This page provides information for Oregon license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Oregon 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 Oregon Health Licensing Agency.

Oregon Cosmetology License Verification

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

Renew Oregon License

If your board is under the umbrella of the Health Licensing Office, you can save time by renewing your authorization to practice (license, certification or registration) online at your convenience. The license renewal app works best with Internet Explorer. Other web browsers may have mixed results. Google Chrome and most mobile devices are not supported.

Who can't renew online

You cannot renew online:

  • If you have current or unresolved disciplinary action(s) against you
  • If you are attempting to renew more than 45 days before the expiration date for your authorization-to-practice
  • If you are attempting to renew late (past your authorization-to-practice expiration date)
  • For Cosmetology Practitioners: Late Renewal Form
Who can't renew immediately

Licensees of the Board of Direct Entry Midwifery must submit documentation and receive approval as part of the authorization-to-practice renewal process prior to renewing online. Contact HLO customer service at hlo.info@state.or.us or 503-378-8667 for more information.

Need to take a survey?

Licensed Dietitians, Respiratory Therapists and Polysomnographic Technologists are required to take and attest to having taken the Oregon Health Authority's Health Care Workforce Survey online at the time of their renewals. This survey must be taken within 45 days prior to their license expiration date. The license renewal process is not complete if the survey has not been taken. The current surveys can be found here:


Renew now

All you need to start is your license, certification or registration information, as well as your credit card number and expiration date. After you click the Renew Now link, you will be guided through the online renewal process. After you have completed your renewal, you will be provided with a confirmation page. Please print the confirmation page as your receipt, which will provide verification of your authorization for 30 days from the renewal date. If you do not receive your permanent authorization to practice by postal mail after 20 days, contact the Health Licensing Office.

If you do not receive your authorization to practice within the 30-day period and the Health Licensing Office has on record that the license was mailed to you, you must submit a written request for a replacement license and pay a $25 fee under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 331-030-0020(6).

Help with online renewals

For assistance, contact a Customer Support Representative at 503-378-8667 or hlo.info@state.or.us.

Update Oregon License

Oregon law requires that all address and employment changes for our licensees, certification holders, and registration holders must be submitted in writing (this includes email) within 30 days. Here are three easy options for submitting changes in address or employment:

  • Send them an email, including your name and license number and your new address or work location, to hlo.info@state.or.us
  • Fill out and mail the Information Update Form to the address on this page
  • Send us a letter, including your name and license number and your new address or work location

Changes to your legal name must also be submitted within 30 days. Your full legal name is your first name, middle name(s), and last or surname, without use of initials or nicknames. To change your name you must provide a copy of approved legal documentation, filed in a court with the appropriate jurisdiction, and a copy of one form of approved photographic identification.

Cosmetology Reciprocity Requirements

How to Obtain an Oregon License. Are you moving to Oregon and you hold an active cosmetology certificate or license from another state? To obtain, by reciprocity, an Oregon practitioner certificate in hair design, barbering, esthetics or nail technology, you will have to provide proof of licensure in another state and pass all relevant Oregon written examinations. Note: Oregon does not offer an umbrella cosmetology certification.

Step 1: Proof of Licensure from Your Home State

First, the Health Licensing Office must have proof that your license is current and in good standing in your home state. Your license alone is not enough, this proof must be communicated to the Health Licensing Office from the board or agency of the state in which you are licensed itself. Your license can be verified in one of two ways:

  • Contact the regulatory authority of the state in which you are currently licensed and request that it send a verification of licensure to them at Health Licensing Office, 1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180, Salem, OR 97301
  • Some states give them the ability to verify your license for you. To do this, fill out an Affidavit of Licensure form and mail it to the HLO or bring it with you to the Office in Salem. (Do not fax or email it.) Contact the office at hlo.info@state.or.us or 503-378-8667 to determine your home state's status regarding license verification
Step 2: Preparation

Once the HLO receives proof of your licensure in another state, they will determine whether your home state's licensure is substantially equivalent to Oregon licensing requirements. If it is not, you must provide proof of having been employed or working in the profession full time for three of the past five years, typically through tax documentation.

If you use the Affidavit of Licensure to verify your license and it includes an address, the HLO will mail you the Office's findings along with additional information. You may also call them at 503-378-8667 to verify whether your affidavit has been received. If the affidavit discloses any unresolved disciplinary actions and/or outstanding civil fines, you must resolve these issues before obtaining certification in Oregon.

Step 3: Testing

To obtain Oregon licensure, all reciprocity applicants must pass the Oregon Laws and Rules examination as well as the written exam for each field of practice in which they wish to obtain certification. The fees required for licensure include:

  • Verification of licensure
  • Application fee
  • Oregon Laws and Rules examination
  • Each field of practice written examination and
  • After you pass the exams, you will pay a licensure fee for each field of practice

Basic information on testing at the HLO:

  • The written examinations are conducted on a walk-in basis (no appointment necessary)
  • HLO office hours to begin testing are Monday 8am to 1:30pm, Tuesday 9am to 1:30pm and Wednesday through Friday 8am to 1:30pm
  • Applicants who are taking two or more fields of practice examinations should arrive as early as possible (no later than noon) to complete their examinations by 4:30pm at the latest. Applicants taking four fields of practice examinations should arrive and be ready to test at 9am
  • You are allowed 90 minutes for each examination. Multiply that by the number of exams you need to take to calculate how much time you need. Applicants who do not allow enough time to complete their exams will be turned away

To study for the Oregon Laws and Rules examination, please review the Practitioner Application Information Packet and the Oregon Laws and Rules. This packet includes the Oregon Laws and Rules. For individual field of practice examinations, questions and answers are taken from the Milady and Pivot Point textbooks.

Please bring two forms of acceptable original identification issued by a federal, state or local government agency of the US. One form of identification must be photographic, and the names on each ID must match each other and your license, or you must bring court documentation showing the name change. After passing the required examinations and paying all fees, you will receive your Oregon license the same day.

Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners Reciprocity Requirements

How to Obtain an Oregon License. Are you moving to Oregon and you hold an active tattooing, electrology or body piercing license from another state? To obtain, by reciprocity, an Oregon license in one of these fields, you will have to provide proof of licensure in another state and pass all relevant Oregon written examinations.

Step 1: Proof of Licensure from Your Home State

First, the Health Licensing Office must have proof that your license is current and in good standing in your home state. Your license alone is not enough, this proof must be communicated to the Health Licensing Office from the board or agency of the state in which you are licensed itself.

Your license can be verified in one of two ways:

  • Contact the licensing board of the state in which you are currently licensed and request that it send a verification or certification of licensure to us at Health Licensing Office, 1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180, Salem OR 97301
  • Some states give them the ability to verify your license for you. To do this, fill out an Affidavit of Licensure form and mail it to the HLO or bring it with you to the Office in Salem. (Do not fax or email it.) Contact the office at hlo.info@state.or.us or 503-378-8667 to determine your home state's status regarding license verification
Step 2: Preparation

Once the HLO receives proof of your licensure in another state, they will determine whether your home state's licensure is substantially equivalent to Oregon licensing requirements. If it is not, you must provide proof of having been employed or working in the profession full time for three of the past five years, typically through tax documentation.

If you use the Affidavit of Licensure to verify your license and it includes an address, the HLO will mail you the Office's findings along with additional information. You may also call them at 503-378-8667 to verify whether your affidavit has been received. If the affidavit discloses any unresolved disciplinary actions and/or outstanding civil fines, you must resolve these issues before obtaining certification in Oregon.

Step 3: Testing

To obtain Oregon licensure, all reciprocity applicants must pass any written or practical exam(s) for each field in which they wish to obtain a license. The fees required for licensure include:

  • Verification of licensure
  • Application fee
  • Oregon Laws and Rules examination
  • Each written examination and
  • After you pass the exams, you will pay a licensure fee for each field of practice

Basic information on testing at the HLO:

  • The written examinations are conducted on a walk-in basis (no appointment necessary)
  • HLO office hours to begin testing are Monday 8am to 1:30pm, Tuesday 9am to 1:30pm and Wednesday through Friday 8am to 1:30pm
  • Applicants who are taking two or more examinations should arrive as early as possible (no later than noon) to complete their examinations by 4:30pm at the latest
  • Applicants who do not allow enough time to complete their exams will be turned away

Please bring two forms of acceptable original identification issued by a federal, state or local government agency of the United States. One form of identification must be photographic, and the names on each ID must match each other and your license, or you must bring court documentation showing the name change. After passing the required examinations and paying all fees, you will receive your Oregon license the same day.

Board of Cosmetology Business Authorizations

Four Types of Authorizations. All practitioners who provide services in Oregon must do so in a licensed facility, which is defined as "... an establishment operated on a regular or irregular basis for the purpose of providing services in one or more fields of practice." The only exception is a practitioner who obtains a freelance authorization, which is a written authorization allowing a practitioner to practice outside of or away from a licensed facility.

The third type of cosmetology business license is an independent contractor registration. An independent contractor is defined as a practitioner "... who is not under the control and direction of a facility license holder." Temporary facility permits allow holders to operate a facility on a temporary basis for a period not to exceed 30 consecutive calendar days. All practitioners must be certified in one or more fields of practice to provide services.

Facility License Application

To obtain a facility license, the applicant must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Register with the Secretary of State, Corporations Division, an "Assumed Business Name" (ABN) prior to applying for a facility license, and submits a current copy of the ABN filing with the facility application
  • An ABN is not required if your business name includes the "real and true" name of each owner. What is a "real and true" name?
  • Complete, sign and date the facility license application
  • Pay facility license application fee and facility license fee
Facility in a Home or Rural Area

If your facility is going to be located in your home/residence, you must:

  • Have an identifying house number and a sign
    • With the facility name that matches the one on file with the agency
    • That is easily visible from the street
    • That indicates the location of the facility
  • Be equipped with the structures, accommodations, and equipment that the HLO requires for all facilities
  • Maintain separation between the residential living area and facility by solid walls extending from floor to ceiling, with connecting doors kept closed while the facility is in operation

If your facility will be in a rural or isolated area, you must provide a map or directions to the facility with your application.

Moving? New License Required

If you're relocating your salon to a new location, you are required to submit a new facility application and pay related fees when any of the following conditions exist:

  • A facility is purchased from the current or previous owner, partnership or corporation
  • There is a change in the legal ownership, partnership or holding of a facility regulated under Board of Cosmetology laws and rules, such as a partner or co-owner being added or removed from the existing facility license. This includes a change in the ownership status due to death or divorce of facility owner or a spouse listed as a co-owner on the agency's records
  • An existing facility moves or relocates to a new physical address

Facility license holders who close a business must inform the HLO in writing within 30 calendar days of the closure of the facility and before reopening the facility while the license is still current.

Freelance Authorization

Previously called a certificate of identification (CID), a freelance authorization may be issued to practitioners already certified in one or more fields of practice.

Independent Contractor (IC registration)

To be issued an independent contractor registration, an applicant must:

  • Hold a current and valid practitioner's certificate in one or more fields of practice
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Complete, sign and date the Independent Contractor application
  • Pay IC application fee and the IC registration fee

Independent contractors may work independently of a facility license holder and registration is transferable between work locations if the agency is notified. Independent contractors must comply with both facility and practitioner standards and are subject to inspections just as facilities are.

Note: An Assumed Business Name (ABN) is not required if your business name includes the "real and true" name of each owner. What is a "real and true" name? But if you do use an ABN, you must register the ABN with the Secretary of State, Corporations Division, prior to applying for an independent contractor (IC) registration and submit a current copy of the ABN filing with the IC application.

Contractor or Employee?

The Health Licensing Office (HLO) often receives questions about the difference between an employee and an independent contractor, particularly as it relates to whether the facility owner is required to pay unemployment taxes. Under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 690.005(10) for the Board of Cosmetology, an independent contractor is defined as a "... practitioner who qualifies as an independent contractor under ORS 670.600 and who is not under the control and direction of a facility license holder."

ORS 670.600, Occupations and Professions Generally, provides a more detailed definition of an independent contractor. Generally, Oregon law requires employers to pay unemployment taxes on employee wages by filing Oregon Quarterly Tax Reports. Individuals who meet the statutory definition of an independent contractor are not employees and their compensation for services is not taxable wages.

For more information, contact the Oregon Employment Department at 503-947-1488 or taxinfo@emp.state.or.us or visit www.oregon.gov/employ/tax.

Temporary Facility Permit

If you would like to provide services on a temporary basis not to exceed 30 consecutive calendar days, you may apply for a temporary facility permit. Temporary facilities must comply with all facility requirements and submit a map/floor plan of the temporary facility on a separate piece of paper.

I didn't get my renewal form, what do I do?

If you didn't get your renewal form because you didn't update your address with HLO, as required, you will need to submit an address change in writing. (You can email it to hlo.info@state.or.us) The board won't resend the renewal notice, but you can renew online. If you don't have your PIN, you can call the office at 503-378-8667 or email hlo.info@state.or.us to request it. Note that emails typically get a quicker response than phone calls to the main line due to call volume.

My license has been inactive for more than 3 years, how do I proceed?

​If your license is more than three years inactive, you will have to reapply from scratch, and re-meet all the education and examination qualifications for your profession.

How to update my address on my license

​You need to update your address in writing. This can be via email to hlo.info@state.or.us or mail a written statement with your new address information to:

Health Licensing Office
1430 Tandem Ave. NE, Suite 180
Salem, OR 97301-2192

Note: State mail will not be forwarded, so it is imperative for you to update your address with the HLO.

My name changed. What do I need to update?

​Pursuant to Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 331-010-0040, and 824-010-0040(2)(j), any change to an authorization holder's information must be submitted to the Health Licensing Office (HLO) within 30 days of the change. Your full legal name is your first name, middle name(s), and last or surname, without use of initials or nicknames. To change your name you must provide a copy of approved legal documentation, filed in a court with the appropriate jurisdiction, and a copy of one form of approved photographic identification. Use the HLO Legal Name Change Update Form to change your name with the office.

Oregon Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 2300 Hours
Hairstylist License 1450 Hours
Barber License 1100 Hours
Esthetician License 250 Hours
Nail Technician License 350 Hours
Electrologist License Contact The Body Art Board
Permanent Makeup License Contact The Body Art Board
Cosmetology Instructor License Contact The Dept. Of Education
Massage Therapist License 500 Hours

Apply for a New Oregon License

To apply for a license for one of the professions regulated by the boards, councils and programs administered by the Health Licensing Office, click on the appropriate licensure page link below.

HLO Identification Requirements

Applicants Taking Examination. Applicants who sit for an examination administered by HLO must provide two forms of identification (one must be photographic under Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 331-030-0000(8)) when sitting for the examination. Be sure that your name is exactly the same on your two forms of identification. Otherwise, you will not be able to sit for the examination. This requirement applies to the following applicant groups:

  • Board of Electrologists and Body Art Practitioners
  • Board of Cosmetology (practitioner certificate, certificate of identification only)
  • Board of Denture Technology
  • Environmental Health Registration Board
  • Advisory Council on Hearing Aids
  • Nursing Home Administrators Board
Applicants Not Taking Exam

The following applicant groups are required to provide one form of photographic identification. These applicants are not required to take and pass a qualifying examination administered by HLO and may apply for an authorization to practice via postal mail.

Applicants applying for an authorization to practice through postal mail must include a front-and-back copy of the photographic identification with the application.

  • Board of Athletic Trainers
  • Board of Direct Entry Midwifery
  • Board of Licensed Dietitians
  • Respiratory Therapist and Polysomnographic Technologist Licensing Board
  • Sex Offender Therapist Board
Business License Applicants

The following application categories are required to provide a copy of one form of photographic identification:

  • Facility license
  • Demonstration permit
  • Temporary permit
  • Independent contractor registration
Acceptable Forms of ID

As specified in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 331-30-0000(6):

An applicant may be required by the Health Licensing Office (HLO) to provide two forms of original identification issued by a federal, state or local government agency. The Office will consider other forms of identification if the procedures used in issuing the identification are sufficient to prove the applicant's identity, and it contains security features that are sufficient to prevent alteration or counterfeiting. Acceptable identification includes, but is not limited to:

  • An original or certified copy of birth certificate. The Office will not accept a hospital-issued birth certificate, hospital card or birth registration or baptismal certificate
  • A US passport not expired more than five years
  • A US passport card not expired more than five years
  • US Territory passport not expired more than five years
  • Tribal ID card from a federally recognized tribe
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N560 and N561)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N550, N570 and N578)
  • US Citizen Identification Card (I-197 and I-179)
  • US Military documents including:
    • Military or Armed Forces ID card
    • Military Common Access Card or
    • US Uniform Services ID and Privileges card (DD1173 and DD1173-1)
  • Resident Alien card
  • Permanent Resident card (I-551)
  • Out-of-state, District of Columbia, US Territorial government or, instruction permit or identification card, that contains the applicant's photograph, not expired more than one year unless hole-punched or marked "Not Valid as ID"
  • Valid Oregon driver license, temporary driver license, instruction permit, or identification card. For the purposes of this subsection, HLO will not accept a driver license that was issued without a photograph
  • Oregon Concealed Weapon Permit/Concealed Handgun License, not expired more than one year
  • Social Security card or other documentation issued by the Social Security Administration
  • HLO will not accept a document as proof of identity and date of birth if HLO has reason to believe the document is not valid. The office may request an applicant present additional documentary proof of identity if the document presented does not establish the applicant's identity to the satisfaction of HLO
  • At least one form of identification provided from the approved list in subsection (8) of this rule must be photographic
ITIN Accepted in Lieu of SSN

HLO requires an Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) on applications if the applicant does not have a Social Security number. The ITIN is not used for identification purposes. It is used by the Oregon Department of Revenue for tax purposes and by the Department of Justice for child support enforcement.

Applicants may not use the ITIN as an acceptable form of identification. An ITIN or Social Security number is required in addition to acceptable forms of identification. If an applicant has a Social Security card, the card may also be used as an acceptable form of identification.