This page provides information for Rhode Island license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology.

Rhode Island Cosmetology License Verification

If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can do so by visiting the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island License

Renewal notices are sent out 60 days before your expiration date. To renew your license online, click here.

If you are looking to start your own Barbering, Hairdressing and Cosmetology Business, click here.

The written exams for cosmetology and electrology licensing are given by the testing service PSI. Their phone number is 800-733-9267. Exams include: Barber Stylist Theory, Cosmetologist Theory, Electrologist Theory, Esthetician Theory and Nail Technician Theory. The exams are also available online in Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese. Select Rhode Island, Cosmetology on the PSI site for the full listing.

Applications/Documents

If you are looking to apply for an initial license in Rhode Island, then download a copy of the application for the license you are looking to apply for below. Follow the instructions laid out in each application, print it out, complete the form and mail it back to the following address:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Board of Hairdressing & Barbering
Room 104, 3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097

Name/Address Change or Report Lost License

If you have changed your name and wish to have a new license printed, you must submit proof of name change, your old license card, and a money order in the amount of $40, made payable to the Rhode Island General Treasurer. Changes of address can be faxed to the Rhode Island Department of Health at 401-222-6683.

If you have lost your license, you must submit a money order in the amount of $40, made payable to the Rhode Island General Treasurer. If you are submitting the form with a fee for a new license card, please mail them to:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Data Entry Unit Room 103
3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908

Please allow 3-4 weeks for receipt of the new license card. To download the form to make the request to change your name or address on your license, or if you need to request a replacement license, click here.

Request Inactive Status

To request for inactive status, download the request form, complete it, sign and either fax or mail it to the address/phone listed below.

Rhode Island Department of Health
Licensing Data Entry Unit
3 Capitol Hill - Room 103
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone: 401-222-1800
Fax: 401-222-6683
doh.elicense@health.ri.gov

Rhode Island Cosmetology School Hours

Type Requirements
Cosmetologist License 1500 Hours
Barber License 1500 Hours (2 Year Apprenticeship)
Esthetician License 600 Hours
Nail Technician License 300 Hours
Permanent Makeup License Cosmetology License + Tattoo License
Electrologist License 650 Hours (650 Hours Apprenticeship)
Cosmetology Instructor License Cosmetology License + 3 Years Work Experience + 300 Hours
Massage Therapist License 500 Hours

License Verification Request

There is a $50 fee for a letter of license verification. Please download and complete the license verification request form along with a $50 certified bank check or money order, (personal checks will not be accepted), made payable to the Rhode Island General Treasurer to the following address:

Rhode Island Department of Health
Data Entry Unit
Room 103
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908

Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

Interstate Verification Form - Original and all Other States of Licensure

Download the interstate verification form, fill it out and send it back to the following address:

Rhode Island Board of Hairdressing & Barbering
Room 104, 3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908-5097
Phone: 401-222-2828