This page provides information for Idaho license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Idaho 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 Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services.

Idaho Cosmetology License Verification

If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can do so by visiting the Idaho Board of Cosmetology license verification website. 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.

Idaho Licensure Application Process

Idaho law requires the licensure of all persons who practice or offer to practice barbering, barber styling, cosmetology, nail technology, hair cutting, esthetics, or electrology in the State of Idaho. In order to obtain a license, an applicant must:

  • Document completion of the tenth grade
  • Be at least sixteen and one-half years of age
  • Document completion of required hours
  • Have graduated from an approved school
  • Pass the NIC theory and practical examination

The holder of a current license in another state may also be eligible for licensure. Licensure may be gained through Endorsement if an applicant either:

  • Holds a current license from another state whose standards are not less than Idaho standards or
  • Holds a current license from another state and has met work experience requirements

If you do not meet the equal standards or experience requirement, additional training and examination will be required. An applicant must show proof of training equivalent to the Idaho requirements and pass the examination(s). Applicants who do not meet the equivalent training requirement, must graduate from a licensed Idaho school of barbering or cosmetology. Licenses for Instructors are also available.

All applicants must complete and submit an application with the required documentation and appropriate fees. You may download Application Forms here or request an application by writing:

Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensure Board
Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses
700 West State Street, Boise ID 83702
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0063

Please provide your name, and mailing address or e-mail address with your request.

Idaho Shop Licensure Process

Idaho law requires the licensure of all establishments and schools. There are specific licensure requirements for establishments that must be complied with in order to license a shop or other establishment. Please review the appropriate laws & rules for establishment licensure and the application instructions before submitting an application.

All applicants must complete and submit an application together with any other required documentation and appropriate fees. Contiguous licenses are issued to the specific primary shop. Licenses are not transferable from one primary shop location to another. Any change in primary shop requires the submission of a new application. You may download Application Forms here or request an application by writing:

Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensure Board
Bureau of Occupational Licenses
700 West State Street, PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0063

Please provide your name, and mailing address or e-mail address with your request.

Idaho License Renewal

Applications to renew your license must be made before your expiration date each year in order for your license to remain valid. License renewal applications are mailed approximately six weeks before the license expiration date. This renewal notice is sent to your mailing address on record. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you may contact the Bureau to confirm your address and have a duplicate notice sent to you.

When submitting your renewal application to the Bureau office, you must include responses to all questions, your signature, and payment of the appropriate fee(s) before the expiration of your license. If you fail to renew your license before its expiration date a reinstatement fee will be required by Idaho Code 67-2614 and cannot be waived. In addition, you may be required to submit continuing education or other required documentation prior to the reinstatement of your license.

If you are on active duty in the US Armed Forces, your license will remain active without renewing it for six months following your discharge from active duty. Please contact the Bureau 208-334-3233 or bcb@ibol.idaho.gov to provide the materials to document your active military status before your renewal date. The most efficient way to submit your renewal application and payment of fees is through the online renewal system. There are no additional fees for this service. Continuing education is not required to maintain a barber or cosmetology license in Idaho.

Idaho License Name and or Address Change Requests

The individual name that appears on your license/registration must be your legal name. If it is not, you need to update your record by filling out a Name/Address Change Affidavit and submitting it with the proper documentation (ie. A marriage license, divorce decree, or court document noting name change) to the Bureau.

You cannot change the name of your business or the legal structure of your business with this form. Changes to the name of your business or the legal structure of your business may require you to reapply. Please contact the Bureau prior to the expiration date of your license/registration if you have changed the name or structure of your business.

Address Change Request

Every record at the Bureau contains two addresses:

  • Address of Record: This is the address that appears on your license/registration and is your business/public record address. You must have an address of record on file. If you do not provide an address of record, your mailing address will be used as the address of record
  • Mailing Address: This is the address used by the Board and Bureau staff to send correspondence to you. This address is not a public record unless you do not provide a public record address

If you have moved or changed either your Address of Record or your Mailing Address, you should notify the Bureau as soon as possible by filling out the Name/Address Change Affidavit and submitting it to the Bureau or by updating the information online.

Changes to the physical location address for Cosmetology and Barber Establishments, Crematories, Funeral Establishments, Cosmetology and Barber Schools, Driving Businesses and Liquefied Petroleum Gas Facilities require a new license application. The actual location address cannot be changed online or with the form on this page.

Phone Number/Email Address

The Bureau also maintains business phone numbers and e-mail addresses for those who wish to provide them. The business phone number you provide will be part of your public record. The e-mail address you provide will be used by the Board and Bureau staff to send correspondence to you. Your e-mail address is not a public record. There is no fee required to update any of the contact information in your Bureau record.

Updating the License

You will not receive a license/registration bearing the updated information until the next renewal period unless:

  • The updated information is received with your renewal application or
  • You submit the Lost, Destroyed or Invalid License/Registration Application form along with the required fee

Lost, Destroyed or Invalid License/Registration

The license/registration issued to you by the Bureau is public proof that you are entitled to pursue certain activities regulated by Idaho Law. If your license/registration becomes lost or destroyed, you may obtain a replacement from the Bureau. If you did not receive your license/registration after making application for renewal, you must apply for a replacement. A replacement may also be requested if you have changed your name or address and wish to receive a license/registration bearing the updated information.

There is a fee, required by Idaho law, to obtain a replacement. If you believe the fee should be waived, you may attach a written explanation of why you believe the fee should be waived, together with the application and the fee. You may complete the Application for Duplicate License form online, print it out and sign it (your signature must be notarized), and send it with the required fee to the Bureau. Note, however, that your application will not be processed unless the fee is received with the application. A replacement card will be sent to the mailing address.