The New York Board Of Cosmetology is in charge of enforcing laws and regulations through inspections, investigation into complaints submitted by consumers and conducts hearings, imposes penalties and enforces actions when they deem necessary. Through education and the enforcement of the cosmetology laws in NY, the state board ensures the safety, welfare and public health by regulating the salons, schools and individuals who practice cosmetology. The list of the board members who are part of the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services are listed below:

State Board Members

Member Category
Michelle D'Allaird (Board Chair) Esthetician
Richard A. Caputo Cosmetologist
Anthony Fiore Educator
Shirley Cheng Nail Specialist

They also issue licenses for to individuals who qualify for reciprocity or through the state boards administration of a written and practical examination to schools and salons. To find out how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one or find out how many hours for cosmetology license in New York, check out the New York Cosmetology License page for additional information. The list of categories the state board issues licenses for are below:

  • Available License Categories
  • Barber
  • Barbers Apprentice
  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • Nail Specialty
  • Natural Hair Styling
  • Waxing

If you need to obtain a cosmetology license, renew an existing one, or want to open up a salon or go to school, then in most cases there are fees involved. We list all available fees for this state below. We recommend to call the New York State Board Of Cosmetology if you cannot find the fee information you are looking for below, or if you need to know how to pay your fees and what type of payments they accept.

Cosmetology License Operator
Initial Application $40
Renewal $40
Written Exam $15
Practical Exam $15
Six month temporary license $10
Six month temporary license renewal $10
Late Renewal Penalty $10
Change of Personal Name $0
Change of Address $10
Duplicate License/Registration Request $10
Cosmetology License Business/Area Renter
Initial Application $60
Renewal $60
Change of Personal Name $0
Change of Address $10
Duplicate License/Registration Request $10
Esthetician License Operator
Initial Application $40
Renewal $40
Written Exam Fee $15
Practical Exam Fee $15
Six month temporary license $10
Six month temporary license renewal $10
Late Renewal Penalty $10
Change of Personal Name $0
Change of Address $10
Duplicate License/Registration Request $10
Esthetician License Business/Area Renter
Initial Application $60
Renewal $60
Change of Personal Name $0
Change of Address $10
Duplicate License/Registration Request $10
To view the full list of fees, click here  

New York Cosmetology License Lookup

If you are planning to setup an appointment with a local salon, it is recommended that you first verify the professional or business license. You can do that online for the state of New York by visiting appext20.dos.ny.gov. 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.

Filing a Complaint

Part of the duties of the New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services is receiving and investigating consumer complaints involving unlawful acts which may include:

  • False advertisement
  • Violations of health
  • Deceptive statements
  • Sanitation regulations
  • Unlicensed person
  • Malpractice or incompetence

If you feel like you have experienced one of these issues listed above, or have information about a specific incident, then you would need to submit your complaint. If you have issues or questions about the complaint process outlined below, then it is recommended you contact the state board for assistance.

The Department of State is committed to maintaining the integrity and competence of the licensees within its jurisdiction. Should a member of the public believe that a licensee has acted in an untrustworthy or incompetent manner, he or she may file a complaint with the Department's Division of Licensing Services. The complaint will be reviewed and an investigation will be commenced to determine whether the licensee should be disciplined. Both the licensee and the complainant are kept apprised of the proceedings. A licensee who is found to be in violation of the law is subject to reprimand, fine, suspension or revocation. Instructions for submitting your complaint:

You must print and complete the complaint form.

Submit complaint by mail

Please remember that you are required to attach copies of supporting documentation for your complaint (receipts, contracts, applications etc.). Mail the completed complaint form to:

NYS Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
Complaint Review Office
PO Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001

Submit complaint by email

If you have Internet access, please attach and submit this form via email. Other forms of filing could delay their response to your complaint. Please remember that you are required to attach electronic copies of supporting documentation for your complaint (receipts, contracts, applications, etc.) Maximum file size is 10MB. Make sure to follow these simple steps:

  • Open your internet email account and type the following address in the addressee field: Complaints@dos.ny.gov
  • Attach the completed copy of the complaint form from your computer to your email. (Note, you may also attach any other supporting documents related to your complaint to the email if they are available in electronic format)
  • Press Send

Note: the purpose of this email box is to accept completed complaint forms only. No other inquiries will be replied to from this email box.

Here are some tips on preparing your complaint. Make a list of things you want to say. Try your best to separate your feelings from the facts. Present the events in the order of which they happened, use dates and times if possible. When submitting your complaint, please make sure to provide copies of documents, for example contracts, letters, advertisements, sakes slips, cancelled checks, warranties and any other documentation that can support your claim. Only provide copies, keep the original copies for your own record. Please remember, the complaint should describe the event or practice which misled you. If you can, please also state why the practice was misleading.

If you still have questions or issues about your complaint or about cosmetology, then use the contact information listed below. We provide the New York Board Of Cosmetology phone number, office address and how to access their departments website.

  • State Board Office Location
  • New York Department of State Division of Licensing Services
    99 Washington Avenue
    Albany, NY 12231

  • State Board Office Phone
  • You can reach the office by calling the New York State Board of Cosmetology phone number 518-474-4429. Their fax number is 518-473-6648.

  • State Board Website
  • You can acccess the New York state board online by going to www.dos.ny.gov.