How to get your license: Cosmetology school or postsecondary school

Who needs a license?

You do if you operate an establishment in Washington that offers instruction in cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, manicuring, hair design, master esthetics, or instructor-trainee to students.

How to get a license

1. File a Business License Application to get a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number (Department of Revenue).
   • You'll include your UBI number on the school application.
2. Apply for your school license online or by mail.

Online

• You'll need a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account to apply online.
  • For help, see how to set up account access.
  • For step-by-step renewal instructions, see Frequently asked questions.

By mail

Send the following:

• Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, Master Esthetician, or Instructor School License Application
• Fee – Check or money order payable to Department of Licensing.
• As outlined in RCW 18.16.140, WAC 308-20-040, and WAC 308-20-090; a copy of the:
  • Completed Surety Bond form Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician School Surety Bond*
  • Lease agreement
  • School's enrollment agreement/contract
  • School's catalog and curriculum for each course
  • School's student monthly activity reports for each course
  • Student financial aid notification certification form
  • Liability insurance
  • Signed fire inspection report from the local fire authority indicating all requirements have been met
  • Current floor plan of school
  • Documentation of directors' or administrators' business administration experience
  *The surety bond must be no less than $10,000 or 10% of the annual gross tuition collected by the school, whichever is greater; not to exceed $50,000.
• Mail to:
  
  Cosmetology Program
  Department of Licensing
  PO Box 3856
  Seattle, WA 98124-3856

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 applied 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 applied 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

Post your license

You must post your school licenses in the reception area of the school.

Question? Need help?

• Email us: csap@dol.wa.gov
• Call us: 360.664.6651