How to Renew a Cosmetology License Online

Earning and maintaining a professional license is key to staying in business. The cosmetology industry is no different and all states require a current cosmetology license in order to work legally behind the chair. Renewing that license is a must and today with computers most states allow cosmetologist who hold a license in that state to renew online. This article will provide the steps in order to renew your cosmetology license online.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• cosmetology license in you current state
• computer
• printer
• certificate of continuing education hours - varies by state
• checking account or credit card

1. If it is time for you to renew your cosmetology license you should have received a letter from you state board. That letter will tell you if renewing online is an option, most states have implemented online renewal.

2. If your state does provide online renewal, simply go to the state board website and log into the renewal form by clicking on the link provided. Some states, like Georgia, requires that you log in using your social security number and license number in order to renew.

3. Some states require you to provide your continuing education hours (CEU) in order to renew your license. These hours are usually education courses in sanitation, public health, or hair coloring and cutting techniques. You can also obtain CEU state board approved hours through various websites and online tests as well.
   States that require CEU hours for license renewal:
   Texas = 8 CEU hours
   Ohio = 8 CEU hours
   Kentucky = 6 CEU hours
   Florida = 16 CEU hours
   Georgia - 5 CEU hours
   Nebraska = 8 CEU hours
   North Carolina = 24 CEU hours
   Illinois = 14 CEU hours

4. Now that you are logged in and you have your CEU hours if needed, you will be asked to provide the CEU certificate number or number of hours completed of continuing education.
   
   If you do not need continuing education hours, you will be asked to verify your address and make any appropriate changes. If you are recently married or divorced, you may need to provide profit of a legal name change such as a marriage license.
   
   Click to approve those changes. Then you will be prompted to review and submit changes.

5. Now that any changes have been made, reviewed and submitted, you will be asked to provide a credit card or check routing number to pay for your license renewal. This fee is based on the individual state board and varies by state.

6. Once payment is provided, you should see a new screen that has approved your payment. This will have a receipt number on it and will prompt you to print this page...you should print this page for your records. Doing this will provide you with a document of payment. Should your renewed license not arrive in the mail to you, this will serve as proof of payment and renewal to your respective state board.

7. If your state requires you to provide state board approved continuing education hours, once you renew your license online, you may be asked to mail your CEU certificate (s) to the state board as proof. You will be instructed on line where to mail your copies too.

Tips & Warnings

• Get CEU hours before you need them.
• Print the renewal application and the receipt of payment for your records.
• Don't wait until last month to get CEU hours
• Don't wait for the last week to renew your license, most state boards are understaffed and a rush usually occurs during the last month before license's expire.