This page provides information for New Mexico license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and New Mexico 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 New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists.
New Mexico Cosmetology License Verification
If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can do so by visiting the New Mexico 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.
Barbers and Cosmetologists: Requirements and Continuing Education
Continuing education is only required for the renewal of licensed instructors. Instructors licensed to teach any course authorized under this act shall provide proof of attendance at a seminar of twelve contact hours or more per year for professional development or improvement of professional proficiency.
Instructor licenses are renewed every March thirty first. Therefore, each instructor must obtain twelve contact hours of continuing education between April first and March thirty first of the following year in order to renew the license. Continuing education hours do not carry over and must be completed each year. For initial instructor licenses, the continuing education requirement will not apply until after the first full year of licensure.
Entities that are automatically recognized as providers of continuing education are listed below. These entities do not have to obtain formal provider approval in order to offer recognized continuing education for instructors.
These entities do not have to meet the approval, recordkeeping, and certificate of attendance requirements. However, the licensee must provide proof of attendance with license renewal. Educational programs provided for the purpose of continuing or advanced education must be specific to the field of licensure.
- Cosmetology educators of America (CEA) seminars and workshops conducted in any state
- Adult continuing education association programs in professional development, education, counseling, instructing or related programs
- Continuing education units (CEU's) recognized by four year institutions in any state in professional development, education, counseling, teaching or related programs
- All schools licensed by the New Mexico state board of barbers and cosmetologists
- Credits recognized for teacher certification in any state according to the following conversion table:
- Theory (cognitive/lecture): 1 credit hour = 30 clock hours
- Practice/demonstration: 1 credit hour = 45 clock hours
- Attendance at accreditation and team training workshops and instructor continuing education programs offered by nationally recognized accrediting agencies
- Certification of completion of Dale Carnegie professional development and business courses
- The pivot point instructor symposium classes
- Educational classes or conferences sponsored by the Aveda institute
- Conferences sponsored by the American aesthetics education association
- Classes sponsored by Milady/Thomson learning's career institute
- Classes sponsored by Vidal Sassoon or
- Local, state, regional, or national industry trade shows with credit not to exceed fifty percent of the annual requirement for continuing education, or six hours; in addition, no more than fifty percent of the hours scheduled at such a trade show can contribute to the six hour maximum; the licensee must provide verifiable proof of attendance including an agenda of the event, a receipt for payment of attendance, or other such reasonable evidence of attendance
- Online faculty and professional development programs
Licensee may also submit, subsequent to their attendance, copies of other programs and seminars that are not automatically approved. The board will consider such programs at the next regularly scheduled meeting and determine if credit is approved or denied. Detailed documentation of the program length and content must be submitted for the board to make a determination. Notification of approval or denial will be sent to the licensee within thirty days after the board meeting.
New Mexico Cosmetology School Hours
| Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cosmetologist License | 1600 Hours |
| Barber License | 1200 Hours |
| Esthetician License | 600 Hours |
| Nail Technician License | 350 Hours |
| Electrologist License | 600 Hours |
| Permanent Makeup License | Contact The Body Art Board |
| Cosmetology Instructor License | Cosmetology License + 1000 Hours |
| Massage Therapist License | 650 Hours |
Online License Renewal
You are able to renew online after you receive the renewal notification information that contains your registration number, or you may contact the board office to obtain a registration code by calling 505-476-4622. You can also update your address or email address at any time once, you have created a user name and password. If you have forgotten your user name or password, you will have to re-register.o begin on-line renewal process. To start your renewal process online, click here.
Online License InstructionsFirst Step: Search for Existing Records Screen
If you already you have your User ID and Password, click Login Page under Menu on the top left side of the page. Enter your User ID and Password and click Login. Skip down to Licensing Home Page Screen below for further instructions.
If you do not have a User ID and Password you will need to register. Please make sure you have your license number and registration code. The registration code can be found in the e-mail or postcard you received from the Board Office. Please Note: The registration code never changes. It is just as permanent as your license number, so keep it for your records. Enter your License Number and Registration Code (these entries are case sensitive) at the bottom of the screen, then click Search.
Your Licensing Information will appear. Continue to create your User ID and Password and click Register. If the Licensing Information appears blank, or if you receive a message that there are no licenses to renew check with the Board office.
Licensing Home Page Screen - Click Renew License under Menu on the top left side of the page.
Application for License Renewal Screen - A list of Renewable Licenses will appear. Click Continue to renew license. If you have multiple licenses, be sure to click on the appropriate license you are renewing.
License Renewal Application Screen - Read the context, then click Next.
Personal Address Information Screen - This is also known as Demographics Page. You can update your mailing address, phone number and email address by clicking Edit, then Update. It is mandatory to provide an updated email address so you can receive future email notifications. After verifying your information is correct click Next.
Application Summary Screen - Verify all information is correct. Some professions may be required to complete a survey at this point. (Survey must be completed in order for you to continue and close the renewal process.) Click Pay Fees.
Application Fees Screen - Enter your account information and submit payment. Do not press Submit Payment more than once. If you do not have access to a printer, please be sure to write down your authorization code and transaction number.
How to Obtain a Barbers and Cosmetologist LicenseRequirements vary by license type. All license types require attending a board approved school and completion of all required hours (varies by license type). Applicant must also pass a national written and practical exam and a Board jurisprudence exam. The required initial fee is $50. Requirement for reciprocity is verification of licensure in another state where requirements are the same or exceed New Mexico requirements. The required initial application fee is $150.
When to Renew a LicenseLicenses are renewed in your birthday month. Renewal fee is $50. Late fee if license is not renewed by the expiration date stated on license is $40.
Renewing an Expired License over 5 yearsApplicants whose license has been expired for more than five years must apply to a Board approved school; submit to a scholastic evaluation to determine their training needs; and complete a minimum of 150 hours of remedial education. Upon completion of the remediation, apply for and submit to the complete written theory examination and the applicable practical examination.
Requesting an AffidavitSubmit a written request and a $15 money order. Include your full name and license number, and the address where you want to receive the affidavit.
Mailing address:
New Mexico Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
P.O. Box 25101
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87504
Phone: 505-476-4622
Fax: 505-476-4665
Email: barber.cosmoboard@state.nm.us
Physical Address:
New Mexico Board of Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists
Toney Anaya Building
2550 Cerrillos Road, Second Floor
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Requirements for Licensure by Reciprocity
To download a copy of this form, click here.
1. The following items must be included with this application in order to avoid processing delays. Applicant must have training hours and/or qualifications equivalent to or exceeding those required for licensure in New Mexico:
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Barber | 1200 |
| Cosmetologist | 1600 |
| Electrologist | 600 |
| Esthetician | 600 |
| Manicurist/Pedicurist | 400 |
| Manicurist/Esthetician | 900 |
| Instructor | 1000 |
| Hairstylist | 1200 |
Applicants that do not meet the New Mexico hourly requirements may receive 150 hours credit for each six full months of licensed experience. Current, work experience must be verified in a notarized statement from an employer with specific work dates. Work experience less than six full months will not be considered toward training hours. To obtain any license by reciprocity, no more than fifty percent of the hours required for licensure by in-state applicants may be obtained by work experience.
2. An affidavit from the state regulatory agency verifying that the applicant holds a current license and is in good standing with the state. Licensure in multiple states may require the applicant to send an affidavit from each state. This affidavit must have the State Board Seal. Do not send a copy. If not a licensee, the applicant must provide a certified transcript for the course of study or an affidavit of hours from the regulatory agency or school attended and must submit to the New Mexico examination for licensure.
3. Proof of education equivalent to the completion of the second year of high school.
4. A recent (within three months), front-view, head only photograph. The photo must be at least 1.5" x 1.5" and no larger than 2" x 3".
5. An email address is required to apply for licensure. If you do not have one, you will need to create one.
6. Proof of age. A photocopy of your driver's license is acceptable. Do not send originals.
7. Applicants must take and pass the State of New Mexico jurisprudence exam.
8. Proof of successful completion of the National Written and National Practical Examinations. (This can be verified by submitting an affidavit from the state regulatory agency where the licensee received their initial license.) You may be required to take the NIC practical and written exam if you did not take it in your original state of licensure.
9. Foreign Trained Applications: Any foreign indicated person who meets the requirements set forth in 16.34.2.8 NMAC may apply for a New Mexico license by examination. Please refer to 16.34.3.13 NMAC. If you meet the requirements, please call 888-822-3272 to schedule and pay for your exam. You do not need to complete an application for reciprocity. If you do not meet the requirements, you must attend a Board Approved School.
Requirements for Opening an Enterprise or Establishment
Application: To open an enterprise or establishment, an application must be filed with the Board fifteen days prior to the anticipated date of opening. Owner(s) must sign this application in the presence of a notary public. Prior to applying for an Establishment license the owner must obtain a city business license. Owner and/or supervising licensee must be licensed in all aspects of services being provided in the establishment. Must attach copy of the City Business License. To download a copy of this application, click here.
License Fee: When purchasing an already established enterprise or establishment or before opening a new enterprise or establishment, the owner must secure an Enterprise License or Establishment License for $200. All enterprises, establishments or clinics must be in charge of or under the immediate supervision of a licensee of this board for that specific service being rendered.
Inspection: A formal inspection of the enterprise or establishment will be conducted after opening of establishment.
Location: Any mobile outreach enterprise or establishment, licensed by the Board may not be used for living or sleeping quarters or in any way for residential purposes. If an enterprise or establishment is located in a private residence, a segregated area must be provided for the licensed activity and maintenance of proper water supply and toilet standards to ensure proper sanitation. Reasonable access to a restroom must be provided by the establishment or mobile outreach enterprise unit.
Facilities: The enterprise or establishment, must be situated to insure proper heat, light, and ventilation at all times, and must conform to all state and city requirements for electrical wiring, plumbing, and outside entrance. It is suggested that zoning ordinances be checked and must meet all ADA requirements.
Floors and Walls: Floors, walls, and other fixtures must be kept reasonably clean at all times.
Signs: Establishments/clinics must be properly identified by a sign at the main entrance that identifies the type of business being performed. Mobile outreach units must have signage on at least two sides that identifies the type of business being performed.
Infection Control & Safety Standards: The enterprise, establishment, or clinic must comply with the minimum infection control and safety standards as defined by the Board.
Communication Capability: Each outreach enterprise mobile unit will be equipped with or have available a cellular phone and/or other communication capability necessary for immediate access and/or prompt response.
Booth Establishment Licensees: If the enterprise or establishment will have Booth Establishments please include a list of names and license numbers on the application.
