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

Missouri Cosmetology License Verification

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

Change of Address Request

If you need to change your home or mailing address, please click here to fill out the online form.

Online Missouri License Renewal

To renew your license, you will need to use your Online PIN and License Number that was provided on the postcard. To get started click here.

Processing Fee

Along with the renewal fee, any person renewing online must pay a vendor processing fee which is a percentage determined by the renewal fee. Remember if you do not wish to pay this processing fee, you can renew by mail with a check or money order utilizing the renewal forms sent to you. Not all professions are currently participating in the Online License Renewal system. There is no set time line for when other boards will participate. There is no need to contact your board. They will advise their licensees before participating.

What is my PIN number?

Your PIN number is used to ensure secure access to your records within this system. This can be found on your license renewal form. Please keep this information in a safe location.

Why is there an additional fee for renewing my license online?

This is the fee charged by the vendor who processes your payments. The additional fee is not collected or used by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration. Instead the fee is paid directly to the vendor and covers expenses such as the security needed for the transaction and transfer of funds, verification that a credit card or bank account is valid, and reporting successful transactions.

How much is the additional fee for renewing my license online?

The vendor processing fee is a percentage determined by your renewal fee:

Renewal Fee Fee Calculation
$.01 - $50 $1.25
$50.01 - $70 $1.75
$70.01 - $100 $2.15
$100.01 - or more 2.15% (of renewal fee)

Mississippi Reciprocity for Cosmetologist, Barber and or Instructor

Applicants who hold a current license in another state, territory of the US, or the District of Columbia which has requirements which are substantially equal to those in force in the state of missouri or who has practiced cosmetology for at least two consecutive years in another state, territory of the US, or the District of Columbia may obtain a missouri cosmetology license through reciprocity if the following requirements are met:

  • Applicants must submit an affidavit completed by the state licensing agency verifying the type of license held by the applicant and that the license is current and in good standing
  • If applying by experience the applicant will need to complete the work experience section of this application
  • Applicant must attach two color passport type photographs, which have been taken within the last two years
  • A completed medical examination form by a physician (Barber only)
  • The reciprocity fee is $100 for operators and instructors. please make payment payable to the board of cosmetology and barber examiners
  • State law test must be completed and returned to the board office with a passing grade of 75%
  • Proof of age, birth certificate or driver's license
  • The applicant is not under disciplinary action by another board of cosmetology
  • The board reserves the right to deny licensure to any applicant based on the grounds set forth in section 329.140, rsmo. 328.150, rsmo.

Click here to download the application form, fill it out and mail it back to:

Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
PO Box 1062
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 866-762-9432 or 573-751-1052

Missouri Reinstatement Application for Cosmetology

You will need to download a copy of the Reinstatement Application form. Once you have done that, follow the instructions listed below or in the application:

Instructions for operators:

  • Complete all parts of the application
  • Enclose reinstatement fee for active license of $45 or inactive license of $42.50
  • Any person who has allowed his/her license to expire for a period of more than two years must take the practical portion of the examination in order to reinstate that license

Instructions for instructors:

  • Complete all parts of the application
  • Enclose the fee of $45
  • Must submit proof of attending a board approved instructor training seminar within the last two years

Instructions for all applicants:

  • All licenses are issed for two year license period and expire September 30 of each off numbered year
  • Attach a recent photograph (Taken within the last 5 years) to new license as soon as it is received. The license will not be valid until this photograph is attached

Return the completred application along with the fees to (Make checks or money orders payable):

Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-1052 or 866-762-9432

Apply For Missouri Cosmetology License

Must 17 be at least years of age and must have at least a 10th grade education or a GED certificate.


Missouri Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 1500 Hours (3000 Hours Apprenticeship)
Barber License 1000 Hours (2000 Hours Apprenticeship)
Esthetician License 750 Hours (1500 Hours Apprenticeship)
Nail Technician License 400 Hours (800 Hours Apprenticeship)
Permanent Makeup License 300 Hours Apprenticeship
Cosmetology Instructor License Cosmetology License + 600 Hours
Massage Therapist License 500 Hours

Request Name Change on License

If at any time during the license period the name of the establishment is changed, the original establishment license shall become void as to the prior name and the owners of the establishment shall submit a Name Change Application form to the board for an establishment license for the new name with the duplicate establishment fee ($10). The application must be made in writing and shall be accompanied by two forms of identification, a duplicate license fee and, if applicable, the establishment license currently in the license holder's possession.

  • The board shall be notified immediately in writing by the license holder(s) of an establihsment name change
  • No barber or cosmetology services shall be performed or offered to be performed under the new name until the establishment is issued a license by the board for the new name