This page provides information for Ohio license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Ohio 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 Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board.

Ohio Cosmetology License Verification

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

Applying for License

Ohio License by Reciprocity - Instructor Information

To download a copy of this application, click here. Persons holding a valid license to teach the theory and practice of cosmetology, or any branch of cosmetology, in other states, or from other countries, may obtain an Ohio license to teach cosmetology, or any branch of cosmetology, under section 4713.34 of the Ohio Revised Code if all of the conditions are met:

  • The individual holds an active instructor license or equivalent in cosmetology, or any branch of cosmetology
  • The individual is not less than 18 years of age
  • The individual is of good moral character
  • The requirements to obtain the license in the other licensing jurisdiction of origin extends similar reciprocity opportunities to individuals licensed in Ohio
  • At the time the license was obtained in the other licensing jurisdiction, the requirements in this state for obtaining the license the applicant seeks were substantially equal to the requirements of that licensing jurisdiction

To start the process:

Contact the state board where you are currently licensed, and request a Board Certification be sent directly to the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. Certifications will not be accepted from an applicant. The license must be active and in good standing to be accepted by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board, and must remain active and in good standing until an Ohio license is obtained. Only certifications received within six months of the preparation date will be accepted.

Complete and submit the following application to the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board. Once the application, documentation, and required Board certification have been received and verified by the board, you will either be issued an Ohio instructor license.

Required Submissions

  • One of the following forms of current, valid photo identification, driver's license, military ID, USA passport
  • Other form of government-issued identification
  • Documentation of a 12th grade education or the equivalent
  • Certification of licensure from State board where license is held
  • Copy of current license
  • Foreign applicants should include proof of US Citizenship or eligibility for state or local public benefits under 8 U.S.C. 1621

Note: All foreign-language documents must be translated into English by an official Translation Service. Translated documents must have the Translation Service Seal.

Ohio License Verification

Individuals and businesses licensed to provide cosmetology and barbing services in the State of Ohio are a matter of public record. The State of Ohio and the State Cosmetology and Barber Board have provided the following link to verify cosmetology and barbing licenses. Click here on eLicense Portal to verify Licensure.

Cosmetology Examinations

All applications for examination must be made through the online portal at https://elicense.ohio.gov. Once an examination application has been submitted and approval completed by the Board, an email will be sent to the applicant indicating they are Eligible to Schedule an examination. All examination notices will be sent to the applicant via email correspondence. For examination questions, please contact the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board at 614-466-3834. To apply for an examination, click here.

Barber Examinations

All applications for examination must be made through the online portal at https://elicense.ohio.gov. Once an examination application has been submitted and approval completed by the Board, an email will be sent to the applicant indicating they are Eligible to Schedule an examination. All examination notices will be sent to the applicant via email correspondence. For examination questions, please contact the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board at 614-466-3834. To apply for a barber examination, click here.

Request for License Reinstatement

Once a license has expired you are required to pay all past fees in order to receive an Active license. If your license has been expired for six years or more, you will be required to pay all past fees and take the practical and theory examinations before you can receive an Active license. To request individualized reinstatement information, click here to download the form. Then email the completed form to cathy.franklin@cos.ohio.gov.

Cosmetology License Restoration

Cosmetology licenses issued by the Ohio State Cosmetology and Barber Board expire on January 31st of every odd numbered year. If a renewal fee has not been received for two-consecutive renewal periods (4 years), the license will go into a lapsed status.

To restore a lapsed license to an active status through the amnesty program, you will be required to pay all delinquent and current licensing fees. In addition, you must complete the required number of Continuing Education (CE) hours based upon the number of years in which your license has been lapsed. Four of the required CE hours must be in the subject area of infection control and safety.

CE hours are only valid if taken from a Board approved course provider. Please make sure that you receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of all CE classes. To locate a complete list of approved CE classes click here. To request an amnesty application and instructions for reinstating your license click here. Complete and email the Amnesty Form to cathy.franklin@cos.ohio.gov.

Cosmetology Continuing Education

Continuing Education classes must be taken between February 1, 2017 and January 15, 2019. An individual that holds a license to practice a branch of cosmetology or an instructor license is required to complete the following hours of continuing education:

One hour of CE concerning Board laws and rules: Can be applied to multiple licenses held. (Only provided by the Board)

Two hours of CE concerning sanitation and safety:

Because the Board must be able to track CE completion to the credential held, the two hour safety/sanitation education must be a separate two hour course if a licensee wants to apply it to multiple licenses. Otherwise, the course will need to be combined with the scope specific education.

Five hours of CE concerning subject matter relating to the scope of services for each license held by the individual: Can only be applied to a license that matches the scope of practice subject matter of the course.

Example: A licensee that holds a Cosmetologist license and an Esthetician license may take:

  • 1 hour of Board laws and rules CE (Only provided by the Board)
  • 2 hours of Safety and Sanitation CE (from a separate 2 hour course)
  • 5 hours cosmetology specific CE
  • 5 hours esthetics specific CE

Or, if the Safety and Sanitation CE is not a separate course:

  • 1 hour of Board laws and rules CE (Only provided by the Board)
  • 7 hours CE containing 2 hour Safety and Sanitation and
  • 5 hours cosmetology specific CE
  • 7 hours CE containing 2 hour Safety and Sanitation and
  • 5 hours esthetics specific CE

Any CE class intended to be used for license renewal must have pre-approval by the Board. It is the responsibility of the licensee to determine if a CE class has been approved. Approved classes are listed on the Board website www.cos.ohio.gov. Licensees should ask the provider of the class if Board approval has been obtained. If there are questions regarding specific CE course content, loss of a certificate of completion, directions, etc. please contact the provider of the class directly.

When taking a continuing education class, licensees are required to sign-in to the class using their name and Board license number (e.g.COSA.991234). Upon completion of the class, licensees should receive a certificate of completion. The certificate should include the date, location, hours received, course approval number, and name of class. During the CE audit the Board may request proof of completion of CE hours. Therefore, the certificate should be retained in a safe and accessible place.

First Time Licensee

If this is your first Ohio license, you are not required to obtain continuing education hours for this renewal period. Payment of renewal fee is required to keep a license active. An Instructors license is not eligible for this exemption.

Sixty-five years or older

Licensees age sixty-five or older before January 31, 2019 are not required to complete CE hours. Payment of renewal fee is required to keep a license active.

Inactive (formerly Escrow)

Licensees that place their license in an Inactive status are not required to complete CE hours during the time the license is Inactive. Completion of the required number of CE hours must be completed in order to restore a license to an Active status. To begin the process of restoring a Inactive license to an Active status click here.

Lapsed/Amnesty

If a renewal fee has not been received for two-consecutive renewal periods (4 years), the license will go into a Lapsed status. To restore the license to an Active status, the licensee is required to pay all back fees and obtain up to twenty-four hours of CE. To begin the process of restoring a Lapsed license to an Active status click here.

Instructors

Licensees who hold an instructors license must obtain five of the eight required CE hours on scope specific material related to the topic of instructing.

Ohio Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 1500 Hours
Managing Cosmetologist License 1800 Hours
Hairstylist License 1200 Hours
Managing Hairstylist License 1440 Hours
Esthetician License 750 Hours (+ 16-hour Training To Do Microdermabrasion)
Managing Esthetician License 750 Hours
Nail Technician License 200 Hours (+ 8-hour Training To Use Electric File)
Managing Nail Technician License 300
Barber License 1800 Hours (call 614-466-5003)
Cosmetology Instructor License Managing Cosmetology License + 1000 Hours Or 1 Year Salon Experience
Massage Therapist License 750 Hours (call 614-466-3934)

Military License Information

As an Active Duty Military Member or the spouse of an Active Duty Military member you may transfer your license to practice any branch of cosmetology licensed in Ohio by downloading and completing this form. Please review the information in order to prevent any delay in processing your application. If you have any questions please contact Sue Gatwood at 614-728-0354 or by email: sue.gatwood@cos.ohio.gov.

How can I get an Advanced license?

An Advanced license requires passing an Advanced Theory examination. There are two ways to apply for the Advanced Examination.

  • Complete the Advanced Examination Application Based on Work Experience or
  • Complete an Advanced program for cosmetology or a branch of cosmetology in an Ohio licensed School of Cosmetology
  • You must contact a school for specific information
What are the different types of salon licenses?

There are currently five different types of salon licenses issued by the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology. Each salon license permits specific types of services to be provided within the salon. The different license types are listed below:

  • Beauty Salon - Permits all cosmetology services
  • Nail Salon - Permits only nail services
  • Esthetic Salon - Permits only services for skin care and makeup application
  • Hair Designer Salon - Permits only services for hair (cut, curl, color, etc.)
  • Natural Hair Styling Salon - Permits only natural services for hair (braiding)
How to obtain a cosmetology license in Ohio if I am currently licensed in another state?

All out of state licensees must submit an Out of State License Application to the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology and request a board certification from the state where they hold a current and active license. License certifications must be mailed directly from the Board. Certifications sent from applicants will not be accepted. Once your information has been received and processed you will receive the relevant exam information.

How can I get an instructor's license?

You must have a current active Advanced license in order to obtain an instructor license. There are two ways to obtain this license:

  • Complete the Instructor License Application Based on Work Experience or
  • Complete an Apprentice Instructor Training Program in an Ohio licensed School of Cosmetology. You must contact a school for specific information
How can I update my Board approved photo for my license?

Board approved photos are no longer required to be updated or posted.

How do I update my license address online?

You will need your user ID and password that was attached to your license. This information is unique to each licensee and allows for access to the state of Ohio E-Licensing system. Visit www.license.ohio.gov:

  • Click on the update address button
  • Enter in the new information on both the credential address and mailing address
  • Click on submit

If you forgot your user ID and Password, call the Board Office toll free at 866-642-6723 and they will provide that information to you.

How can I take the exam in Ohio if I went to school in another state?

Completed cosmetology or branch of cosmetology program hours taken in another state are not eligible to be transferred to the Ohio Board of Cosmetology. Only a license from another state can be transferred to Ohio. Students who have not completed a cosmetology or branch of cosmetology program may transfer hours from another state to a school in Ohio in order to complete a program and be eligible for Ohio licensure. Program hour requirements are as follows:

  • Cosmetology 1500 hours
  • Esthetics 600 hours
  • Natural hair stylist 450 hours
  • Hair Designer 1200 hours
  • Manicuring 200 hours

Click here to view a list of licensed cosmetology schools. It is the sole discretion of the school to accept your out of state cosmetology hours and the Ohio state board cannot override their decision. An official transfer of hours letter must be received by the school prior to beginning any program.

How do I get a duplicate license?

A duplicate license is available if your license has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. In order to receive a duplicate license, you must complete the Duplicate License request form. Once the request form is received, an application will be sent to you via email. The application must be completed and returned to the Board office along with the required documentation and fee.

  • A current valid Driver's license or state issued ID
  • $20 fee Check, credit/debit card, or money order is acceptable. (Cash is not accepted)
How can I reactivate my current, Escrowed license?

An Inactive (formerly Escrow) license can be returned to an Active status by completing the required number of continuing education hours and paying any required fees. You must contact the Ohio State Board of Cosmetology to obtain the CE requirements and fees associated with this change.

Is certification required to operate indoor tanning equipmnent?

Anyone that wishes to operate indoor tanning equipment inside a licensed tanning facility must complete a Board approved tanning certification course. To see a list of approved providers, click here.