How to Transfer a Cosmetology License to a Different State

Cosmetologists beautify hair, skin and nails.

Cosmetology requirements vary from state to state, and it can sometimes be difficult for cosmetology professionals to get new jobs when they move from the state where they trained in and earned their license.

Instructions

1. Check the requirements for licensing in your new state. Some states require more training than others, and if your new state requires more hours than your old state, you will have to go back to school to meet the minimum hours for your new state.

2. Check if the reciprocity rule applies in your case to avoid going back to school. Reciprocity means that, although you have not completed the schooling hours required in your new state, you have worked as a cosmetologist for a long enough time to not be required to go back to school. Minimum hours worked vary from state to state, and some states do not observe reciprocity at all, so check the standard in your new state by viewing the resources listed below.

3. Contact the State Board of Cosmetology in your new state to begin a transfer. They might ask you to contact your old state board, or they will contact the old state board themselves to provide proof of school hours, hours worked and licensing in your old state. You might be required to pay a fee to each state to process the information.

4. Take the state board exam for your new state. Most states require you to complete their own board exam to receive a license for that state. Upon satisfactory completion of the board exam, and payment of all applicable fees, you will receive your license in your new state.

Tips & Warnings

• As long as you stay current on all yearly licensing requirements in each state, you can remain licensed in multiple states indefinitely.

References

• Beauty Schools Directory: Cosmetology Laws and Licenses

Resources

• Beauty School Directory: Licensing requirements in each state
• Beauty Denominator: Rules for Reciprocity in Each State