Cosmetology License Transfer or Reciprocity by State
If you're moving to a new state and want to know if your cosmetology license will transfer over easily, you've come to the right place! Here, you can find state-by-state information about licensure reciprocity or transfer laws.
Alabama
The Alabama Cosmetology Board accepts reciprocity from other states, but this depends on the training, testing, and length of licensure in your home state. You must request that your licensure and education certification be sent to the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering from where you're currently licensed. The process begins when the office receives your certification. You may need to take licensing exams, depending on which state your license is from. This service comes with a $100 fee.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Alabama
Alaska
Alaska doesn't have a specific cosmetology license—the Board of Barbers and Hairdressers split it into separate esthetician and hairdresser licenses in the 1980s. The state also doesn't offer direct reciprocity, but you may be able to transfer your license by waiver of examination.
Your home state training must be equal to or greater than the training requirements of Alaska. If you have a current license from another state, you must verify completion of a minimum of 1,650 training hours through a school or 2,000 hours through an apprentice program. You must also submit proof of passing both the written and practical exams.
You can use work experience to meet the hour requirements if needed. However, if you can't prove that you meet Alaska's training requirements, you must complete your training at an Alaska school.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Alaska
Arizona
Licensure in Arizona can be accomplished through the reciprocity program or by taking an Arizona cosmetology exam. This requires an application for reciprocity. According to the Arizona Board of Cosmetology, a person can receive a cosmetologist, esthetician, or nail technician license if:
- You apply to the Board of Cosmetology for a cosmetologist, esthetician or nail tech license; this application must be supplied by the Board of Cosmetology
- You submit evidence that you're licensed in another state or country OR that you graduated from a school that offers cosmetology, esthetics, or nail technology courses substantially similar to Arizona's requirements and that you passed your exams
- You take and complete a class relating to infection protection and law review provided by the board or its designee
- You pay the required fees
Along with your application for reciprocity, you must include:
- A passport-quality photo
- Type of license, license number, and expiration date if you were previously licensed by the Board of Cosmetology
- Statement of whether or not you have ever had a license suspended or revoked in any state or country
- Certification of hours and proof of graduation or licensure in another state or country
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Arizona
Arkansas
The Arkansas cosmetology board requires a reciprocity application and $150 to transfer your license. Your home state should send a certification of records and training. You must take the Arkansas State Cosmetology Board Exam. You may have to take additional exams if your home state requires fewer training hours to get your cosmetology license.
If you want to apply for a barber license via reciprocity, you must have at least 1,500 hours of training and a current license issued by the proper authorities of another state. If you have fewer than 1,500 hours of training, you must have been continuously engaged in barbering for at least one year, in addition to providing proof of licensure.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Arkansas
California
The California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology does offer license reciprocity. To be eligible, you must have a cosmetology license in good standing. You must fill out the relevant disclosure forms if your license is on hold in your home state.
You must contact the state board that issued your license and request a certification to be sent directly to the California Board, then apply for reciprocity. Apprentice licenses, Puerto Rico and Guam licenses, and Florida full, facial, and nail specialist licenses don't qualify for reciprocity—neither do waxing or eyelash extension licenses, which don't exist in California.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in California
Colorado
If you have a cosmetology license from another state or country, you may be able to apply for Colorado licensure via endorsement. To do so, you must provide proof that you've completed training hours equivalent to those required in Colorado or have completed 65% of the required training hours alongside five hours of work experience for every one hour of required training that hasn't been met. You must also have passed written and practical exams. If you haven't passed the exams, you can take the Colorado state exams instead to gain your license.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Colorado
Connecticut
Connecticut doesn't have a specific cosmetology license—instead, it has a hairdresser license. The Connecticut Department of Public Health requires verification of cosmetology/hairdressing licensure from your home state. If your state didn't need an exam, you may be eligible if you have a license, at least five years of work experience with tax returns to prove it, and notarized letters from former employers, coworkers, or clients.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Connecticut
Delaware
Depending on which state you're currently licensed in and how much experience you have, you may be granted a license in Delaware via reciprocity. You don't have to go through the examination process if your home state's training requirements are similar to Delaware's. If your home state's licensing requirements are considerably less than Delaware's requirements, you may qualify through work experience. You must prove that you have worked as a cosmetology professional for at least one of the last five years. The cost of transferring your cosmetology license to Delaware is $128.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Delaware
Washington DC
If applying for licensure by reciprocity in Washington DC, you must pay a reciprocity licensing fee and provide a letter showing that you have met and completed license requirements equivalent to those in Washington DC. For licensure by endorsement, you must show that you passed similar or equivalent exams and have an active license from your home state.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Washington, DC
Florida
If you have a cosmetology license in another state, you may be eligible for licensing via endorsement in Florida.
To be considered for licensure by endorsement, you must hold a valid, current license in good standing from another state. You must also be at least 16 years old, have completed a high school diploma, complete a four-hour board-approved Initial HIV/AIDS course, and pay a fee.
Those with a cosmetology license in another country cannot get their Florida license by endorsement. They must go through the examination process.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Florida
Georgia
You must have a valid license in another state to earn your Georgia license through endorsement. The Board of Cosmetology and Barbers looks at applications on a case-by-case basis. Your previous training hours don't need to match the hours required for a Georgia license. Still, you do need to have passed a national or state written and practical exam. If you haven't passed these exams, you may be issued a letter of exam eligibility by the board and can then take the required tests.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Georgia
Hawaii
Hawaii doesn't have reciprocity. If you're coming from another state, you must provide proof that you have completed education requirements that are equivalent to or greater than the requirements of Hawaii. You may still be required to take the written and practical exam. You can obtain a temporary permit to work under someone while waiting for the written exam, should you meet those criteria. Questionable issues on your application are subject to executive officer review or board meeting.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Hawaii
Idaho
Idaho doesn't grant licensure through reciprocity, but it does offer endorsement. To be eligible for endorsement, you must be at least 16-and-a-half years old, have completed at least two years of high school, and haven't engaged in conduct that could disqualify you. You must also provide official documentation that shows you've completed training requirements equivalent to those in Idaho or have worked in the industry for at least one of the last three years.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Idaho
Illinois
If you want to transfer your license to Illinois, you may be able to bypass the testing requirements of the license by applying for endorsement. You must submit proof of your education to demonstrate that your home state's training requirements are at least as extensive as those in Illinois. You must also submit proof of work experience and evidence of your current cosmetology license.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Illinois
Indiana
Reciprocity is granted in Indiana on a case-by-case basis, depending on whether your home state has equivalent or more demanding education and licensing requirements. You may not transfer if you have only attended nail school but haven't worked actively with the license, and you may be required to take additional training. However, for cosmetology, you don't need to have worked in the field to transfer your license.
Electrologists must have cosmetology or esthetician licenses to transfer. There is a $40 fee and an application to transfer your license to Indiana. If your license doesn't meet the same standards that Indiana requires, you may be able to make up the difference with work experience. Each full year of work experience counts for 100 hours of training, maxing out at five years (500 hours).
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Indiana
Iowa
To be eligible for reciprocity in Iowa, you must submit official verification of your active license in another state to the Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing. You must have been licensed for at least one of the last two years.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Iowa
Kansas
Kansas doesn't have a reciprocity program with other states. If you want to transfer your license to Kansas, complete the out-of-state application on their website. If you meet the requirements for Kansas beauty professionals, you must complete a 20-question open-book exam. You may have to take the full written and practical exams if you don't meet the requirements. This is also required if you don't have an active license in your home state.
Transferring your license to Kansas costs $75, and the state board of cosmetology in your home state must verify your training hours. You must be currently licensed, and your home state's training requirements must be equal to or greater than those of Kansas.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Kansas
Kentucky
If you have a license in another state, you may qualify for cosmetology licensure in Kentucky via endorsement. For this, you must have the initial licensing board in your home state submit proof of licensure to the Board of Cosmetology. You must have completed at least 1,500 training hours plus the 12th grade (or its equivalent).
If you have not met the minimum training hour requirements of Kentucky, you may be required to complete your training in Kentucky before taking your exams and applying for your license. However, if you have been licensed for at least two years in your home state, you might be able to waive additional education requirements. Finally, you might have to take an exam, depending on your situation.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Kentucky
Louisiana
You may be able to transfer your cosmetology license for use in Louisiana via reciprocity. To be eligible, you must have your licensing state board submit proof of certification to the Louisiana Board of Cosmetology, then apply and take a 25-question state exam.
However, Louisiana has some strict rules regarding reciprocity. You aren't eligible if you earned your license via an apprenticeship, and if your previous licensing board didn't require a practical exam, you must take one before your Louisiana license is granted. Licensees from some states must also take the NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) exams before they're eligible—you can find more information on where this rule applies here.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Louisiana
Maine
Maine offers licensure by endorsement if the licensee's home state has similar training hour requirements and board exams. If the two states don't have similar licensing requirements, you may be required to take Maine's board exams. However, you may be able to bypass the examination process by providing proof of full-time work experience in your home state. This form is part of the endorsement paperwork.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Maine
Maryland
Maryland offers licensure by endorsement if your home state has similar training hour requirements and board exams. Applicants who wish to transfer their cosmetology license to Maryland must provide certification that their license's requirements are similar to MD's and that their license is in good standing, current, and eligible for licensure by endorsement. If the training requirements of your home state are less than those of Maryland, you need to make up your training hours and take the licensing exams before you're eligible.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Maryland
Massachusetts
You can transfer your out-of-state license for use in Massachusetts. You must submit a two-inch by two-inch photo of yourself, a copy of your driver's license, a criminal record check, and a copy of your out-of-state cosmetology license, as well as verification of your license from your previous state board to the Massachusetts Board of Cosmetology and Barbering. You must also submit proof that your education was equal to that training required in Massachusetts and show that you passed the relevant exams. If you haven't passed your exams, don't have the required training hours, or earned your license via an apprenticeship, you may need to pass a test before your license is granted.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Massachusetts
Michigan
Michigan grants cosmetology license reciprocity or transfer if your home state's training and testing requirements are equal to Michigan's. If they aren't similar or greater, you may be required to take additional training hours, or the Michigan written and practical board exams. However, work experience can help you make up the difference if your home state's training requirements are less than those of Michigan. In Michigan, six months of work experience is worth 100 hours of training. The cost to transfer your cosmetology license to Michigan is $63.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Michigan
Minnesota
If you're currently licensed, you must show verification of licensure from your home state, your high school diploma, completion of exams, and an application for reciprocity with a $195 application fee. Your verification letter is good for up to 90 days.
However, if you're short on hours to meet Minnesota's minimum requirements, you may make up the difference by taking additional training hours in Minnesota or your home state. You can also make up the difference with proof of at least three years of work experience. To qualify for license transfer, you must have at least 1,550 cosmetology training hours, 600 esthetician training hours, or 350 nail technician training hours.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Minnesota
Mississippi
To transfer your license to Mississippi, you must submit an application of intent to apply for licensure, have a record of your training and license status from your home state sent to the Mississippi Board of Cosmetology, and appear before the board for a credentialing interview. A transfer is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Mississippi
Missouri
Whether or not you qualify for license transfer in Missouri depends on where you obtained your original license and the training hours in that state. According to the Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Examiners, you may qualify for license transfer if your training requirements are at least 95% of what Missouri requires or (even if you've not passed the required exams) if you've worked in cosmetology for at least two consecutive years.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Missouri
Montana
To transfer cosmetology licenses to Montana, you must pass the national NIC exams and have an active license from your home state. If you have not passed the national exams, you will be required to do so before you can transfer your license. You may be required to get additional training hours in school if the board finds that your home state doesn't have comparable training hour requirements to get licensed.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Montana
Nebraska
To transfer your cosmetology license to Nebraska, you must have completed at least 1,800 training hours and a state board-issued written exam from your home state. If a written test wasn't required for licensure, you must take the NIC examination instead. Work experience or additional training hours in Nebraska may be considered if you don't have the necessary training hours. You can replace 100 hours of training for each month of full-time experience as a cosmetologist or instructor, as long as your full-time experience occurred within the last five years. The cost to transfer your license to Nebraska is $95.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Nebraska
Nevada
To transfer your cosmetology license to Nevada, you must have a current license in good standing from your home state and proof that you have passed an NIC written exam. All applicants for reciprocity with Nevada under the State Board of Cosmetology jurisdiction must take the Nevada State Law exam. The reciprocity application fee is $325.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Nevada
New Hampshire
To transfer your cosmetology license to New Hampshire, the training hour requirements in your home state must be equivalent to or greater than the requirements of New Hampshire. You must have passed a written and practical national exam in English.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Jersey offers cosmetology licensure by endorsement to applicants if they meet the New Jersey requirements for licensure and have a valid license in another state or country. If you want to work in New Jersey with any other practitioner's license, you must submit an out-of-state application and the required documentation from your home state, then take the New Jersey exams. The application must be requested in writing.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in New Jersey
New Mexico
To transfer your cosmetology license to New Mexico, you must furnish an affidavit from your home state's regulatory agency where you're actively licensed. The training you've completed must be equal to or greater than the training hours required in New Mexico.
If you have fewer than New Mexico's required training hours, you may substitute up to 150 hours of work experience per six months working in the industry, verified by your employer. No more than 50% of your total training hours can be made up by work experience, so if you still need more to meet the minimum, you may need to make them up in an approved beauty school program.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in New Mexico
New York
New York has specific reciprocity arrangements for different states and licenses. Each request for transfer by reciprocity requires certification from your home state's cosmetology board and a completed cosmetology or other license application with the $40 application fee.
The states below offer licensure in New York by either reciprocity or endorsement. If your state isn't listed or doesn't meet the minimum requirements, you may be required to take additional classes for more training hours or take the New York practical and written board exams.
Cosmetologist Reciprocity:
Alaska, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Virginia require current licensure. Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington D.C. require current licensure plus varying work experience. Work experience requirements range from one year to five years.
Cosmetology Endorsement:
New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming cosmetology licensees may earn New York licenses via endorsement.
Esthetician Endorsement
Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Washington D.C., Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming licensees may apply for esthetician licensure by endorsement.
Nail Technician Endorsement
Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Washington D.C., Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming licensees may apply for nail technician licensure by endorsement.
Natural Hair Styling Endorsement
Pennsylvania has natural hair styling licensure by endorsement.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in New York
North Carolina
North Carolina allows license transfers without certification from
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska, Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- US Virgin Islands
- Wyoming
If you're from one of the following states, you may still be eligible to transfer your license, but that state needs to prove your credentials to the North Carolina board:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Florida
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Vermont
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- Wisconsin
- West Virginia
Transferring a license costs $64 for cosmetologists and $35 for all other beauty specialists. You must show your current license, prove that you have passed a state board exam or national cosmetology exam, and be free from disciplinary actions. International transfers must show original documents from their original school and licensing board.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in North Carolina
North Dakota
If you're applying in North Dakota, you must apply and pay the relevant fees to get your license without taking the licensure exams. You must prove that you're licensed as a cosmetologist, manicurist, or esthetician in another state and that your license is in good standing.
You must also show that the requirements to get licensed in your home state are equal to those in North Dakota at the time of application. Otherwise, you may be required to take the North Dakota board examinations for sanitation practices and cosmetology law.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in North Dakota
Ohio
If you wish to transfer your cosmetology license to Ohio, you must have your previous board send the Ohio Cosmetology and Barber Board certification of your license. You also need to complete a one-hour course on the recognition of human trafficking.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Ohio
Oklahoma
To transfer your cosmetology license to Oklahoma, your education and work experience must be equal to or greater than Oklahoma's requirements, and you must have passed Oklahoma's state rules, regulations and law test. The cost to transfer your license is $65.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Oklahoma
Oregon
Oregon doesn't have a specific cosmetology license. Still, it does offer licenses in hair design, esthetics, and nail technology. If you're applying to transfer your license to Oregon, you must get verification of your current licensure from your home state. This must be sent directly from the out-of-state regulatory authority to the Oregon Board of Cosmetology. You must take the Oregon Laws & Rules examination and pass the exam for your field of practice. There is a $100 fee to transfer your license to Oregon.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Oregon
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has beauty practitioner license reciprocity with most states. However, it doesn't have an agreement with Connecticut, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Utah. Nail technician licenses are not reciprocal with South Carolina, Alabama, or West Virginia. There is an $85 fee to transfer your license to Pennsylvania.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Rhode Island doesn't offer reciprocity but does let you practice using licensure by endorsement. You must meet the state's minimum training requirements to transfer your license and work in Rhode Island. Your original licensing board must submit proof of your qualifications directly to the Rhode Island Department of Health. If you don't meet the criteria for your specialty, you must get the additional training hours at an approved school.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Rhode Island
South Carolina
To transfer your cosmetology license via endorsement, your education and work experience must be equal to or greater than South Carolina's requirements, and you must pass the NIC exams.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in South Carolina
South Dakota
To transfer your cosmetology license to South Dakota, your education and work experience must be equal to or greater than the state's requirements. You can also substitute two hours of work experience for every training hour required, up to 750 hours. You must also pass the South Dakota written laws and rules test and a written theory exam. The reciprocity to transfer your license is $100. You must also provide proof of high school graduation or GED, a passport or driver's license, and an affidavit from the licensing agency of your home state.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in South Dakota
Tennessee
To transfer your cosmetology license to Tennessee, you must demonstrate that you meet Tennessee's minimum training hour requirements at a school in your home state and have completed a state theory and hands-on practical exam plus domestic violence education. If you don't meet the training requirements, you can supply proof of between one and three years of work experience to make up the difference.
If you cannot meet those requirements, you must submit your application for reciprocity to the board office for individual consideration. You may be required to take additional training hours to meet the requirements.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Tennessee
Texas
Texas has reciprocity with many states. In most states, you don't have to complete additional training or experience to transfer your license to Texas. A handful of states require one year of work experience in addition to your license. The cost to transfer your license to Texas is $100.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Texas
Utah
Utah doesn't allow beauty license reciprocity. However, they offer licensure by endorsement if you meet their qualifications and have passed the NIC exams. To apply for endorsement, you must have your original licensing agency submit proof of your cosmetology licensure and education hours to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Utah
Vermont
To be eligible for licensure by endorsement in Vermont, submit a completed application to the board alongside an Affidavit of Experience. It should show that you've completed 1,000 hours for barber licensure, 1,500 hours for cosmetology licensure, 400 hours for manicurist licensure, or 600 hours for esthetician licensure. A fast-track endorsement option is also available.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Vermont
Virginia
Virginia offers licensure by endorsement. Your training hours and exam history must match what is required in Virginia. Transferring your license to Virginia costs $105 for a beauty practitioner license or $125 for an instructor license. The hours you completed in your home state must be at least 80% of Virginia requirements. Otherwise, you aren't eligible for licensure via endorsement.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Virginia
Washington
To transfer your cosmetology license to Washington, you must have a current license in good standing from your home state and have passed a practical and written exam. You can then send certification and a fee of $60 to the state board. If you originally earned your license in another country, you must take the Washington license exams to get licensed in this state.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Washington
West Virginia
To transfer your license to West Virginia, you must contact the board that issued your original license and request that proof of certification be mailed to the West Virginia Board. This form must be sent directly between the state boards.
If your license is from an NIC state, your application may be processed more quickly. NIC states include:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Maine
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Nevada
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Wyoming
No reciprocity or license transfer option is available for nail technicians and manicurists.
The Board will accept licensed work experience instead of part of the required training hours. Work experience is awarded at 25 hours per month of licensed salon work, or 300 hours per year, not exceeding 1,000 hours. You need to submit tax receipts to verify time spent working. Total work experience accepted may not exceed 50% of the required hours to transfer.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in West Virginia
Wisconsin
To transfer your license to Wisconsin, the training requirements of your home state must be equal to or greater than the state's training requirements. You must submit an application, an $11 credentialing fee, and a license verification, then complete a one-hour course on statutes and laws. If you don't meet the minimum endorsement requirements, you have to take the state written and practical exams.
Learn More About Becoming a Cosmetologist in Wisconsin
Wyoming
To transfer your license to Wyoming, you must submit proof of your current valid license, official certification from your issuing state board, and evidence of your completed training hours and relevant exam passes. The cost to transfer your license is $273.