This page provides information for Montana license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Montana 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 Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.

Montana Cosmetology License Verification

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

Montana License Renewal Process

You can renew the following licenses through their online system: Active Barbers, Cosmetologists, Electrologists, Manicurists, Estheticians, Barbershops, Booth Renters, and Salons.

  • Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses, Annual Renewal for Schools
  • Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
  • Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
  • Annual Renewal for Barbershops, Booths and Salons
  • Regular renewal dates: (Booths/Salons): May 1 - July 1
  • Late Renew Online for 45 days until Aug. 14

Montana Barber License

For Trber License, click here for the online application.

Application Fee

Application Fee: $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)

Barber Licensure by Examination:

For the application form, click here. For the Barber application by Exam checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by examination must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by examination, the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of graduation from an approved school or course of barbering with at least 1,100 hours of training or
  • If a Montana-licensed cosmetologist, completion of a supplemental barbering course
  • Proof of high school diploma or its equivalent and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) barber exam at 75% proficiency or higher

Students are eligible to take the national exam upon completion of 90 percent of their curriculum and prior to graduating per board rule 24.121.805(15) School Operating Standards. Schools will verify student school hours to insure eligibility for taking the national exam and will issue the eligibility to test letter for the exam. A person may submit a license application when the person is no more than 90 days from completing the requisite course of study given the person's current and expected rate of progression, however a license will not be issued until all requirements for licensure are met.

Applicants by examination who have never been licensed and who completed their professional education out of state must meet the same requirements as an applicant from Montana.

Barber Licensure by Credentialing with an Out-of-State License

For the application form, click here. For Barber by credentialing application checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by credentialing must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by credentialing the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of current unencumbered barber license in another state
  • License verification from each state or jurisdiction the applicant has been licensed in, whether the license is current or not and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) barber exam at 75% proficiency or higher. If you have taken and passed the NIC exam in your state, you must submit proof of passage with your application. Otherwise, you will be required to take both the written and practical NIC examinations. Individual state board examinations are not acceptable. Please do not schedule your examinations without first obtaining prior approval from the Board
  • The applicant must possess a license type in good standing that includes scope of training and practice in haircutting with proper uses of tools (e.g., shears, razor, clippers, and thinning shears); shampooing and scalp treatments; hairstyling, including weaves, braiding, and extensions; wet setting, blow drying, curling, and flat ironing; and the arranging of dry hair; hair coloring, hair lightening, waving, and relaxing; facial shaving with straight razor; and skin care and
  • Either have completed a course of training of at least 1,100 hours in a school or attest to 1,250 hours of work experience as a licensed barber
Renewal Period: Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses
  • Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
  • Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
Renewal Fee
  • $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Other Special License Requirements

Must be at least 18 years or older and provide proof, such as a birth certificate or driver's license.

Montana Instructors

To apply for the Instructor License using the online application please click here.

Application Fee
  • Active License $95 Inactive License $85 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Instructor Application Requirements

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Instructor application checklist click here. In addition to a complete application, an applicant for an instructor license shall submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of high school diploma or its equivalent as provided in ARM 24.121.610
  • Proof of passage of the NIC instructor exam at 75% proficiency or higher and
  • either:
    • An attestation of having been employed and working for at least 1500 hours, in the particular area of practice that they will teach, during any one-year period prior to applying and a diploma evidencing completion of the 650-hour student teacher-training course required by 37-31-305, MCA or
    • An attestation of having been employed and working for at least 1500 hours per year, in the particular area of practice that they will teach, for any three years prior to applying (a total of at least 4500 hours). An applicant granted a license based on this subsection may not renew the license for any period beyond two years after initial licensure, nor be granted a second license under this subsection, unless the applicant completes the board-approved coursework related to teaching methodology set forth in ARM 24.121.1105

The teacher-training course shall consist of 650 hours and include the following:

Teaching methods - 245 hours including:

  • Task analysis
  • Developing instructional objectives
  • Visual aids and their construction
  • Motivational tools
  • Preparation of instructive materials
  • Lesson planning including:
    • Practical theory classes and
  • Practical demonstration classes
  • Fundamentals of speech and public speaking
  • Methods of test construction
  • Methods of evaluation or grading and
  • Curriculum planning and development

General psychology - 75 hours including:

  • General principles in relation to teaching and counseling
  • Conflict resolution
  • Student counseling
  • Student and teacher relationships and
  • Public relations

Business methods - 115 hours including:

  • Recruitment
  • Job analysis
  • Student registration, withdrawal, and hours (tracking, completing, calculating, and verifying)
  • Ethical employee and employer relationship
  • Salon/booth rental relationship
  • Professional ethics and
  • Current state board laws and rules

Advanced theory of cosmetology, esthetics, manicuring, barbering, or electrology, and the chemistry, safety, sanitation, bacteriology, physiology, anatomy, and diseases and disorders that apply to each course - 75 hours and 140 hours of instruction shall be at the discretion of the school.

The board-approved coursework related to teaching methodology shall consist of 135 hours and include the following:

  • Teaching methods 6 credits or 90 hours
  • Task analysis
  • Developing instructional objectives
  • Visual aids and their construction
  • Motivational tools
  • Preparation of instructive materials
  • Lesson planning
  • Fundamentals of speech and public speaking
  • Methods of test construction
  • Methods of evaluation or grading and
  • Curriculum planning and development

Educational psychology three credits or 45 hours. Coursework may be completed through:

  • Classes acceptable to a state's board of regents or equivalent authority and approved through that state's university system
  • Self‐study to be observed and documented by the administrator of the school employing the instructor or
  • Class studies pre‐approved by the board

Prior to renewal of the instructor license, documentation of completed coursework must be submitted to the board for board approval on this form. Coursework completed prior to instructor licensure may be used to satisfy the requirements of this subsection.

Examination Information

Pass the Montana Board approved Instructor exam at 75% proficiency or higher. Instructor applicants applying for a license under 37-31-305(2)(d)(ii), MCA, are required to submit an application and provide an affidavit of three years of experience in a particular area of practice to the board office in order to receive a testing eligibility letter. Montana-enrolled students or graduates of a Montana-licensed school under this chapter will receive their testing eligibility letter from the school. Once the applicant has taken and passed the examination the applicant shall notify the board office. The board office will verify the examination scores directly with the vendor.

  • Renewal Period:Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses
  • Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
  • Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
Renewal Fee
  • Active License - $95 Inactive License - $85 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Continuing Education Requirements

30 hours per renewal period to maintain active status licensure.

Other Special Licensing Requirements

Applicants must have a current Montana license in good standing, issued by the Department, in the field in which they intend to teach. Must have been actively and continuously engaged in the licensed practice in the particular area of practice which the person intends to teach for at least 1 year prior to taking the examination.

Applicants must submit to the Board office documented proof, such as employer/contractor affidavits and proof of income, i.e., W-2 or 1099 forms, verifying one year of continuous full-time practice immediately prior to taking the teacher examination.

Montana Cosmetologist

To apply for the Cosmetologist License using the online application please click here.

Cosmetology Licensure by Examination

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Cosmetologist application by Exam checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by examination must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by examination, the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of graduation from an approved school or course of cosmetology with at least 1,500 hours of training;
    proof of high school diploma or its equivalent and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) cosmetology exam at 75% proficiency or higher
  • Students are eligible to take the national exam upon completion of 90 percent of their curriculum and prior to graduating per board rule 24.121.805(15) School Operating Standards. Schools will verify student school hours to insure eligibility for taking the national exam and will issue the eligibility to test letter for the exam. A person may submit a license application when the person is no more than 90 days from completing the requisite course of study given the person's current and expected rate of progression, however a license will not be issued until all requirements for licensure are met

Applicants by examination who have never been licensed and who completed their professional education out of state must meet the same requirements as an applicant from Montana.

Cosmetology Licensure by Credentialing with an Out-of-State License

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Cosmetologist by credentialing application checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by credentialing must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by credentialing the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of current unencumbered cosmetology license in another state
  • License verification from each state or jurisdiction the applicant has been licensed in, whether the license is current or not and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) cosmetology exam at 75% proficiency or higher. If you have taken and passed the NIC exam in your state, you must submit proof of passage with your application. Otherwise, you will be required to take both the written and practical NIC examinations. Individual state board examinations are not acceptable. Please do not schedule your examinations without first obtaining prior approval from the Board.
  • The applicant must possess either:
    • A license type in good standing that includes scope of training and practice in manicuring and pedicuring, including massage and polishing, nail art, and use of an electric nail file; application and removal of artificial nails, gels, tips, and wraps; skin care, skin exfoliation, facials, makeup application, epilation, electricity and light therapies, and application of artificial lashes; hair coloring, hair lightening, waving, and relaxing; shampoo and scalp treatments; hairstyling, including weaves, braiding, and extensions; wet setting, blow drying, curling and flat ironing, and the arranging of dry hair; and haircutting with proper uses of tools (e.g., shears, razor, clippers, and thinning shears) and
    • Either have completed a course of training of at least 1,500 hours in a school or attest to 1,500 hours of work experience as a licensed cosmetologist or
    • A combination of licensure in good standing that includes scopes of training and practice equal to:
      I. hair coloring, hair lightening, waving, and relaxing; shampoo and scalp treatments; hairstyling, including weaves, braiding, and extensions; wet setting, blow drying, curling and flat ironing, and the arranging of dry hair and have completed a course of training equal to or exceeding 900 hours in a school
  • Manicuring; pedicuring; and applying and removing artificial nails, gels, tips, and wraps and use of an electric nail file and have completed a course of training equal to or exceeding 200 hours in a school and
  • Skin care; skin exfoliation, facials, and makeup application; epilation; electricity and light therapies; and application of artificial lashes and have completed a course of training equal to or exceeding 400 hours in a school
  • Renewal Period:Can Renew Online- Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses
  • Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
  • Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
Renewal Fee
  • $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Other Special License Requirements

Must be at least 18 years or older and provide proof, such as a birth certificate or driver's license.

Montana Electrologist

To apply for the Electrologist License using the online application please click here.

Application Fee:
  • License Fee: $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)

Electrologist Licensure by Examination

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Electrologist application by Exam checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by examination must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by examination, the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of graduation from an approved school or course of electrology with at least 600 hours of training;
    proof of high school diploma or its equivalent and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) electrology exam at 75% proficiency or higher
  • Students are eligible to take the national exam upon completion of 90 percent of their curriculum and prior to graduating per board rule 24.121.805(15) School Operating Standards. Schools will verify student school hours to insure eligibility for taking the national exam and will issue the eligibility to test letter for the exam. A person may submit a license application when the person is no more than 90 days from completing the requisite course of study given the person's current and expected rate of progression, however a license will not be issued until all requirements for licensure are met

Applicants by examination who have never been licensed and who completed their professional education out of state must meet the same requirements as an applicant from Montana.

Electrologist Licensure by Credentialing with an Out-of-State License

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Electrologist by Credentialing application checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by credentialing must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by credentialing the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of current unencumbered electrology license in another state
  • License verification from each state or jurisdiction the applicant has been licensed in, whether the license is current or not and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) electrology exam at 75% proficiency or higher. If you have taken and passed the NIC exam in your state, you must submit proof of passage with your application. Otherwise, you will be required to take both the written and practical NIC examinations. Individual state board examinations are not acceptable. Please do not schedule your examinations without first obtaining prior approval from the Board.
    the applicant must possess a license type in good standing that includes the scope of training and practice in electrolysis; thermolysis; the blend; electricity, chemistry, and light therapy; and epilation and either have completed at least 450 hours of electrology training in a school or attest to at least 750 hours of work experience as a licensed electrologist
  • Renewal Period:Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses
  • Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
  • Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
Renewal Fee:
  • $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Other Special License Requirements

Must be at least 18 years or older and provide proof, such as a birth certificate or driver's license.

Montana Esthetician

To apply for the Esthetician License using the online application please click here.

Application Fee
  • License Fee: $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)

Esthetician Licensure by Examination

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Esthetician by Exam application checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by examination must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by examination, the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of graduation from an approved school or course of esthetics with at least 650 hours of training;
    proof of high school diploma or its equivalent and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) esthetician exam at 75% proficiency or higher
  • Students are eligible to take the national exam upon completion of 90 percent of their curriculum and prior to graduating per board rule 24.121.805(15) School Operating Standards. Schools will verify student school hours to insure eligibility for taking the national exam and will issue the eligibility to test letter for the exam.
  • A person may submit a license application when the person is no more than 90 days from completing the requisite course of study given the person's current and expected rate of progression, however a license will not be issued until all requirements for licensure are met

Applicants by examination who have never been licensed and who completed their professional education out of state must meet the same requirements as an applicant from Montana.

Esthetician Licensure by Credentialing with an Out-of-State License

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Esthetician by Credentialing application checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by credentialing must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by credentialing the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of current unencumbered esthetician license in another state
  • License verification from each state or jurisdiction the applicant has been licensed in, whether the license is current or not and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) esthetician exam at 75% proficiency or higher. If you have taken and passed the NIC exam in your state, you must submit proof of passage with your application. Otherwise, you will be required to take both the written and practical NIC examinations. Individual state board examinations are not acceptable
  • Please do not schedule your examinations without first obtaining prior approval from the Board.
    the applicant must possess a license type in good standing that includes the scope of training and practice in skin care; skin exfoliation, facials, and makeup application; epilation; electricity and light therapies; and application of artificial lashes and either have completed at least 400 hours of esthetician training in a school or attest to at least 750 hours of work experience as a licensed esthetician
  • Renewal Period:Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses
  • Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
  • Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
Renewal Fee
  • $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Other Special License Requirements

Must be at least 18 years or older and provide proof, such as a birth certificate or driver's license.

Montana Manicurist

To apply for the Manicurist License using the online application please click here.

Application Fee
  • License Fee: $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)

Manicurist Licensure by Examination

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Manicurist by Exam application checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by examination must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by examination, the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of graduation from an approved school or course of manicuring with at least 400 hours of training;
    proof of high school diploma or its equivalent and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) manicurist exam at 75% proficiency or higher
  • Students are eligible to take the national exam upon completion of 90 percent of their curriculum and prior to graduating per board rule 24.121.805(15) School Operating Standards. Schools will verify student school hours to insure eligibility for taking the national exam and will issue the eligibility to test letter for the exam
  • A person may submit a license application when the person is no more than 90 days from completing the requisite course of study given the person's current and expected rate of progression, however a license will not be issued until all requirements for licensure are met

Applicants by examination who have never been licensed and who completed their professional education out of state must meet the same requirements as an applicant from Montana.

Manicurist Licensure by Credentialing with an Out-of-State License

To download a copy of the application form, click here. For the Manicurist by Credentialing application checklist click here. Applicants for licensure by credentialing must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by credentialing the applicant must submit the following documentation:

  • Proof of age
  • Proof of current unencumbered manicurist license in another state
  • License verification from each state or jurisdiction the applicant has been licensed in, whether the license is current or not and
  • Proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) manicurist exam at 75% proficiency or higher. If you have taken and passed the NIC exam in your state, you must submit proof of passage with your application. Otherwise, you will be required to take both the written and practical NIC examinations. Individual state board examinations are not acceptable. Please do not schedule your examinations without first obtaining prior approval from the Board
  • The applicant must possess a license type in good standing that includes the scope of training and practice in manicuring; pedicuring; and applying and removing artificial nails, gels, tips, and wraps and use of an electric nail file and either have completed at least 200 hours of manicuring training in a school or attest to at least 750 hours of work experience as a licensed manicurist
  • Renewal Period: Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses
  • Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
  • Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
Renewal Fee
  • $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Other Special License Requirements

Must be at least 18 years or older and provide proof, such as a birth certificate or driver's license.

Montana Salon/Shop

To apply for the Salon/Shop License using the online application please click here. The following outlines general salon/shop licensing information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the license application which includes a detailed listing of the requirements.

  • For the Salon application checklist click here
  • For the Barbershop application checklist click here
Application Fee (Both Fees Required; All Fees are Non-Refundable)
  • License $85 Inspection Fee $150

Renewal Period:Can Renew Online - Annual Renewal for Barbershops, Booths and Salons-Regular renewal dates: (Booths/Salons): May 1 - July 1

Renewal Fee
  • $85 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Relocation Fee (Both Fees Required; All Fees are Non-Refundable)

Any transfer of ownership or relocation of Salon/Shop requires the submittal of an application and associated fees. License $85 Inspection Fee $150.

Montana School or Course

To apply for the School or Course License using the online application please click here. The following outlines general school/course licensing information. For specific information on filing an application, you will need to obtain the license application which includes a detailed listing of the requirements.

  • For the School or Course application checklist click here
Application Fee
  • Initial School License $220, Inspection fee $200 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
Renewal Period
  • Annually – March 1st
Renewal Fee

$220 and proof of continuous annual renewal of the bond or other security in the form of a certificate of insurance. All Fees are Non-Refundable.

Other Special License Requirements

School applicants shall present a bond or other security in the amount of $5,000 per course to be used only to provide a refund of prepaid tuition to enrolled students in the event the school ceases to operate or otherwise is unable to complete the course of instruction. Schools shall not allow the bond or other security to be cancelled or expire as long as the school is licensed.

Schools shall provide true and accurate copies of all current school policies, procedures, rules, student contracts, tuition costs and required deposits, including but not limited to those policies, procedures and rules addressing: students; school operating standards; disciplinary procedures; permissible attire; ethics/ conduct; leaves of absence; attendance; holidays and school closures; hours of operation; refunds; withdrawals; grounds for termination; grading standards; final practical examination and passing score; requirements for satisfactory progress; release of information; and instructional demonstrations. Additional Course: $70.

Montana Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 2000 Hours
Barber License 1500 Hours
Esthetician License 650 Hours
Nail Technician License 350 Hours
Electrologist License 600 Hours
Permanent Makeup Artist License Contact Dept. Of Public Health & Human Services
Cosmetology Instructor License Cosmetology License + 650 Hours + 1 Year Of Active Work Experience
Massage Therapist License 500 Hours

Montana License Verification Request

There are two types of Licensure Verification Requests:

  • Licensees for any profession can be verified by using LicenseLookup.mt.gov. That website provides real-time connectivity to the Business Standards Licensing Database. There is no charge for this service.
  • To request an official license verification be sent to another state licensing board, jurisdiction or individual for license confirmation status in the State of Montana. The fee for this is $20 per verification requested.

Once the fee and official license verification form are received, the request will be processed and and mailed directly to the requested state licensing agency.

Change of Address Request

Your address change request must be received in writing. Please submit your first and last name, old address, (including city, state, zip code), new address, (including city, state, zip code), and license number to:

Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
301 S. Park 4th Floor
PO Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620

Or fax it to: 406-841-2309, Attn: Bar/Cos, or submit using their online address change form.

Duplicate License Copy Request

You may print a copy of your license at no charge, 24/7, at the renewal website: https://ebiz.mt.gov/POL/Welcome.aspx. If you want a copy of your license mailed to you there is a $5 fee. Please submit a request in writing. Include your first and last name, address, city, state, license number, and $5 (no cash) to:

Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
301 S. Park 4th Floor
PO Box 200513
Helena, MT 59620

Once the request and fee are received, the license will be processed and mailed to you.

License Name Change Request

Name changes must be requested in writing with documentation of the name change included (marriage license, divorce decree etc.). You can send this information to UnitA@mt.gov as an attachment, fax to 406-841-2305 or mail to

Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
301 S. Park 4th Floor
PO Box 200513
Attention Unit A