This page provides information for Iowa license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Iowa 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 Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

Iowa Cosmetology License Verification

If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can do so by visiting the Iowa 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.

Online Services

Iowa now has an online system at IBPLicense.iowa.gov that allows you to perform the following tasks:

  • Apply for initial licensure
  • Renew your license
  • Reactivate your license
  • Request a license verification
  • Change your address
  • Attach documents to your license
  • File a complaint
  • List of licensees

Iowa Cosmetologist License

The application and fee is $60. All application fees are nonrefundable. To apply, do one of the following:

Education or Experience Requirement:

  • Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the Board office from a board licensed cosmetology school verifying completion of 2,100 hours of education or
  • Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the Board office from the educational program showing completion of a course of study that meets the requirements of Iowa Administrative Code 645--61.14(157) or
  • Official verification of licensure verifying the applicant has held an active license in another state for at least 12 of the last 24 months directly preceding submission of the application. The license verification must include license issue date, expiration date and any pending or past disciplinary action. The verification may be printed from another state licensing board's website if it contains all of the required information. If web based verification is not available, the verification must be send directly to the Board office by the state(s) where the applicant has been licensed, registered, or certified. If the applicant has never been licensed in another state, ignore this item.

Examination Requirement: Passing score of 75% or higher on the NIC cosmetology exam.

  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school prior to January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing the state written and practical examination required by the state where the applicant was originally licensed
  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school after January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing a national theory examination

Iowa Electrologist License

The application and fee is $60. All application fees are nonrefundable. To apply, do one of the following:

Education or Experience Requirement:

  • Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the Board office from a board licensed cosmetology school verifying completion of 425 hours of education or
  • Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the Board office from the educational program showing completion of a course of study that meets the requirements of Iowa Administrative Code 645--61.14(157) or
  • Official verification of licensure verifying the applicant has held an active license in another state for at least 12 of the last 24 months directly preceding submission of the application. The license verification must include license issue date, expiration date and any pending or past disciplinary action. The verification may be printed from another state licensing board's website if it contains all of the required information. If web based verification is not available, the verification must be send directly to the Board office by the state(s) where the applicant has been licensed, registered, or certified. If the applicant has never been licensed in another state, ignore this item

Examination Requirement: Passing score of 75% or higher on the NIC electrology exam.

  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school prior to January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing the state written and practical examination required by the state where the applicant was originally licensed. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/she can be licensed in the state of Iowa
  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school after January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing a national theory examination. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/ she can be licensed in the state of Iowa

Iowa Esthetician License

The application and fee is $60. All application fees are nonrefundable. To apply, do one of the following:

Education or Experience Requirement:

  • Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the Board office from a board licensed cosmetology school verifying completion of 600 hours of education or
  • Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the Board office from the educational program showing completion of a course of study that meets the requirements of Iowa Administrative Code 645--61.14(157) or
  • Official verification of licensure verifying the applicant has held an active license in another state for at least 12 of the last 24 months directly preceding submission of the application. The license verification must include license issue date, expiration date and any pending or past disciplinary action. The verification may be printed from another state licensing board's website if it contains all of the required information. If web based verification is not available, the verification must be send directly to the Board office by the state(s) where the applicant has been licensed, registered, or certified. If the applicant has never been licensed in another state, ignore this item

Examination Requirement: Passing score of 75% or higher on the NIC esthetics exam.

  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school prior to January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing the state written and practical examination required by the state where the applicant was originally licensed. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/she can be licensed in the state of Iowa
  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school after January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing a national theory examination. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/she can be licensed in the state of Iowa

Iowa Nail Technician License

The application and fee is $60. All application fees are nonrefundable. To apply, do one of the following:

Education or Experience Requirement:

  • Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the Board office from a board licensed cosmetology school verifying completion of 325 hours of education or
  • Official transcript or diploma sent directly to the Board office from the educational program showing completion of a course of study that meets the requirements of Iowa Administrative Code 645--61.14(157) or
  • Official verification of licensure verifying the applicant has held an active license in another state for at least 12 of the last 24 months directly preceding submission of the application. License verification documentation must be sent directly to the Board office by any state where the applicant has been licensed, registered, or certified. The verification must include issue date, expiration date, and any pending/past disciplinary action. If the applicant has never been licensed in another state, ignore this item

Examination Requirement: Passing score of 75% or higher on the NIC nail technician exam.

  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school prior to January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing the state written and practical examination required by the state where the applicant was originally licensed. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/she can be licensed in the state of Iowa
  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school after January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing a national theory examination. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/she can be licensed in the state of Iowa.

Iowa Cosmetology Instructor License

The application and fee is $60. All application fees are nonrefundable. To apply, do one of the following:

License Requirement - Provide proof of one of the following:

  • A current Iowa license in the specific practice discipline to be taught or
  • A current Iowa license in cosmetology and demonstrated skill and knowledge required to instruct in the specific practice discipline to be taught

Instructor Training/ Active Practice Requirement - Provide proof of one of the following:

  • Completion of 1,000 hours of instructor training from a board-approved school or
  • Two years of active practice in the field of cosmetology within the 6 years directly preceding submission of the application

Advanced Instructor's Institute Training Requirement:

Provide proof of completion of a 16-hour advanced instructor's institute training approved by the board. Electrology instructor applicants must provide proof of 60 hours of practical application experience. Proof of experience must be documentation from an employer.

Examination/ Experience Requirement - One of the following:

1. Passing score of 75% or higher on the NIC instructor exam or #2 below

  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school prior to January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing the state written and practical examination required by the state where the applicant was originally licensed. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/ she can be licensed in the state of Iowa
  • Applicants that have been previously licensed in another state and graduated from a cosmetology school after January 1, 2000, must provide proof of passing a national theory examination. Board staff will determine whether the previous exam meets Iowa requirements. If it does not, the applicant will be required to take the NIC exam before he/ she can be licensed in the state of Iowa

2. Official verification of licensure verifying the applicant has held an active instructor's license in another state for at least 12 of the last 24 months directly preceding submission of the application. The license verification must include license issue date, expiration date and any pending or past disciplinary action. The verification may be printed from another state licensing board's website if it contains all of the required information. If web based verification is not available, the verification must be send directly to the Board office by the state(s) where the applicant has been licensed, registered, or certified. If the applicant has never been licensed in another state, ignore this item.

Iowa Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 2100 Hours
Barber License Coming Soon - Barbering Board Handles This
Esthetician License 600 Hours
Nail Technician License 325 Hours
Electrologist License 400 Hours
Cosmetology Instructor License Cosmetology License + 1000 Hours Instructor Training Or 2 Years Work Experience In Last 6 Years
Massage Therapist License 500 Hours

Iowa Cosmetology Temporary Permit

The application and fee is $42 for the first day + $12 each additional day not to exceed 10 days total. All application fees are nonrefundable. To apply, do one of the following:

Please Note:

  • No more than four permits can be issued to the same applicant each year. In addition, at not-for-profit events, individuals providing services must hold a current cosmetology license
  • The permit application must be submitted at least 30 days before the event start date

Iowa Cosmetology Salon License

The application and fee is $84. All application fees are nonrefundable. To apply, do one of the following:

Please Note: The application must be submitted at least 30 days before anticipated salon opening date.

Iowa Cosmetology School License

The application and fee is $600. All application fees are nonrefundable. To apply, do one of the following:

  • Create an account, apply and pay online or
  • Request a paper application by calling the Board office at 515-281-0254. Return the completed application with a check or money order payable to the Iowa Board of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences

The application must include the following information:

  • Complete plan of the physical facilities and an explanation detailing how the facilities will be used, including classrooms, clinic space and a mentoring program
  • List of the names of licensed instructors for the school (a minimum of 2 licensed instructors must be employed before the school license can be issued)
  • Copies of the catalog, brochure, enrollment contract, student policies, and cancellation and refund policies that will be used by the school
  • A copy of the school's course of study, which shall meet the requirements outlined in Iowa Administrative Code 645—61.14

Please Note: The application must be submitted at least 90 days before anticipated school opening date.

Iowa License Name Change Request

A licensee shall notify the board of a name change within 30 days of the change. Please keep in mind this is public information. Please print, complete, and return the Application for Name Change. Include a copy of the legal document that changed your name. (Examples include a court order, marriage certificate, or dissolution of marriage decree.) Return both documents by mail to, fax or email:

Bureau of Professional Licensure
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
By fax: 515-281- 3121
By email: PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov

A name change request can take between 24-72 hours to complete. Please do not request documents from the office until the name change is complete. You can verify the change has occurred by accessing the online services page located at https://IBPLicense.iowa.gov/.

If you would like to receive a new licensure card and/or license certificate due to the name change, the $20 fee for each document is required. This can be done by accessing the online services page located at https://IBPLicense.iowa.gov/.

Establishments can change the name of their establishment only as long as the ownership and/or location has not changed. If an establishment has an ownership and/or address change, a new license application is required.

Iowa License Address Change Request

A licensee shall notify the board of an address change within 30 days of the change. For immediate address changes update your profile by accessing the online services page located at https://IBPLicense.iowa.gov/ or you may complete the fillable form below. Allow 24-72 hours processing time if completing the online request form.

Iowa License Renewal Process

You can renew your license(s) up to 60 days before your current license expires. For personal license(s) you may begin the renewal process on January 31 the year the license expires. Look at your current wallet card for the expiration date. For salon license(s) you may begin the renewal process on November 2 of even numbered years. School License(s) you may begin the renewal process on May 2 annually.

Renewal notifications will be emailed to your email address on file with the board at 60, 50, 40 and 30 days prior to the license expiration date. If you have not renewed your license 20 days prior to the license expiration date, a postcard will be mailed to your mailing address on file. Renew your license early to avoid a late fee or lapse in licensure. All continuing education requirements must be completed prior to license renewal.

To expedite the processing of your license renewal, you can take advantage of their online renewal application. Online license renewal is fast, safe and convenient.

  • Log in to your online account
  • Enter your account ID. You must use the account ID provided to you in the email notifications and on the postcard
  • Enter your password. If you forgot your password, click on the Forgot Password link located at the top of the sign in page
  • On the My Profile page: update any old information, select [Submit]. Ensure your profile has your current email and mailing address at all times
  • On the My Profile Update page select [Confirm] and Go to My Licenses
  • At the bottom left on My Licenses page select [Renew]
  • Answer all renewal questions
  • Pay the bill now using MasterCard, VISA, Discover credit or debit card
Salon Establishment Rules

Please refer to board rules for the process to renew a salon establishment license.

Duplicate Certificate or Wallet Card

You can request a duplicate license and/or wallet card by accessing the Board's online services webpage. Use your @iowaID account and password to sign in. If you forgot your password, click on Forgot Password link located at the top of the Sign In page. Once logged in to your account, click on the [Online Services] link located at the bottom left of the My Licenses page. Select the Online Service of either Request Certificate or Request Wallet Card. Provide Reason for Request. Do not upload any attachments on the following screen. Complete the process by following the prompts on the screen. Once payment has been made, the document(s) will be mailed the following business day. The fee is $20 per request. Or download and complete the Application for Duplicate License and mail it along with the correct fee.

Licensure in other States

You will need to contact the board in that state and find out the requirements. Iowa's verification fee for verifying your license to another state is $20. Include a money order or cashier's check for that amount along with your written request. Make check payable to your specific board (e.g., Iowa Board of Athletic Training).