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

Pennsylvania Cosmetology License Verification

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

Pennsylvania Licensing System

The Pennsylvania Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) oversees and supports 29 different professional licensing boards and commissions, which encompass approximately 250 different license types. The Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) is DOS's new system of record to support data collection, interdepartmental information exchange, and workflows related to professional licensure. PALS also supports DOS's Bureau of Enforcement and Investigation (BEI), the Office of Chief Counsel, and the Professional Health Monitoring Program (PHMP).

The Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs offers prospective licensees the opportunity to apply for initial licensure; current licensees the opportunity to renew their license; and licensees, employers and the general public the opportunity to conduct searches of licensed professionals via their secure PALS website.

To request that the Board electronically send a Verification of License with History to another state licensing agency, please use the link below. All verification requests are processed through their secure online system. Please do not send a paper request to the Board office. Paper forms/requests will be returned to the sender.

Pennsylvania Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 1250 Hours
Barber License 1250 Hours (695 Hours If Already A Licensed Cosmetologist)
Esthetician License 300 Hours
Nail Technician License 200 Hours
Permanent Makeup License Contact County Health Departments
Cosmetology Instructor License Cosmetology License + 500 Hours
Massage Therapist License 600 Hours

Salon Licensure Procedure

All salons must apply for licensure by filing the correct application with the State Board of Cosmetology. All salons must be inspected prior to operating per the Board's Regulations 49 Pa. Code at § 7.51 (b).

Inspection

When applying for licensure of any salon, the salon cannot be open/operating prior to inspection. Inspection will be scheduled after successful review of a completed application. They will not schedule an inspection until all discrepancies are resolved.

Relocation

If relocating a salon, you must complete and file application 45-CB100 with the Board Office. Your new salon location cannot be open prior to inspection, however, you may continue to operate at your existing salon location until inspection of the new salon location.

Change of Ownership

If changing ownership of a salon, you must complete and file application 45-CB100 with the Board Office. The new owner cannot open or operate the salon until inspection. The previous owner must return the salon license at the time of inspection.

Change of Salon License

If making changes to the salon license information, you must complete and file application 45-CB200. The salon may continue to operate while the Board makes the required changes to the salon license. A new license, reflecting the informational changes, will be issued to the salon at the conclusion of the application process.

Available Documents

Pennsylvania License Renewal

The Board mails notices three months prior to the license expiration date. Notices are mailed to the most recent address the licensee has reported to the Board. The Postal Service does not forward licenses.

Licenses that Expire on January 31st of Odd-Numbered Years
  • ​​Cosmetology Salon ​$114
  • Cosmetologist ​$67
  • Esthetician ​$67
  • Natural Hair Braider ​$67
  • Esthetician Teacher ​$105
  • ​Nail Technology Teacher ​$105
  • ​Natural Hair Braider Teacher ​$105
  • ​Nail Technology Salon ​$114
  • Esthetician Salon ​$114
  • Natural Hair Braiding Salon ​$114
Licenses that Expire on January 31st of Even-Numbered Years
  • ​Nail Technician ​$67
  • Cosmetologist ​$67
  • ​Cosmetology School ​$285
  • ​Cosmetology Teacher $105

Cosmetologist licenses will have an expiration date of January 31st of either an odd-numbered or an even-numbered year. Please check your license to verify the year that your license expires.

State Board of Cosmetology
PO Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Phone: 717-783-7130
Fax: 717-705-5540
Email: st-cosmetology@pa.gov