The Idaho Board Of Cosmetology is in charge of enforcing laws and regulations through inspections, investigation into complaints submitted by consumers and conducts hearings, imposes penalties and enforces actions when they deem necessary. Through education and the enforcement of the cosmetology laws in ID, the state board ensures the safety, welfare and public health by regulating the salons, schools and individuals who practice cosmetology. The list of the board members who are part of the Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services are listed below:

State Board Members

Member Location
Debra J Thompson (Chair) Post Falls
Geneal Thompson Ketchum
K Ryan Nave Eagle
Lindy High Boise
Merrilyn Cleland Meridian
Thomas E Grimsman Twin Falls
Wendy S Rucker Ponderay

They also issue licenses for to individuals who qualify for reciprocity or through the state boards administration of a written and practical examination to schools and salons. To find out how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one or find out how many hours for cosmetology license in Idaho, check out the Idaho Cosmetology License page for additional information. The list of categories the state board issues licenses for are below:

  • Available License Categories
  • Haircutter
  • Barber
  • Cosmetology
  • Nail Technician
  • Electrologist
  • Esthetician

If you need to obtain a cosmetology license, renew an existing one, or want to open up a salon or go to school, then in most cases there are fees involved. We list all available fees for this state below. We recommend to call the Idaho State Board Of Cosmetology if you cannot find the fee information you are looking for below, or if you need to know how to pay your fees and what type of payments they accept.

Barber Fee
LIC/Renewal (Curr Year) $25
Reinstatement Penalty (Curr Year) $35
Duplicate License Fee $10
Certification Fee $10
Barber and Barber Stylist Applicants fee
Original License Fee $25
Endorsement Fee $35
Barber College Fee
Application Fee $300
LIC/Renewal (Curr Year) $85
Reinstatement Penalty (Curr Year) $35
Duplicate License Fee $10
Certification Fee $10
Barber Establishment Applicant Fee
Original License Fee $20
Barber Instructor Fee
Original License Fee $30
Endorsement Fee $35
LIC/Renewal (Curr Year) $30
Reinstatement Penalty (Curr Year) $35
Duplicate License Fee $10
Certification Fee $10
Barber Stylist Fee
LIC/Renewal (Curr Year) $25
Reinstatement Penalty (Curr Year) $35
Duplicate License Fee $10
Certification Fee $10
Barber Stylist Instructor Fee
Original License Fee $30
Endorsement Fee $35
LIC/Renewal (Curr Year) $30
Reinstatement Penalty (Curr Year) 35
Duplicate License Fee $10
Certification Fee $10
For the full Fee Schedule, click here

Idaho Cosmetology License Lookup

If you are planning to setup an appointment with a local salon, it is recommended that you first verify the professional or business license. You can do that online for the state of Idaho by visiting secure.ibol.idaho.gov. From there you can search for the person or business and see if there are any disciplinary actions on record. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the person and or business providing your service.

Filing a Complaint

Part of the duties of the Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services is receiving and investigating consumer complaints involving unlawful acts which may include:

  • False advertisement
  • Violations of health
  • Deceptive statements
  • Sanitation regulations
  • Unlicensed person
  • Malpractice or incompetence

If you feel like you have experienced one of these issues listed above, or have information about a specific incident, then you would need to submit your complaint. If you have issues or questions about the complaint process outlined below, then it is recommended you contact the state board for assistance.

The Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses (IBOL) provides all of the investigative and inspection duties required of the boards under contract with IBOL. Please mail your complaint to the IBOL office at the address shown on the complaint form or fax it to 208-334-3406.

You are also able to submit your complaint online, once you register to access this free online service. Specific information and documentation will help expedite the investigative process. Please be sure to include the following information with your complaint:

  • Your name, home address and phone number, work or other daytime phone number, and e-mail address if you have one
  • The name, address, phone number, and profession of the individual you are complaining about
  • The dates and sequence of events constituting your complaint
  • The names of any witnesses to your complaint, especially other licensed/registered individuals you may have seen who can provide information or give a second opinion
  • Any evidence such as written documents, contracts, or pictures (please do not submit original documents, copies are fine)
  • Any other information that you think would be of assistance to the investigation
  • Your signature on the complaint form

When your complaint is received by IBOL, it is reviewed to determine whether an investigation should be conducted. In order to proceed with an investigation, IBOL must determine whether:

  • Those involved are under the jurisdiction of the Board
  • The complaint related to the possible violations of the Board's laws or rules

In cases where the Board does not have jurisdiction, you will be notified and may be referred to other agencies or resources. If an investigation is appropriate, the complaint is assigned to one of IBOL's investigators and you will receive notification. Once the investigation process is complete, the entire file is reviewed to determine whether further action is warranted. Possible action by the Board includes:

  • Closing the file without action
  • Sending an advisory or educational letter
  • Negotiating a settlement through a consent agreement
  • Filing formal charges and scheduling an administrative hearing

Once the Board has entered a final decision in the case, the matter is closed and both the complainant and the respondent are notified. All formal disciplinary actions are a matter of public record and are available from IBOL for public inspection upon request.

Submitting Your Complaint

There are three ways to file a complaint.

  • You may download a complaint form, provide the requested information, print & sign the form, attach copies (Keep the original documents, only send copies) of any documents which relate to the problem, and mail it to the IBOL office address as shown on the complaint form. You will receive written acknowledgement of your complaint
  • If you prefer, you can now submit your complaint online, once you register to access this free online service
  • You may also request a complaint form by calling 208-334-3233 or by e-mailing the Investigative Unit at inv@ibol.idaho.gov
  • They must receive your completed and signed complaint form before they are able to take any action concerning your complaint

They depend a great deal on individuals who, like you, who are willing to provide them with information concerning possible violations of Idaho regulatory laws. They cannot, however, act as a private attorney for those bringing complaints to their attention. Their role in any action arising out of a complaint is to act on behalf of all the people of Idaho. Several additional options may be appropriate for you in addressing your particular complaint:

  • Your local Better Business Bureau may be able to assist you in mediating a dispute with a business
  • You may file an action in small claims court if the amount in controversy does not exceed $5,000
  • You may have a remedy available to you through a private lawsuit. If you do not have an attorney, you may contact the Idaho State Bar and request their referral service at the address listed below

Idaho State Bar
PO Box 895
Boise, Idaho 83701
208-334-4500

Here are some tips on preparing your complaint. Make a list of things you want to say. Try your best to separate your feelings from the facts. Present the events in the order of which they happened, use dates and times if possible. When submitting your complaint, please make sure to provide copies of documents, for example contracts, letters, advertisements, sakes slips, cancelled checks, warranties and any other documentation that can support your claim. Only provide copies, keep the original copies for your own record. Please remember, the complaint should describe the event or practice which misled you. If you can, please also state why the practice was misleading.

If you still have questions or issues about your complaint or about cosmetology, then use the contact information listed below. We provide the Idaho Board Of Cosmetology phone number, office address and how to access their departments website.

  • State Board Office Location
  • Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services
    700 West State Street
    Boise, ID 83702

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the Idaho State Board of Cosmetology phone number 208-334-3233. Their fax number is 208-334-3945.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the Idaho state board online by going to ibol.idaho.gov.