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How to renew your license: Cosmetology school and postsecondary school

We have a new online service for managing professional and business licenses. Learn how to set up account access and manage your license. If you need help with the new service, please contact your professional licensing program.

We expect a processing delay for mailed applications and renewals. Renew or apply online for faster processing of your license. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.

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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