This page provides information for Hawaii license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Hawaii 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 Hawaii Board of Barbering & Cosmetology.
Hawaii Cosmetology License Verification
If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can do so by visiting the Hawaii 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.
New Hawaii License Requirements
Effective June 17, 2003 and pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes section 436B-10 and federal law, it is the policy of the State of Hawaii State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Board that, in addition to meeting the education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure, an applicant for a Hawaii barber's, cosmetologist's, hairdresser's, esthetician's, nail technician's, or instructor's license is required to be either a US citizen, a US national, or an alien authorized to work in the US.
This means that, even if an applicant meets the education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure, that applicant shall not be issued a license if that applicant is not a US citizen, a US national, or an alien authorized to work in the US. However, the Board will issue the applicant a conditional approval that signifies that the applicant has met the education, experience, and examination requirements for licensure, provided that this conditional approval shall not be considered a license to engage in the profession and shall not authorize the applicant to work in their State. To obtain authorization to work in their state, the applicant shall be required to contact the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. In addition, federal law requires that once an applicant is authorized by the USCIS to work in the US, the applicant must supply his/her Social Security Number so that states can use this information for child support enforcement purposes.
Once the applicant submits evidence to the Board that the USCIS has authorized the applicant to work in the US (without conditions or other encumbrances), provides a SSN, and meets all of the licensing requirements in effect at the time (including, but not limited to, the requirement that the applicant has not been convicted of any crime that is directly related to the profession), the applicant shall be issued a full and unrestricted license.
This conditional approval shall be valid for two years. An applicant must obtain the appropriate USCIS authorization within this two year period in order to have a license issued. If the applicant is unable to meet this deadline, the applicant may be required to reapply for licensure and meet all of the requirements in effect at that time.
Hawaii Cosmetology School Hours
Type | Requirements |
---|---|
Cosmetologist License | 1800 Hours / 3600 Apprenticeship |
Barber License | 1500 Hours / 1500 Apprenticeship |
Hairstylist License | 1250 Hours / 2500 Apprenticeship |
Esthetician License | 600 Hours / 1200 Apprenticeship |
Nail Technician License | 350 Hours / 700 Apprenticeship |
Electrologist License | 600 Hours / 800 Apprenticeship |
Cosmetology Instructor License | Cosmetology License + 600 Instructor Training Hours |
Massage Therapist License | 570 Hours |
How to Request Address/Name Change and Duplicate License Request
To request to change your name, address or duplicate license request, you can download a form and fill it out and mail it in or hand it in, in person.
Mail all required items to:
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
DCCA, PVL, Licensing Branch
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Deliver to office location at:
335 Merchant Street, Room 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-586-3000
Hawaii Barber License Requirements and Instructions
Application for Exam and License. Hawaii does not reciprocate with any jurisdiction, therefore, a person shall apply, qualify, be tested, and pay the necessary fees to become licensed by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Board. Barber services in Hawaii include, but are not limited to: shaving, facials, cutting, trimming, shampooing, arranging, curling, waving, bleaching, relaxing, or coloring the hair or beard.
All applicants upon filing of a complete application are required to take and pass the written examination to become licensed as a barber. The applicant for license will need to comply with the requirements of the following agencies during the licensing process:
- Board of Barbering and Cosmetology approves all applications for examination, temporary permits, and licenses
- The testing agency, Prometric administers the examination to applicants after the application is Board-approved. All inquires regarding the examination should be directed to Prometric at 808-261-8182
The requirements and steps to obtain and maintain a barber's license in Hawaii are:
- Satisfy the qualification requirements
- Complete the barber application form (required) and temporary permit form (optional)
- Upon the Board's approval, you will receive examination information. You must register directly with Prometric to take the examination
- Take and pass the examination
- Apply for and receive your barber license from the Board
- Renew your license every 2 years
The person applying should be at least 17 years old. For barbering training you need at least 1,500 clock hours of barber school or apprenticeship training. Experience (after licensure and/or completion of training) in excess of 6 months may be used to satisfy this requirement. Cosmetology training in the hairdresser category may be used to satisfy this requirement, upon evaluation by the Board to determine the extent of acceptable training. Combination (school and apprenticeship) training may be acceptable, subject to the Board's evaluation.
For out of state or foreign license and experience another qualification pathway is to have a barber's license from another jurisdiction and have at least 6 months of applicable experience (after licensure). The board may accept only the number of hours recognized by the jurisdiction that issued your license.
Complete the Barber Application form and Temporary Permit FormComplete the Barber License Application and Attach the appropriate qualification documents. If you choose to apply for a temporary permit, complete the Temporary Permit form and include all necessary fees.
Training/Experience verification form: Form BAR-03 is used to verify apprenticeship training and/or barber experience. It must be signed by a qualified (licensed) barber. This form may also be used to verify qualified out-of-State experience and/or out-of-State apprenticeship training. Complete the top portion of the form, then have your supervisor or employer complete the bottom portion. If you are using the form to verify apprenticeship training, be sure to note the subjects and number of hours on the form. Attach all supporting documents (license, transcripts, apprenticeship records). Failure to provide all the requested information will delay the processing of your application.
Form BAR-04 is used to apply for a temporary permit. The temporary permit allows you to work and train under the supervision of a qualified licensee while waiting to take and pass the licensing examination. It is issued only to applicants who have filed a completed barber exam and license application. It is valid for a period covering 4 examinations as consecutively scheduled by the Board (approximately 1 year). The temporary permit is issued one time only, and cannot be extended or renewed. Therefore, the applicant is encouraged to take the first and all subsequent examinations. Once your temporary permit expires, you will still be eligible to take the exam, but will not be authorized to work as a barber.
Do not submit this application by itself. A temporary permit will only be issued to an applicant with an approved barber exam and license application. Each application must be submitted with the appropriate fees. A temporary permit will not be issued on the same day the application is received; therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to allow sufficient time for the review and approval of both the license application and temporary permit application.
Submit a copy of your out-of-State license and/or transcript of training that identifies the barber training subjects and hours of each subject that have been completed. Also, verification of experience of at least 6 months is necessary if your training is less than 1,500 clock hours.
Attach the non-refundable application fee of $20 to the license application. Attach the temporary permit application fee of $37 to the permit application. Make checks payable to COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS. (check must be in US dollars and be from a US financial institution.)
One of the numerous legal requirements that you must meet in order for your new license to be issued is the payment of fees as set forth in this application. You may be sent a license certificate before the check you sent us for your required fees clears your bank. If your check is returned to us unpaid, you will have failed to pay the required licensing fee and your license will not be valid, and you may not do business under that license. Also, a $25 service fee will be charged for checks which are returned by the bank.
Register with the Testing Agency to take the ExaminationUpon receipt of a complete application, an approval notice will be sent to your mailing address together with a Prometric "Examination Registration" form and a "Candidate Information Brochure". If you need assistance in completing these forms, please contact Prometric at 808-261-8182, or log onto their website at www.experioronline.com. You must register directly with Prometric by the examination registration deadline, and pay the necessary fees directly to Prometric.
Examinations are scheduled 4 times a year, usually in March, June, September, and December. Please refer to the Exam Schedule for filing deadlines. It is your responsibility to meet the filing deadlines and examination dates. Requests to take the licensing examination out of state must be approved by the Board. Submit your written request along with your application in advance of the deadline date, to allow for sufficient processing time. Please be advised that you are responsible for any additional cost for this out-of-state testing accommodation and test locations are limited to sites at which the testing service has a secured office.
Take and Pass the ExaminationAfter registering with Prometric, you will receive an Admission Ticket by mail approximately 10 days prior to the examination date. If you have not received your ticket within 5 days of the examination date, contact Prometric immediately at 808-261-8182. Your examination results will be mailed to you approximately 2 weeks after the examination date. Applicants who pass the examination will be sent instructions on how to apply for a license. Applicants who do not pass the examination will be sent re-examination information and instructions for the next examination.
If you do not pass the examination and do not obtain your barber's license after 4 consecutive examinations, you will be required to apply as a barber apprentice and train as such for 6 months before qualifying for another series of examinations. You will not be issued another temporary permit.
Applying for the LicenseIncluded with your notification of passing the examination is information on how to apply for the barber license. The required licensing fees as noted on your "Fees Due" notice must be remitted at this time.
Biennial Renewal of LicenseAll barber licenses, regardless of when issued, expire on December 31 of each odd-numbered year. Licenses must be renewed on or before this expiration date. About 2 months before the expiration date, the Renewal Application is mailed to all licensees at their address of record. To ensure that you receive the renewal application forms, keep the Board informed in writing of your current mailing address. If you do not receive a renewal form 1 month before the expiration date, contact the Licensing Branch of the Professional and Vocational Licensing Division, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs for assistance at 808-586-3000.
License renewal after the expiration date and within the 3-year restoration period is subject to penalty fees. After three years, you may restore your license pending Board review and approval, however, you may need to reapply for licensure as a new applicant.
Board Mailing Address:
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch
PO Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Board Office Location:
335 Merchant Street, Room 301
King Kalakaua Building
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-586-3000
Beauty Operator License Requirements and Instructions
Application for Beauty Operator License. You can access the application form by going to cca.hawaii.gov/pvl. Applicants are subject to requirements in effect at the time of filing. All applicants upon filing of a complete application and documents are required to take and pass the written examination to become licensed as a Beauty Operator in the appropriate licensure category. The applicant for license will need to comply with the requirements of the following agencies during the licensing process:
- Board of Barbering and Cosmetology is responsible for approval of applications for examination and temporary permits. and issues licenses
- The testing agency, Prometric administers the examination to applicants after the application has been approved. All inquires regarding the exam should be directed to Prometric at 808-261-8182
Generally, the requirements and steps to obtain and maintain a beauty operator's license in Hawaii are:
- Satisfy the qualification requirements for the appropriate beauty operator category
- Complete the beauty operator application form (required), and temporary permit application form (optional)
- Upon approval, and receipt of exam information, register directly with Prometric to take the examination
- Take and pass the examination
- Apply for a license with the Board
- Renew license every two years
Documents written in a foreign language must be translated into English. You must submit a copy of the foreign document, original English translation, and declaration that the translation is accurate and that the translator is fluent in that foreign language and English. The translator must not be the applicant. All supporting documents in other names used must be listed on your application under the other names used section.
For age, you must be at least 16 years of age. Your Social Security Number is used to verify your identity for licensing purposes and for compliance with the below laws. For a license to be issued, you must provide your Social Security Number or your application will be deemed deficient and will not be processed further. The following laws require that you furnish your Social Security Number to their agency:
Federal Laws: 42 U.S.C.A. §666(a)(13) requires that Social Security Number of any applicant for a professional license or occupational license be recorded on the application for license; and If you are a licensed health care practitioner, 45 C.F.R., Part 61, Subpart B, §61.7 requires the Social Security Number as part of the mandatory reporting they must do to the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB), of any final adverse licensing action against a licensed health care practitioner.
Hawaii Revised Statutes ("HRS"): §576D-13(j), HRS requires the Social Security Number of any applicant for a professional license or occupational license be recorded on the application for license; and §436B-10(4), HRS which states that an applicant for license shall provide the applicant's Social Security Number if the licensing authority is authorized by federal law to require the disclosure (and by the federal cites shown above, they are authorized to require the Social Security Number).
For general education requirements, you must be a high school graduate or possess an education equivalent to the completion of high school. One year of experience as a licensed beauty operator satisfies the general education requirement. The Beauty Operator (BEO) license has four licensure categories:
- Cosmetologist - Hairdressing, esthetics and manicure/pedicure services
- Hairdresser - All aspects of hair services
- Esthetician - Skin care, spa and make-up services
- Nail Technician - Manicure and pedicure services
All documents must be in English. Documents that are in a foreign language must be translated in English. The translator must be someone other than the applicant. The translator must also submit an affidavit. The affidavit must be signed by the translator. Attach the translation and the affidavit.
Beauty training requirements for each category may be satisfied in the following ways:
Type | Beauty School Hours | Beauty Apprenticeship Hours |
---|---|---|
Cosmetologist | 1800 | 3600 |
Hairdresser | 1250 | 2500 |
Esthetician | 600 | 1200 |
Nail Technician | 350 | 700 |
Combination (school and apprenticeship): To determine the total hours of training, two apprentice hours are equivalent to one beauty school hour, provided the training is not more than three years old. The Board may choose not to recognize all of the hours if the combination training occurred over the same period of time.
Barber Training: Barber training hours may be recognized toward the hairdresser category if deemed acceptable by the Board.
Another qualification pathway is to have a license from another jurisdiction in the appropriate beauty category, and have at least one year of applicable experience. If your jurisdiction or foreign country does not require licensure as a beauty operator, you will be required to submit copies of your transcript(s) so that they can determine if your training was equivalent. The license will only be recognized for the hours of training that are recognized in the jurisdiction that issued the license.
If the jurisdiction's training hours are the same or more than the number required for Hawaii, a copy of the license is sufficient to verify the training. Or, if the jurisdiction's training hours are less than the number required for Hawaii, then you must make up the difference with school training, or apprentice hours, or provide evidence of one year of licensed experience with the out-of-state or foreign license.
Experience is recognized only after licensure and/or completion of training. Generally, experience is not considered alone without evidence of training. A qualified person (owner, manager, supervisor) must provide a written statement verifying the out-of-state or foreign experience by completing the Experience Verification form. A minimum of at least one year of applicable experience is necessary to be recognized by the Board, and will satisfy the general education requirement and/or any difference in the training requirement. If you do not have at least one year of experience and a license from another jurisdiction in the appropriate category, you will not qualify through this pathway.
Complete the Beauty Operator Application form and Temporary Permit ApplicationComplete the Beauty Operator Application and attach the appropriate qualification documents. If you choose to have a temporary permit, complete the Temporary Permit Form and include all necessary fees. Complete the on-line fillable form or print legibly in black ink. Failure to provide all the requested information will delay the processing of your application. This form (COSM-02) is used to verify qualified out-of-state/foreign experience and/or out-of-state apprenticeship training, or to satisfy the general education requirement.
The temporary permit allows you to work and train under the supervision of a qualified licensee while waiting to take and pass the licensing examination. It will be issued to applicants who apply and who have filed a completed beauty operator license application. The temporary permit is valid for a period covering three examinations as consecutively scheduled by the Board (approximately one year). The temporary permit is issued one time only and cannot be extended or renewed. Therefore, the applicant is encouraged to take the first and all subsequent examinations. Once your temporary permit expires, you will still be eligible to take the exam but will not be authorized to work.
Temporary permits will not be issued on the same day the application is received, therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to allow sufficient time for the review and approval of both the license application and temporary permit application.
Complete the application for temporary permit. Upon approval, your permit will be mailed to you. Upon receipt of the validated permit, you may begin working under supervision of a qualified licensee. Do not submit this temporary permit application by itself. A temporary permit will be issued to an applicant with an approved beauty operator application. The licensure category(ies) must be the same as the category(ies) selected on the beauty operator application.
For general education, attach documentation of possessing an education equivalent to the completion of high school (diploma, GED certificate, transcript or letter from the school, evidence of attendance or graduation from college). All documents must be in English. Provide verification of at least one year of experience as a licensed beauty operator in another jurisdiction to satisfy the general education requirement. (Use form COSM-02). For schooling, attach a copy of your transcript that reflects the breakdown of subjects and hours of your schooling. The transcript is necessary to determine if the subjects and hours are in compliance with the Board's curriculum.
Apprentice in Hawaii: Attach the Progress Report forms that reflect the subjects and hours of training, and the Notice of Completion or Withdrawal. Forms are available in the Apprenticeship Manual found in the Board's rules, Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 16-78.
Out-of-State Apprentice: Attach evidence of completing apprenticeship that reflects training subjects and hours, or submit a completed Experience Verification (COSM-02) form by a qualified person (employer or supervisor) that provides the training subjects and hours. You may use a combination of beauty school and apprenticeship training to meet the qualifications. The Board may choose not to recognize all of the hours if the combination training occurred over the same period of time.
For out of state/foreign license: Attach copy of appropriate license or a state board verification. Attach original experience verification form(s) totaling not less than one year of experience from a qualified person(s), (owner, manager, supervisor). If self employed, provide verification of the business that contains the applicant's name (copy of shop or business license, tax records, or a state board verification). A minimum of one year experience is required to satisfy both the general education requirement and any difference in the training requirement.
Required FeesMake checks payable to: Commerce and Consumer Affairs. (check must be in US dollars and be from a US financial institution.) For the application fee, attach a non-refundable application fee of $20. For the temporary permit fee, attach temporary permit fee of $40, only if requesting a temporary permit. Total of $60 for both application and temporary permit.
One of the numerous legal requirements that you must meet in order for your new license to be issued is the payment of fees as set forth in this application. You may be sent a license certificate before the payment you sent them for your required fees is honored by your bank. If your payment is dishonored, you will have failed to pay the required licensing fee and your license will not be valid, and you may not do business under that license. Also, a $25 service charge shall be assessed for payments that are dishonored for any reason.
If for any reason you are denied the license you are applying for, you may be entitled to a hearing as provided by Title 16, Chapter 201, Hawaii Administrative Rules, and/or Chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes. Your written request for a hearing must be directed to the agency that denied your application, and must be made within 60 days of notification that your application for a license has been denied.
Mail application to:
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Or deliver to the office location:
335 Merchant St., Room 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-586-3000
Barber of Beauty Apprentice Information and Instructions
Application for Barber of Beauty Apprentice Information and Instructions. This apprentice application is to be used for either Barber or Beauty Apprentice registration. Act 87, effective April 29, 1997, created a cross-over training provision that allows licensed barbers to train beauty apprentices in the hairdresser category, and licensed beauty operators in the hairdresser category to train barber apprentices. The training can occur in either a licensed Barber or Beauty Shop. The trainers for the other beauty operator categories (esthetician and nail technician) shall be licensed beauty operators in the appropriate categories.
Barber or Beauty apprenticeship is another pathway, other than schooling, to obtain training towards licensure. The apprenticeship program provides the Registered Apprentice with an opportunity to learn and train in either the practice of barbering or cosmetology. Barber or Beauty Apprenticeship training information is as follows:
Apprenticeship training shall begin only after issuance of an Apprentice Permit that includes assignment of the Apprentice Registration Number along with an effective date and an expiration date.
The apprentice permit will be mailed to and issued in care of the shop identified on the application. Be advised that apprentice registrations are mailed to the official mailing address of the shop as filed with the Board. If you prefer that your registrations be mailed directly to your Hawaii business address on record, they ask that you provide either a self-addressed envelope or attach a mailing label with your Hawaii business address when submitting your Apprentice Registrations for processing.
Apprenticeship training shall occur only at licensed shops under supervision of licensed barbers or beauty operators in the appropriate license category. It is the responsibility of the apprentice applicant to seek the shop and supervisor willing to participate in the apprenticeship training.
The apprenticeship training curriculum is provided for in the Administrative Rules of the Board of Barbering and
Cosmetology:
- HAR §16-73-20.5 for barber apprentices
- HAR §16-78-19 for beauty apprentices
These are the minimum hours of apprenticeship training required for the following license categories:
License Categories | Apprenticeship Hours |
---|---|
Barber | 1500 |
Cosmetologist (Hairdresser, Esthetician and Nail Technician) | 3600 |
Hairdresser (Hair only) | 2500 |
Esthetician (Skin Care and Makeup) | 1200 |
Nail Technician (Manicure and Pedicure) | 700 |
The maximum length of time of apprenticeship training for the beauty apprentice is 42 months at a minimum of 20 hours a week. The maximum for the barber apprentice is 12 months for initial training and 6 months for remedial training.
The licensed beauty operator shall be able to train only one apprentice per apprenticeship period, and the licensed barber shall be able to train two apprentices during the apprenticeship period. In order to be the licensed supervisor, the beauty operator or barber must have at least one year of licensed experience.
Training Progress Reports provide condensed information about the progress of the apprentice by subject, hours, and/or number of operations and procedures on a monthly basis. The shop owner and supervising operator shall be responsible for the accuracy and submission of the apprentice's Training Progress Reports which are to be turned in to the Board on a periodic basis, and copies of the report should be also provided to the apprentice, supervisor and shop owner. The Certificate of Completion/Withdrawal from Apprenticeship Training form should be used to indicate the total amount of training credited to the apprentice.
Any changes that impact the apprenticeship program, the registered apprentice, the supervising operator, and/or the shop must be reported to the Board. A new application and fees must be submitted when changing supervisors and/or shops.
Prior barber/beauty training (schooling or apprenticeship) will generally be recognized provided the training is not more than three years old and verification of the training is provided to the Board. The Board relies on the shop and supervisor after an evaluation to determine the amount of hours that can be credited.
Upon completion of the apprenticeship training, the apprentice is responsible to apply for a barber or beauty operator license by completing a Barber or Beauty Operator Application. The type and amount of training should determine the appropriate license category. For applications, call their office at 808-586-3000 or access an application via their website at: http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/barber/.
Hawaii Apprentice Registration Requirements
Application for Barber or Beauty Apprentice Registration. The age requirement is 17 years of age for Barber apprentices and 16 years of age for Beauty apprentices. For education, cosmetology (All categories) applicants only, provide evidence of having an education equivalent to the completion of high school. All documents must be in ENGLISH. Any of the following may be acceptable:
- Photocopy of a high school diploma or a General Education Certificate (GED)
- Transcript of high school record
- Official statement of having a high school education from an official of the school or other authority or
- Evidence of graduating or attending college
Documents written in a foreign language must be translated into English. Submit a copy of the foreign document, an original English translation, which includes a statement that the translation is accurate and that the translator is fluent in that foreign language and English. The translator must be someone other than the applicant and sign the letter.
Beliw is an example of a translator's statement and contains all of the elements required by the Board.
"I certify that I am competent in both the English language and the language (language of the document) and that this is a true and complete translation of the foreign language original."
For the application form, type or print legibly in dark ink. Illegible writing could result in processing delays. Complete the application form and answer all questions. Only a completed application is acceptable. If a question or item is not applicable, then indicate "Not applicable" or "NA". Sign and date the application. Failure to provide all the requested information will delay the processing of your application.
Your social security number is used to verify your identity for licensing purposes and for compliance with the below laws. For a license to be issued you must provide your social security number or your application will be deemed deficient and will not be processed further. The following laws require that you furnish your social security number to our agency: Federal Laws: 42 U.S.C.A. §666 (a)(13) requires the social security number of any applicant for a professional license or occupational license be recorded on the application for license; and If you are a licensed health care practitioner, 45 C.F.R., Part 61, Subpart B, §61.7 requires the social security number as part of the mandatory reporting we must do to the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB), of any final adverse licensing action against a licensed health care practitioner.
Hawaii Revised Statutes ("HRS"): §576D-13(j), HRS requires the social security number of any applicant for a professional license or occupational license be recorded on the application for license; and §436B-10(4) HRS which states that an applicant for license shall provide the applicants social security number if the licensing authority is authorized by federal law to require the disclosure (and by the federal cites shown above, we are authorized to require the social security number).
Attach the fee of $57 payable to Commerce and Consumer Affairs, which includes a non-refundable $20 application fee and $37 registration fee. One of the numerous legal requirements that you must meet in order for your new registration to be issued is the payment of fees as set forth in this application. You may be sent a registration before the payment you sent them for your required fees is honored by your bank. If your payment is dishonored, you will have failed to pay the required fee and your registration will not be valid, and you may not do business under that registration. Also, a $25 service charge shall be assessed for payments that are dishonored for any reason. Mail or deliver the complete application and appropriate fees to:
Mailing Address:
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, Hawaii 96801
Phone: 808-586-3000
Deliver to Office Location:
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
DCCA, PVL Licensing Branch
335 Merchant Street, Room 301
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Barber Shop or Beauty Shop Filing Instructions
Application for Barber Shop or Beauty Shop. Complete the application form by filling out the online fillable application or printing an application form and completing it legibly in dark ink. Answer all applicable questions and sign and date the application. If the applicant is a corporation, partnership, LLC, or LLP, page 2 must be completed.
- Failure to provide all the requested information will delay the processing of your application
- Applicants are subject to requirements in effect at time of filing
- A currently licensed barber in good standing is required to qualify a barber shop. A currently licensed beauty operator in good standing is required to qualify a beauty shop
If the applicant is an individual, the individual's Social Security Number is used to verify your identity for licensing purposes and for compliance with the below laws. For a license to be issued, the applicant must provide his/her Social Security Number or the application will be deemed deficient and will not be processed further. The following laws require that an applicant furnish his/her Social Security Number to their agency:
Federal Laws: 42 U.S.C.A. §666(a)(13) requires the Social Security Number of any applicant for a professional license or occupational license be recorded on the application for license, and If you are a licensed health care practitioner, 45 C.F.R., Part 61, Subpart B, §61.7 requires the Social Security Number as part of the mandatory reporting they must do to the Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB), of any final adverse licensing action against a licensed health care practitioner.
Hawaii Revised Statutes ('HRS"): §576D-13(j), HRS requires the Social Security Number of any applicant for a professional license or occupational license be recorded on the application for license; and §436B-10(4), HRS which states that an applicant for license shall provide the applicant's Social Security Number if the licensing authority is authorized by federal law to require the disclosure (and by the federal cites shown above, we are authorized to require the Social Security Number).
There must be a barber/beauty operator-in-charge, responsible for each service that is being provided in your shop. The designated barber/beauty operator-in-charge must sign the acknowledgement on page 1 of the application. Attach additional sheets if necessary. If the barber/beauty operator-in-charge is not a licensed cosmetologist and if more than one type of service is being provided (eg. nails, esthetics, hairdressing), you must list a barber/beauty operator-in-charge for each particular service.
If you designate a barber/beauty operator-in-charge who is currently (or was recently) an operator-in-charge for another shop, please submit the following as it applies to your situation:
- Statement that your operator-in-charge is no longer employed by the previous shop or
- Statement explaining how your operator-in-charge will act as the operator-in-charge of both shops (dual operator-in-charge status)
Once licensed, a barber shop may employ licensed beauty operators. Likewise, once licensed, a beauty shop may employ licensed barbers. Report all changes to your operator-in-charge in writing.
If the application is for a corporation, partnership, LLC or LLP, we require the following proof to show that the entity is properly registered with the Business Registration Division ("BREG"), Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, State of Hawaii. Call 808-586-2727 or visit their website at: cca.hawaii.gov/breg to order Certificates of Good Standing, forms, etc.
- If the entity has been registered in this state for less than one year, attach a filed-stamped copy of the document filed with BREG; or, the same certificate mentioned below
- If the entity has been registered in this state for more than one year, attach a current Certificate of Good Standing issued no more than 1 year ago
If applicant will be using a trade name, attach a current filed-stamped copy of the Application for Registration of Trade Name approved by the Business Registration Division. You may contact them at: 808-586-2727.
Effective April 1, 2013, the State Department of Health will no longer issue sanitation inspection reports (sanitation clearance certificates) for barber shops and beauty shops. Therefore, the requirement for a copy of the sanitation clearance for the issuance of your shop license cannot be enforced. Until further notice, you do not need to provide a sanitation clearance certificate.
Pursuant to the Board's laws and rules, a shop owner must continue to meet all standards of sanitation required by the State Department of Health, and be in compliance with the sanitation requirements of Hawaii Administrative Rules chapter 11-11, the administrative rules of the State Department of Health. The following must be submitted to obtain a license for a barber shop or beauty shop:
- Completed application form
- Applicable fees
- A letter signed by both the shop's operator-in-charge and the shop's owner (or officer, director, partner, or member of the entity, as applicable) that describes the beauty culture or barbering activity that will be performed
- Please be sure to fully describe all the services that your operator(s)-in-charge is/are licensed to provide
- If the operator-in-charge and the shop's owner are the same person, they may sign for both
- A copy of the written agreement between the license applicant and the owner (or manager or rental agent of the venue) verifying their knowledge and authorization for the beauty culture or barbering activity to be conducted at that venue. Be sure that the legal (not dba) name of the beauty shop or barber shop is cited in the agreement
- If you are applying for a shop license for the booth or chair that you will be renting in an existing beauty shop or barber shop, In addition to the written agreement described above between the existing shop owner and the owner (manager or rental agent of the venue), you must also submit a copy of the written agreement between you and the existing shop's owner that verifies knowledge and authorization for the beauty culture or barbering activity to be conducted by you, as the booth or chair renter and
- A detailed drawing or sketch of the floor plan of the shop showing the locations of the sinks and other appurtenances utilized by the shop, as well as the surrounding area. In the case of a booth or chair rental, the detailed drawing or sketch must show the booth or chair and its surrounding area within the existing shop. All detailed drawings or sketches of the shop's floor plan must also show where the restroom(s) are located, whether within the shop (or in the case of booth or chair rental, within the existing shop), or outside the shop in common areas of the building or venue. All drawings or sketches of the shop's floor plan shall be on non-lined letter-sized paper, and are not required to be drawn to scale
A barber shop or beauty shop license is required for all permanent fixed locations, including booth or chair rentals, and all other types of premises where beauty culture or barbering activity is conducted on a regular basis, such as open-air markets, farmers' markets, swap meets, flea markets, shopping center or mall kiosks or booths, tents, beach or pool cabanas, etc.
All barber shop and beauty shop license applications are subject to review by the Board at a regularly-scheduled meeting therefore, please be advised to schedule the submittal of your application for your shop license to allow for the additional time that may be required for this review and approval by the Board.
For relocation or change of address, submit completed application, $76 and requirements No. 3, 4 and 5 above.
If applicant will be using a trade name, attach a current filed-stamped copy of the Application for Registration of Trade Name approved by the Business Registration Division. You may contact them at: 808-586-2727.
Effective April 1, 2013, the State Department of Health will no longer issue sanitation inspection reports (sanitation clearance certificates) for barber shops and beauty shops. Therefore, the requirement for a copy of the sanitation clearance for the issuance of your shop license cannot be enforced. Until further notice, you do not need to provide a sanitation clearance certificate.
Pursuant to the Board's laws and rules, a shop owner must continue to meet all standards of sanitation required by the State Department of Health, and be in compliance with the sanitation requirements of Hawaii Administrative Rules chapter 11-11, the administrative rules of the State Department of Health. The following must be submitted to obtain a license for a barber shop or beauty shop:
- Completed application form
- Applicable fees
- A letter signed by both the shop's operator-in-charge and the shop's owner (or officer, director, partner, or member of the entity, as applicable) that describes the beauty culture or barbering activity that will be performed
- Please be sure to fully describe all the services that your operator(s)-in-charge is/are licensed to provide
- If the operator-in-charge and the shop's owner are the same person, they may sign for both
- A copy of the written agreement between the license applicant and the owner (or manager or rental agent of the venue) verifying their knowledge and authorization for the beauty culture or barbering activity to be conducted at that venue. Be sure that the legal (not dba) name of the beauty shop or barber shop is cited in the agreement
- If you are applying for a shop license for the booth or chair that you will be renting in an existing beauty shop or barber shop, In addition to the written agreement described above between the existing shop owner and the owner (manager or rental agent of the venue), you must also submit a copy of the written agreement between you and the existing shop's owner that verifies knowledge and authorization for the beauty culture or barbering activity to be conducted by you, as the booth or chair renter and
- A detailed drawing or sketch of the floor plan of the shop showing the locations of the sinks and other appurtenances utilized by the shop, as well as the surrounding area. In the case of a booth or chair rental, the detailed drawing or sketch must show the booth or chair and its surrounding area within the existing shop. All detailed drawings or sketches of the shop's floor plan must also show where the restroom(s) are located, whether within the shop (or in the case of booth or chair rental, within the existing shop), or outside the shop in common areas of the building or venue. All drawings or sketches of the shop's floor plan shall be on non-lined letter-sized paper, and are not required to be drawn to scale
A barber shop or beauty shop license is required for all permanent fixed locations, including booth or chair rentals, and all other types of premises where beauty culture or barbering activity is conducted on a regular basis, such as open-air markets, farmers' markets, swap meets, flea markets, shopping center or mall kiosks or booths, tents, beach or pool cabanas, etc.
All barber shop and beauty shop license applications are subject to review by the Board at a regularly-scheduled meeting therefore, please be advised to schedule the submittal of your application for your shop license to allow for the additional time that may be required for this review and approval by the Board.
For relocation or change of address, submit completed application, $76 and requirements No. 3, 4 and 5 above.
For change ownership, licenses are not transferable. In the event that the ownership of a barber/beauty shop changes, a new barber/beauty shop license shall be required, and all licensing requirements at the time of the new application must be met.
For the restoration of a barber/beauty shop license, please contact the Licensing Branch-Records Section for the applicable restoration application. You must meet all current licensing requirements at the time you submit your application for the restoration of your license.
For the required fees, attach the appropriate amount made payable to: Commerce and Consumer Affairs. (Check must be made in US dollars and be from a US financial institution.)
Barber ShopApplicant who will be licensed in an EVEN-numbered year, pay $226
(Non-refundable Application Fee-$50 + License-$38 + Compliance Resolution Fund-$100 + 1/2 Renewal Fee-$38)
Applicant who will be licensed in an ODD-numbered year, pay $138*
(Non-refundable Application Fee-$50 + License-$38 + Compliance Resolution Fund-$50)
Applicant who will be licensed in an EVEN-numbered year, pay $226
(Non-refundable Application Fee-$50 + License-$38 + Compliance Resolution Fund-$100 + 1/2 Renewal Fee-$38)
Applicant who will be licensed in an ODD-numbered year, pay $138*
(Non-refundable Application Fee-$50 + License-$38 + Compliance Resolution Fund-$50)
Either type of shop, pay $76*
*Subject to renewal on or before December 31 of odd-numbered years.
One of the numerous legal requirements that you must meet in order for your new license to be issued is the payment of fees as set forth in this application. You may be sent a license certificate before the payment you sent us for your required fees is honored by your bank. If your payment is dishonored, you will have failed to pay the required licensing fee and your license will not be valid, and you may not do business under that license. Also, a $25 service charge shall be assessed for payments that are dishonored for any reason.
Mail all required items to:
Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
DCCA, PVL, Licensing Branch
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Deliver to office location at:
335 Merchant Street, Room 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-586-3000