This page provides information for Arkansas license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Arkansas license reciprocity for when you need to transfer a license to this state or out of state. If available, we provide other useful information such as cosmetology school hours requirements, how to apply for additional license for professions like manicurists, nail technicians, instructors etc. If you did not find the answer you were looking for on this page or if you have questions or issues pertaining to cosmetology, then we recommend you contact the Arkansas State Board of Cosmetology.

Arkansas Cosmetology License Verification

If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can call the Arkansas Board of Cosmetology at 501-682-2168 and requesting to see if their license is valid and if there are any disciplinary actions on record. The phone number is listed at the bottom of this page. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the person and or business providing your service.

How to Renew Cosmetology License

You can renew your license online or mail your renewal and the correct fee to their office. You may also visit their office during normal business hours. If your license has expired more than 30 days, you will not be allowed to renew online. You will need to mail your license renewal and payment to their office. The mailing address is:

4815 West Markham, Slot 8
Little Rock, AR 72205

If you have not received your license within 10-14 days of submitting your application, then please contact them at cosmo@arkansas.gov or you can call them at 501-682-2168. If your license has expired, then you have up to 5 years to renew from the expiration date. Remember, you may not work with an expired license. If you work with an expired license, you may receive a violation by the Cosmetology Inspector. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must apply for the examination.

How to Replace Lost or Stolen License

You can obtain a duplicate license by mailing a check or money order for $25 to their office along with a copy of your Driver's License and a letter stating your license has been lost or destroyed.

If you are moving out of state and need to transfer your license to the state you are moving to, then please contact the state which you are moving to for that state's requirements. Additionally, you will need to complete a Certification of Record application, online or by mail. The fee is $50.

Opening a New Establishment

You can either download the New Establishment form to fill it out and submit, or you can apply using their online system. If you already own a salon but are moving to a new location, then you will need to submit an Establishment Relocation Application and pay the required fee.

How to Change Address on License

The Cosmetology Section requires that all changes in status of a licensee (e.g. change in address, P.O. Box number, change in name through marriage, divorce, or formal legal procedures, etc.) be provided to the Section's office as soon as possible following the change in status. Notification is required since the change in status may affect a licensee's ability to receive official correspondence from the Section.

In the case of a change of address you may notify the Section by phone, fax, email or regular mail at the addresses and numbers listed below. If you own a salon and you plan to relocate your salon then you must contact the Section's office and request an Establishment Relocation Application. The application form and the required fee must be submitted to the Section's office before you may open your salon at the new location.

If the change of status involves a change in your name then you must submit a copy of a legal document to the Section's office before the name on your record will be changed. A copy of one of the following documents is required:

  • Marriage license
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

A driver's license, social security card, etc., will not be accepted as proof that your name has been legally changed. A fee is not charged to change the name on your records. However, if you want your license to reflect the change in your name then you must submit the required documentation at the time you renew your license or if you hold a current license you must submit the required documentation and a $25 fee for a duplicate license.

4815 W. Markham St. Slot 8
Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-682-2168
Fax: 501-682-5640

How to Apply For the Practical and Written Examination

You can contact an Arkansas Cosmetology School to apply for the practical examination. You will need to complete an examination application for the written examination. To find out what materials are available to study for the exam check out the Candidate Information Bulletin (CIB) for each examination here. If you passed both the written and the practical exam, then the Cosmetology Section will mail your license to you within 7-10 days of receipt of your passing score(s). If you need to schedule an exam, then you can contact PSI at 800-733-9267.

Arkansas Reciprocity Requirements

In order to reciprocate into the cosmetology industry in Arkansas, the following general requirements must be met:

  • The applicant must be at least 18 years of age for Cosmetology, Manicure, or Aesthetics; the applicant must be 21 years of age for Instructor or Electrology
  • The applicant must have passed both a written and practical national or Department-approved examination
  • The applicant must have a current, valid license issued under the laws of another state
  • Pass an Arkansas state law exam
  • The scope of practice for which the applicant is licensed in another state must be equal to or greater than the particular class of license that the applicant is applying for in the State of Arkansas. To be licensed in this state in one of the occupations listed below, the scope of practice for which the applicant is licensed in another state must include the following:
    • Cosmetologist - hairdressing, manicuring, nail extensions, aesthetics
    • Manicurist - manicure, pedicure, nail extensions
    • Aesthetics - skin care, facials, cosmetic applications
    • Instructor - certified to teach within the cosmetology industry
    • Electrology - permanent hair removal by an electric needle or any other kind of device designed to permanently remove hair
Arkansas Reciprocity Process

An applicant must complete the following process to be eligible for an Arkansas license through reciprocity:

  • Contact the State Board in which you are currently licensed and request that they send your license certification to our office. The address to send it is located at the top of the previous page
  • Complete the Reciprocity Form (this form) and submit it to our office, along with the following:
    • A copy of your current out-of-state license
    • A copy of your social security card
    • A copy of your driver's license or other government issued photo-identification license
    • A check or money order for the $150 reciprocity fee. (Fee is non-refundable)

When the Cosmetology Section receives all information listed above, a determination will be made concerning the examination(s) you will be required to pass in order to become licensed in this state. At that time, a letter will be sent informing you how to schedule for your practical examination and/or how to contact PSI to schedule the written or State Law examination.

  • If you have passed a written and practical national or Department-approved examination, then you will only be required to pass an Arkansas state law exam
  • If you have not passed a written and practical national or Department-approved examination, then you will be required to pass the written, practical and state law examinations in Arkansas

Arkansas License Reciprocity Requirements For Hours

Any person who is transferring hours from another state and does not hold a current license in another state is required to pass a written and practical examination to qualify for a license in this State. Below are the examination requirements:

  • Complete an Arkansas Reciprocity Application
  • Proof of Training. Submit an affidavit certifying that you have completed the minimum number of clock-hours in one of the prescribed courses of study listed below. The affidavit must be completed and signed by an Official of the licensing entity that has jurisdiction over the practice of Cosmetology in said state. Either the licensing entity seal or notary public seal must be affixed to said document. 1500 hours for cosmetologist, 600 hours for electrologist, 600 hours for manicurist, 600 hours for aesthetician, a breakdown of the curriculum requirements for said course. A diploma issued from the training institute where applicant completed the course of study
  • A legible copy of applicant's Social Security Card
  • High school credit of not less than two years (10th grade) or its equivalent for cosmetologists, aestheticians or manicurists and four years (12th grade) or its equivalent for electrologist
  • Photostatic copy of photo ID (must be legible)
  • Reciprocity fee of $150

When the Cosmetology Section receives all information listed above and your paperwork has been approved, you will need to contact an Arkansas Cosmetology School to schedule your practical examination. A list of schools can be found here. The written examination is administered by PSI and you will need to schedule with PSI. You will receive an approval letter before you can schedule any examination. The $150 fee is non-refundable and does not include any examination fees.

PSI/Lasergrade
Central Registration Office
Toll-Free: 1-800-733-9267
Website: www.psiexams.com