time. See how to self-print your license

Get a printed license by mail

  • To get a printed license when applying by mail, you must send the license print fee with your application.
  • To request a printed copy of your license, send us the following information:
    • Name
    • Mailing address
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • License type
    • License number
    • Check or money order for the license print fee, payable to Department of Licensing
    • Mail to:

      Cosmetology Program
      Department of Licensing
      PO Box 3856
      Seattle, WA 98124-3856

Related information

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