Find Your State Board of Cosmetology
Every state licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, and barbers through its own board, each with its own hours, exams, and renewal deadlines. This directory links directly to the official board for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so you can find contact information, license requirements, and verification tools without digging through state government websites.
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Helpful Resources
Whether you're just starting your training, moving your license across state lines, or coming up on a renewal deadline, these guides cover the details that trip people up most — hours, fees, exams, and paperwork. Each one links out to the state boards themselves so you're always working from the current requirements.
License Requirements
Compare training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for cosmetology licenses in every state.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Moving to a new state? See how endorsement and reciprocity work and what documents you need to transfer your license.
Learn more →License Lookup
Verify a cosmetologist's license status using each state board's official lookup tool.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours are required to renew your license in each state, and which states require none.
Learn more →Apprenticeship Programs
Find out which states let you earn your license through a paid apprenticeship instead of cosmetology school.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for every state, with direct links to each renewal portal.
Learn more →No two states license the same way
Training hours alone range from 1,000 to 2,100 depending on the state, and that's before accounting for differences in exam providers, renewal cycles, and continuing education rules. A license that's fully compliant in one state can fall short of another's requirements the moment you cross a border. The pages above break down exactly what each state expects — for first-time applicants, license holders moving from out of state, and anyone renewing on a deadline — so you know what applies to you before you rely on it.