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

Alaska Cosmetology License Verification

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

Types of License Alaska Board of Cosmetology Issues

Below is a list of licenses the Alaska Board of Berbers and Hairdressers issue in their state:

  • Barber
  • Hairdresser
  • Esthetician
  • Manicurist
  • Instructor
  • Tattoo/Permanent Cosmetic Colorist (both aspects under one license)
  • Body Piercer

Please note, Alaska does not offer a cosmetology license, this license type was split into an esthetician and hairdresser license. They also issue Instructor, Shop Owner, and School licenses.

How long does it take to process a application?

All applications are processed in date order of receipt. A completed application may be processed in 1-2 weeks. Incomplete applications may take 4-6 weeks to process. Failure to submit required fees will result in an automatic letter requesting required fees before the application is processed.

You can help them process your application more rapidly by making sure you complete the application correctly and submit the correct fees and supporting documents. Please read the instruction pages provided with each application carefully.

Type Requirements
Manicurist
  • Applicants must complete a 12-hour manicuring health, safety and hygiene course approved by the board
  • Applicants do not have to take a manicuring/nail technician exam to become licenses
  • Applicants do not have to take 250 hours of education to apply for a Manicurist license
  • A person who holds a current valid license from another state may apply for a license if the training and exam requirements in the other state are comparable to requirements in this state
Advanced Manicurist
  • The Advanced Manicurist Endorsement is available to applicants who successfully complete 250 hours of education approved by the board and pass a written exam
  • A person who holds a current valid license from another state may apply for a license if the training and exam requirements in the other state are comparable to requirements in this state
Hairdresser A Hairdresser is allowed to practice manicuring under the hairdressing license if the curriculum approved by the board at the time of completion included 12 hours of instruction in health, safety and hygiene.
Instructor
  • An Instructor in hairdressing may instruct the 12-hour safety and hygiene course required for a Manicurist license
  • Allows the board by regulation to establish requirements for other manicuring instructors, including instructors who teach courses that satisfy the requirements for an Advanced Manicurist Endorsement
School
  • May offer 12 hours of instruction or training that cover health, safety, and hygiene concerns relevant to the practice of manicuring
  • The school may not require more than 12 hours of instruction to satisfy the Manicurist training requirement
  • Schools may seek approval by the board to offer coursework toward the Advanced Manicurist Endorsement
Student
  • A student of the 12-hour manicuring course is not required to hold a student permit
  • A student applying to take an exam may apply for a temporary license valid until the applicant either passes the exam or the 120-day license expires
Applying for an Alaska Manicurist License

To obtain a manicuring license if you are not currently licensed in any other state, the following documents must be on file before your application will be considered:

  • Completed notarized application
  • A check or money order made payable to the State of Alaska for the following: Non-refundable application fee of $150 and Initial license fee of $180
  • Verification of completion of a Board-approved 12-hour manicuring course in health, safety, and hygiene (Form 08-4498)

If you are currently licensed in another state, you are not required to take the 12-hour manicurist course. The following documents must be on file before your application will be considered:

  • Completed notarized application
  • A check or money order made payable to the State of Alaska for the following: Non-refundable application fee of $150 and Initial license fee of $180
  • Verification of manicurist licensure sent directly from another state showing a current manicurist license in that state. The license from the other state must show it is current at the time the Alaska manicurist license is issued. A copy of your license is not acceptable
  • Manicurists licensed in another state who completed a minimum of 250 hours of training and passed a written exam may apply for a Manicurist with Advanced Endorsement license

An applicant holding a current valid license as a manicurist in another state may be granted a temporary permit while waiting for permanent licensure. The permit is valid for a maximum of six months or until the Board either issues a permanent license or rejects the application. A request for a temporary permit must be made on the application for permanent licensure form and include the following:

  • Completed notarized application
  • A check or money order made payable to the State of Alaska for the following: Non-refundable application fee of $150, Temporary permit fee of $100 and Permanent license fee of $180
  • Notarized copy of a current manicurist license from another state. Your license from the other state must be current when Alaska issues your permanent license. If your out-of-state license lapses before Alaska issues your permanent license, you will be required to renew your out-of-state license.

Note: To obtain a notarized copy of your license, you must present the notary with the original license along with the copy. You must write, “I certify this is a true copy of the original document” on the copy, and sign your name. The notary will notarize your signature.

To access additional application documents to apply for licenses including barber, hairdresser and esthetician, instructors, shops, school etc then visit the application section on the Alaska State Board of Cosmetology website.

Renewing Alaska Cosmetology License

To renew your Alaska license, you can use their My License online renewal application. In most cases your license will be renewed immediately. Due to a heavy volume of renewal activities, processing time for renewal applications received by mail may take up to 4-6 weeks.

  • To use their online services you need to register for a My License account

If you have not registered, follow these simple steps:

  • Visit the My License customer home page at: ProfessionalLicense.Alaska.Gov/MYLICENSE
  • If you have an existing myAlaska account, enter your account information. If not, please create an account. You will be redirected to the My License customer home page
  • Under Access an Existing License, enter your license number and Web Authorization Code, if one has been provided. This information is on your renewal notice
  • To renew your license, simply select the license you wish to renew from the Professional Licensing section

Alaska Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Hairdresser License 1650 Hours (2000 Apprenticeship)
Esthetician License 350 Hours (350 Apprenticeship)
Nail Technician License 12 Hour Course
Advanced Manicurist License 250 Hours
Barber License 1650 Hours
Permanent Makeup License (380 Apprenticeship)
Cosmetology Instructor License 3 Years Experience As Practitioner + Exams, Or 1 Year Experience + 600 Hours + Exams
Massage Therapist License Varies By Municipality
Sending Alaska License & Examination Information to another State Board

You must submit a written request or fill out their license verification request form to send verification of your license and include a $20 processing fee per license and per mailing. If you send a written request you must include the state board you would like the verification mailed to and their mailing address. Please note, most state boards will not accept license verifications not mailed directly to their offices from the issuing state board.

State Office Building, 333 Willoughby Avenue, 9th Floor
PO Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Phone: 907-465-2550
Fax: 907-465-2974
Email: license@alaska.gov
Website:ProfessionalLicense.Alaska.Gov

Qualifying for a Hairdresser License

To qualify for a hairdresser license by Waiver of Examination (also known as "by credentials" or "by reciprocity"):

  • Hold an active (current) license to practice in at least one other state
  • For training: 1,650 hours of training through a school or 2,000 hours training through an apprentice program or work experience can be used to meet the hour requirement
  • Proof of passing a written and practical examination

To qualify for a hairdresser license by Examination they will need training. 1,650 hours of training through a school which must include practical operations or 2,000 hours through an apprentice program which must include practical operations.

Qualifying for a Barber License

To qualify for a barber license by Waiver of Examination (also known as "by credentials" or "by reciprocity"):

  • Hold an active (current) license to practice in at least one other state
  • For training: 1,650 hours of training through a school or2,000 hours training through an apprentice program or work experience can be used to meet the hour requirement
  • Proof of passing a written and practical examination

To qualify for a barber license by Examination you will need training. 1,650 hours of training through a school which must include practical operations or 2,000 hours through an apprentice program which must include practical operations.

Qualifying for a Esthetician License

To qualify for a esthetician license by Waiver of Examination (also known as "by credentials" or "by reciprocity"):

  • Hold an active (current) license to practice in at least one other state
  • 350 hours of training taught by a school or through an apprentice program
  • Proof of passing a written and practical examination

To qualify for a esthetician license by Examination you will need 350 hours of training taught by a school or through an apprentice program.

Qualifying for a Manicurist License

To qualify for a manicurist license by Waiver of Examination (also known as "by credentials" or "by reciprocity"):

  • Hold an active (current) license to practice in at least one other state
  • 12 hours of safety and sanitation training
  • Proof of passing a written examination

To qualify for a manicurist license by Examination (with training completed in Alaska):

  • 12 hours of safety and sanitation training
  • Passing a written examination offered by a school licensed in Alaska approved to teach this course
Qualifying for a Manicurist with Advanced Endorsement License

To qualify for a manicurist with advanced endorsement license by credentials/waiver of exam/reciprocity requires the applicant hold an active/current license to practice in at least one other State, proof of completing a minimum of 250 hours of training, and proof of passing a National written examination or its equivalent to qualify for that State’s license.

To qualify for a manicurist with advanced endorsement license by examination requires the applicant to enroll in an approved school authorized to teach the endorsement course. Complete a minimum of 250 hours of training. Once training is completed the applicant must submit an application for the written examination.

Qualifying for a Instructor License

Whether you apply for this license by examination or by waiver of exam you must first hold an active/current license in the field(s) you will be teaching issued by this board. To qualify by examination you have the following options:

  • Hold your individual professional license (barber, hairdresser, etc.) for one year; enroll as a student instructor in a school authorized to teach student instructing to complete 600 hours of training. Once additional training is complete, you may apply for the examinations
  • Hold your individual professional license (barber, hairdresser, etc.) for three years; submit an application for the examination and verification of three years of licensed work experience on a form provided by this Department

To qualify by waiver of examination, you must hold an active/current license in the field you want to teach issued by this board and you must hold an active/current instructor license issued by another state board and meet minimum training and examination requirements.

Qualifying for a Body Piercer License

Alaska requires body piercers complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of training, the completion of specific practical operations and passing a written safety & sanitation examination for full licensure. To apply for this license by waiver of exam, an individual must hold a current license in another state, meet their training requirements, hold current CPR issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & blood borne pathogen cards, and have passed a written safety/sanitation examination.

This type of application requires board review. A complete application must be on file before being presented to the board for review and consideration. To apply for this license by examination requires the completion of 1,000 hours of training through an approved apprenticeship program which must include completion of practical operations. Applicants must hold a current CPR card issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & a current blood borne pathogen card.

Qualifying for a Tattooist/Permanent Cosmetic Colorist License

Alaska requires tattooists & permanent cosmetic colorists complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of training, the completion of specific practical operations and passing a written safety & sanitation examination for full licensure.

To apply for this license by waiver of exam, an individual must hold a current license in another State, meet their training requirements, hold a current CPR card issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & a blood borne pathogen card, and have passed a written safety/sanitation examination. This type of application requires board review. A complete application must be on file before being presented to the board for review and consideration.

To apply for this license by examination requires the completion of 1,000 hours of training through an approved apprenticeship program which must include completion of practical operations. Applicants must hold a current CPR issued by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or equivalent organization & blood borne pathogen card.

Applying for a Shop Owner License

The shop owner or entity must complete and submit an application, fees, and required documentation. Shops providing body piercing or tattooing/permanent cosmetic coloring must receive and submit a Certificate of Sanitary Standards or Shop Inspection Report completed/issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Environmental Health, Food Safety & Sanitation Program. To contact their office you may call 907-269-7501. Shops providing barbering, esthetics, hairdressing, or manicuring must complete a Certification of Compliance. This certification verifies the shop has met all safety & sanitation requirements set by DEC.