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

Oklahoma Cosmetology License Verification

If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can call the Oklahoma Board of Cosmetology at 405-521-2441 and requesting to see if their license is valid and if there are any disciplinary actions on record. The phone number is listed at the bottom of this page. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the person and or business providing your service.

Cosmetology License Requirements

Cosmetology means any one or combination or practices generally and usually performed by and known as the occupation of beauticians, beauty culturists, beauty operators, cosmeticians, cosmetologists or hairdressers, or of any other person holding herself or himself out as practicing cosmetology by whatever designation and within the meaning of this Act and in or upon whatever place or premises. Cosmetology shall include, but not be limited to, any one or combination of the following practices: bleaching, cleansing, curling, cutting, coloring, dressing, removing, singeing, styling, waving, or similar work, upon the hair of any person by any means, and with hands or mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit the use of any of said devices for the non-permanent removal of hair from the human body without puncturing the skin, or by the use of cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, tonics, lotions, or creams, massaging, cleansing, stimulating, exercising, beautifying, or similar work, the scalp, face, neck, arms, bust, or upper part of the body, or manicuring the nails of any person, exclusive of such of the foregoing practices as come within the scope of the practice of the healing arts as provided by the laws of this state.

  • Completion of 1500 hours of study or equivalent number of credit hours
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Is over the age of sixteen
  • Has completed at least the eighth grade
Term of License

One year. Renewal required on the last day of birthday month annually.

Fees
  • Exam fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $25
  • License Renewal Fee - $25
  • Delinquency Fee (License expired over two months) - $10

Barbering License Requirements

Barbering means any one or any combination of the following practices, when done upon the upper part of the human body for cosmetic purposes and when done for payment either directly or indirectly for the general public, constitutes the practice of barbering, to wit; Shaving or trimming the beard or cutting the hair; giving facial or scalp massages or treatment with oils, creams, lotions or other preparations, either by hand or mechanical appliances; singeing, shampooing or applying lighteners or color to the hair or applying hair tonics; applying cosmetic preparations, antiseptics, powders, oils, clays or lotions to scalp, face, neck or upper part of the body and removing superfluous hair from the face, neck or upper part of the body.

  • Completion of 1500 hours of study or equivalent number of credit hours
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Is over the age of sixteen
  • Has completed at least the eighth grade
Term of License

One year. Renewal required on the last day of June annually.

Fees
  • Exam fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $25
  • License Renewal Fee - $25
  • Delinquency Fee (if not renewed by July 1) - $50

Cosmetician License Requirements

Cosmetician means a person licensed by the Board to perform patron services limited to hair arranging and application of makeup, including, but not limited to, using hairstyling tools and products. Services must be performed in a licensed establishment.

  • Complete 600 hours of study or equivalent number of credit hours
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Is over the age of sixteen
  • Has completed the eighth grade
Term of License

One year. Renewal required on the last day of birthday month annually

Fees
  • Exam Fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $25
  • License Renewal Fee - $25
  • Delinquency Fee (License expired over two months) - $10

Demonstrator License Requirements

Demonstrator means a person who is not licensed in the state as a Cosmetologist or Instructor and who demonstrates any cosmetic preparation is declared to be a Demonstrator and shall be required to obtain a license from the Board before making any such demonstrations. Demonstrators do not charge for their services.

Term of License

One year. Renewable each year on the last day of birthday month annually. Initial licensing require passing of board administered sanitation and safety exam.

Fees
  • Application/Initial Fee - $20
  • License Renewal - $20
  • Delinquency Fee (license expired over two months) - $10

Esthetician/Facialist License Requirements

Facial Operator means any person who gives facials for compensation.

  • Complete 600 hours of study or equivalent number of credit hours
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Is over the age of sixteen
  • Has completed the eighth grade
Term of License

One year. Renewal required on the last day of birthday month annually.

Fees
  • Exam Fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $25
  • License Renewal Fee - $25
  • Delinquency Fee (License expired over two months) - $10
Facial/Esthetics Instructor

Facial/Esthetics Instructor means a person licensed by the Board as a qualified teacher of the art and science of facial and esthetics theory and practice.

  • Must hold a current Oklahoma Facial Operator license
  • Complete 1000 hours of study, or 300 hours if 2 years of recent licensed experience is verified (or equivalent number of credit hours)
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Hold a High School Diploma or a General Education Development Certificate
  • Is over the age of sixteen
Term of License

One year. Rrenewal required on the last day of birthday month annually.

Fees
  • Exam Fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $30
  • License Renewal Fee - $30
  • Delinquency Fee (license expired over two months) - $10

Hairbraiding Technician License Requirements

Hairbraiding Technician means a person licensed by the Board to perform hairbraiding techniques, and hair extensions in a licensed cosmetology establishment.

  • Complete 600 hours of study or equivalent number of credit hours
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Is over the age of sixteen
  • Has completed the eighth grade
Term of License

One year. Renewal required on the last day of birthday month annually.

Fees
  • Exam Fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $25
  • License Renewal Fee - $25
  • Delinquency Fee (License expired over two months) - $10

Instructor License Requirements

Master Instructor means a person who gives instruction in cosmetology or any practices thereof.

  • Most hold a current Oklahoma Cosmetology or Barber license
  • Complete 1000 hours of study, or 300 hours if 2 years of recent licensed experience is verified (or equivalent number of credit hours)
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Hold a High School Diploma or a General Education Development Certificate
  • Is over the age of sixteen
Term of License

One year. Renewal required on the last day of birthday month annually.

Fees
  • Exam Fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $50
  • License Renewal Fee - $30/$50 for Barber Instructor
  • Delinquency Fee - (license expired over two months) - $10 for Master Cosmetology Instructor/$100 for Barber Instructor after July 1

Manicurist License Requirements

Manicurist means a person who gives manicures, gives pedicures, or applies artificial nails.

  • Complete 600 hours of study or equivalent number of credit hours
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Is over the age of sixteen
  • Has completed the eighth grade
Term of License

One year. Renewal required on the last day of birthday month annually.

Fees
  • Exam Fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $25
  • License Renewal Fee - $25
  • Delinquency Fee (License expired over two months) - $10

Manicurist Instructor License Requirements

Manicurist/Nail Technician Instructor means a person licensed by the Board as a qualified teacher of the art and science of nail technology theory and practice.

  • Must hold a current Oklahoma Manicurist license
  • Complete 1000 hours of study, or 500 hours if 2 years of recent licensed experience is verified (or equivalent number of credit hours)
  • Pass a written and practical exam
  • Hold a High School Diploma or a General Education Development Certificate
    Is over the age of sixteen
  • Term of License

One year. Renewal required on the last day of birthday month annually.

Fees
  • Exam Fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $25
  • License Renewal Fee - $25
  • Delinquency Fee (License expired over two months) - $10

Apprentice Requirements

Below are the requirements for an Apprentice:

  • Has submitted evidence of need and been approved by the Board
  • Apprentice is required by law to obtain training under a licensed Instructor
  • Training to be conducted in an approved licensed establishment
  • Complete 3000 hours of study for Cosmetology, 1200 hours for Facialist, or 1200 hours for Manicurist, 3000 hours for Barber
  • Is over the age of sixteen
  • Has completed at least the eighth grade
Term of License

One year. Renewable by the last day of birthday month annually.

Fees
  • Exam Fee - $35
  • Application/Initial Fee - $20
  • License Renewal Fee - $25
  • Delinquency Fee (license expired over two months) - $10

Oklahoma Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 1500 Hours
Esthetician License 600 Hours
Nail Technician License 600 Hours
Cosmetology Instructor License Cosmetology License + 1000 Hours
Massage Therapist License Varies By Municipality

License Renewal Information

Read the information below pertaining to renewing a license:

  • Renewal fees are payable by cashier's check, money order or business check. No personal or temporary checks are accepted
  • The term of your license is one year. Renewable on the last day of your birthday month, annually
  • The renewal fee applies
  • A renewal application form (that is sent to you each year and is attached to your license) is due. If you do not have this form, add an additional $5 to the applicable fees
  • If you have no form, Include a note requesting renewal of your license with your money order or cashier's check that includes your name, mailing address, file number (if this information is available to you) and your social security number
  • If your license has expired over two months, include a $10 late fee. We will refer to the postmark date on your envelope to determine if the late fee is applicable

Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
2401 NW 23rd, Suite 84
Oklahoma City, OK 73107

Location:

OSBCB is located in Shepherd Mall. Please drive to the back of the mall where you will see our sign on the wall of the mall facing east.

Hours of Operation:

Daily from 7:30am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday, excluding legal State Holidays and during inclement weather.

Applying for a Domestic Reciprocity License

The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering may grant license by reciprocity, without examination, to any applicant who shall qualify and who shall submit the required application and fees to the Board. Instructions to apply are listed below:

  • Complete, sign and notarzied the reciprocity application
  • Applicant must complete the Affidavit Verifying Lawful Presence in the US, as required by House Bill 1804. This form must be notarized
  • Applicant must submit a current (newer than one year), 2" x 3" full face photograph
  • Submit money order or cashier's check for $65 (includes $60 for license and $5 for Oklahoma Law, Rule and Regulation book) made payable to the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. Personal checks are not accepted
  • Submit a certification/affidavit of your license records from the State Board or appropriate licensing agency where a current license is held. This is a legal document furnished by the State Board with licensing history, number of hours completed, and will include appropriate state seal and official signature. Copies of a current state license are not acceptable. Certification must be either attached to the reciprocity application, or already on file with the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. If the certification is mailed to their office, they will contact the applicant upon receipt
  • If applying for an Instructor Reciprocity License, applicant must submit a copy of their high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Applicants from a state that does not license practitioners must also show proof of completion of the required number of hours of school instruction. Oklahoma only accepts hours from other State Boards or appropriate licensing agencies. Hours reported directly from schools outside Oklahoma are not accepted.
  • Submit all required documentation and fee to the following address:

    Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
    2401 NW 23rd Street, Suite 84
    Oklahoma City, OK 73107
    Reciprocity Department
    Phone: 405-521-2441
    Fax: 405-521-2440

Upon acceptance of this application, Applicant shall be notified of scheduled date and time to appear for the Board's Sanitation and Safety Examination. After Applicant passes the Sanitation and Safety Examination, their license will be issued as soon as possible, and will expire on the last day of their next birth month. Licenses are renewable annually, and expire on the last day of Licensee's birth month.

Any applicant who does not meet the above criteria is not eligible for licensure by reciprocity without examination. Such applicants must complete all Oklahoma requirements for licensure.‘Cosmetology school hours acquired in another state may be transferable. Please contact the Board office for more information. Please direct all inquiries to the Reciprocity Department at 405-521-2441.

It is a violation of Oklahoma Cosmetology Law for any out of state licensee to practice in Oklahoma prior to obtaining an Oklahoma License.

How to Obtain a Foreign Reciprocity License

The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering may grant license by reciprocity to applicants from outside the United States ifall of the qualifications listed below are met. Applicants for foreign reciprocity must schedule an appointment with the Executive Director, and must either be able to speak English or bring an interpreter to the interview. Applicants are required to present, in person, all of the documents listed below. All records must be certified, and translation to English must be attached to each document.

Applicant must present original documents, not copies. Copies will be made free of charge at the appointment, if necessary. Applicants for foreign reciprocity are not allowed to practice in Oklahoma until a license has been issued. Oklahoma does not issue temporary work permits to foreign reciprocity applicants. Fee is not required at the interview. Applicant will be notified of any fees due after the Board reviews their application. The instructions are listed below:

  • Complete, sign and notarize the reciprocity application
  • Applicant must provide an outline of curriculum or course of study completed
  • Applicant must submit a current (newer than one year), 2" x 3" full face photograph
  • Applicant must submit proof of an eighth grade education or equivalent, including the name and location of the school, dates attended, and any additional education achieved
  • Applicant must provide proof of a current or permanent license from a country whose qualifications are substantially equal to those in force in Oklahoma at the time of application
  • Applicant must submit proof of training in beauty culture. List curriculum covered and practiced, giving dates and location where training was obtained. If possible, submit a copy of the diploma
  • Applicant must submit certified statements from previous employers, giving dates, places, and addresses of employment or proof of having owned a salon
  • When all required documentation has been gathered, Applicant must call the Board at 405-521-2441 and schedule an appointment with the Executive Director or their representative
  • Applicant must bring all documentation, a valid Social Security Card, and a current photo identification card to the appointment
  • Applicant must be prepared to sit for a 25 question State Rules, Regulations, and Law test
  • Applicant may be required to provide evidence that all education documents, including those for cosmetology, manicuring, and facial training, have been verified by an accrediting agency at the Applicant's expense. The Board has approved Aequo international as a creditable agency for this purpose. Applicants can email Aequo directly at info@aeguointernationa|.com for more information, or call them at 844-882-3786. Any document submitted by the Applicant that cannot be verified by Aequo international may prohibit a license from being issued by the Board
  • If Applicant is not a US Citizen, Applicant must also present a valid Permanent Resident Card and proof of a permanent visa having been established in the US

The Board will review the application to determine whether the applicant is eligible for reciprocity, or must sit forthe State Board Examination. Applicants will be notified of the Board‘s decision as soon as possible. Please direct all inquiries to the Board office at 405-521-2441.

Salon/Shop Establishment License Application

Establishment License Applicants must meet these requirements and submit this documentation to the Board:

  • The Establishment License Application/Affidavit must be completed and notarized
  • If the Applicant is not a corporation, he or she must complete the Affidavit Verifying Lawful Presence in the US, unless the Applicant has already filed the Affidavit with this office. This form must be notarized

Except as provided above, any application received without this affidavit will be rejected.

  • If the Applicant is a corporation, 3 copy of the Certificate of Incorporation from the Secretary of State must be enclosed with the Application. Corporate applications received without this certificate will be rejected
  • Applicants who are assuming operation of an existing establishment should submit a copy of either the Lease Agreement or the Bill of Sale from the previous owner, so that the Board may update the previous owner's records
  • If this establishment is a franchise, submit a copy of your franchise agreement
  • Payment of $50 ($45 for initial license fee, $5 for an Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Rules and Statutes Book) must be enclosed with the application. Payment should be either by cashier's check or money order. Personal checks are not accepted and will be returned
  • Applicants who do not hold a current license issued by this Board must submit a current (newer than one year) full face photograph. A passport-size photo is recommended

If the stated requirements are met, and the information provided in the affidavit is acceptable, the Board will issue a license. This license is subject to approval by a State Inspector, who will inspect the salon within thirty days after the license is issued. Under Oklahoma law, operating an establishment without a license is a misdemeanor. Applicants who, for any reason, have opened an establishment without applying for a license are subject to a $10 penalty fee, and/or other legal recourse available to the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.

Establishment licenses are not transferable from one person to another. Licenses are transferable from one location to another, ifthe Board is notified in writing prior to the location change. This notification must be notarized. Licensees who move their establishments must obtain and submit a Change Order Request to the Board prior to the move.

Licensees are required to report changes in permanent mailing address to the Board immediately. Licensees who sell or close their establishments, either temporarily or permanently, must also notify the Board in writing immediately. Licensees are responsible for keeping their establishments in compliance with all city or county building and zoning codes. State Inspectors may ask to view code compliance certificates during an inspection.

Applicants with questions concerning the licensing process are encouraged to contact the License Department directly at 405-522-7620. Agency staff will gladly offer assistance. Compliance with the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Law, Rules, and Regulations is both expected and appreciated.

Forms/Application Links I need another copy of my massage license, how do I get a duplicate?

To request a duplicate license, send in a payment of $5, payable by money order or cashier's check to OSBCB. Include a letter with your name, address, contact number, and file number.

How do I renew my massage license?

Submit the renewal application attached to the bottom of your license, include a copy of your Continuing Education certificates/documents, a copy of your insurance policy showing current professional liability insurance for the practice of massage therapy, and the correct fee amount. Please allow up to 30 days to receive your license after mailing in the renewal application.

Can I renew my massage license for more than one year?

You may renew your massage therapist license for either 1 year or 2 years.

  • To renew your license for 1 year, please submit your renewal application that is attached to the bottom of your license, include a copy of your Continuing Education certificates/documents showing that you completed at least 5 CEUs, a copy of your insurance policy showing current professional liability insurance for the practice of massage therapy, and a payment of $50
  • To renew your license for 2 years, please submit your renewal application that is attached to the bottom of your license, include a copy of your Continuing Education certificates/documents showing that you completed at least 10 CEUs, a copy of your insurance policy showing current professional liability insurance for the practice of massage therapy, and a payment of $100
How many Continuing Education hours do I need to renew my massage license?

A licensee shall complete 5 hours of continuing education per year. Acceptable continuing education shall address topics within the scope of practice of massage therapy as defined in the Massage Therapy Practice Act or related business practices and may include training in CPR or First Aid. In order to receive credit for CPR or First Aid, the licensee must take a complete course with certification.

I have a massage license in another state/country. How do I get a license in Oklahoma?

You must provide the Board with a completed Reciprocity application form and meet the requirements for license.