License renewal guide

Cosmetology License Renewal Requirements by State

Last verified: 2026-05-19

Quick answer: 15 of 53 US jurisdictions require continuing education for cosmetology license renewal; the other 38 renew by fee only. CE hours range from 4 (Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Nevada) to 24 (North Carolina, every 3 years). Most states renew every 2 years. Every number on this page is verified against the state board's published administrative code.

Jump to your state: All 53 jurisdictions in one table →

How does cosmetology license renewal work in the US?

Cosmetology licensing in the United States is regulated at the state level. Each state board sets its own renewal cycle, CE requirements, and fee schedule under its administrative code. There is no federal standard, so your renewal rules depend entirely on which state issued your license.

The renewal process has three steps regardless of state:

  1. Know your deadline. Most states renew every two years. Some tie the deadline to your birth month; others use a fixed calendar date. Your state page on CEFinder shows the exact mechanic.
  2. Complete any required CE. If your state requires CE, you must finish the hours before your deadline. Courses must come from a board-approved provider. Use the state page to confirm the approved list.
  3. Submit your application and fee. Every state requires a renewal application and fee. Late submissions trigger a late fee; long lapses may require reinstatement or re-examination.

Which US states require CE for cosmetology renewal?

15 jurisdictions require continuing education. The list below groups them by hour count, highest first.

24-hour requirement

14-hour requirement

  • Illinois: 14 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted

10-hour requirement

  • Florida: 10 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted

8-hour requirement

  • Minnesota: 8 hours every 3 years, online CE accepted
  • Nebraska: 8 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted

6-hour requirement

  • District of Columbia: 6 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted
  • Guam: 6 hours check board, online CE accepted
  • Iowa: 6 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted
  • Maryland: 6 hours every 2 years

5-hour requirement

  • Georgia: 5 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted

4-hour requirement

  • Nevada: 4 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted
  • Ohio: 4 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted
  • South Carolina: 4 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted
  • Texas: 4 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted
  • Wisconsin: 4 hours every 2 years, online CE accepted

See the full states that require CE page for a sortable table with cycle lengths and online-CE rules. Compare all 53 jurisdictions side by side.

Which states do not require CE for cosmetology renewal?

38 jurisdictions renew cosmetology licenses by application and fee only. No CE hours or courses are required.

See the full states with no CE requirement page.

How do I renew my cosmetology license?

The exact steps vary by state, but the renewal sequence is the same everywhere:

  • Check your expiration date. Log into your state board's online portal or check your license certificate. CEFinder can send you reminders 90, 60, and 30 days before your deadline.
  • Complete CE if required. Use only board-approved providers. Keep certificates of completion until your renewal is confirmed by the board.
  • Submit the renewal application. Most states now offer online renewal through the board's portal. Some still require paper forms. The board's website is the authoritative source for the current form.
  • Pay the renewal fee. Fees range from under $25 (Rhode Island) to over $100 (Alabama, New York). Late renewals add a late fee on top.
  • Keep your confirmation. Save the renewal receipt and any new license certificate. If you work in a salon, you may be required to display your license at your station.

What recent rule changes affect cosmetology renewal?

State boards revise CE rules without advance notice. Three significant changes in the past 18 months:

  • Maryland (January 1, 2026): Added a new 6-hour CE requirement for cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians. Maryland was previously fee-only. See the Maryland CE renewal page.
  • Oregon (July 1, 2025): Dropped traditional CE hours for regular cosmetology and switched to annual bloodborne-pathogens training only. The certified advanced esthetician CE rule (5 hours per year) remains. See the Oregon CE renewal page.
  • Kentucky (June 2025): Repealed both CE regulations (201 KAR 12:200 and 12:210) with no replacement. Kentucky cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians no longer need any CE for renewal. See the Kentucky CE renewal page.

CEFinder tracks all 53 jurisdictions and updates within 7 days of detecting any rule change. See all recent rule changes.

Frequently asked questions about cosmetology license renewal

How often do I need to renew my cosmetology license?

Most US states renew cosmetology licenses every two years. Minnesota and North Carolina renew every three years. Check your state board's published renewal schedule for the exact deadline mechanic.

What counts as CE for cosmetology license renewal?

Accepted CE topics vary by state but commonly include sanitation and infection control, chemical safety, human trafficking awareness, and advanced techniques. Each state board publishes an approved-provider list. Always confirm a course is on that list before paying.

What if my state has no CE requirement?

You renew by submitting the renewal application and paying the fee before your deadline. No courses or hours are required. 38 of 53 US jurisdictions currently renew by fee only.

Can I take all my CE online?

Many states that require CE explicitly accept online delivery, including Minnesota, Nebraska, Iowa, DC, Georgia, Texas, Ohio, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Nevada. Illinois, North Carolina, Florida, Maryland, and Guam have specific rules on format or approved providers. Always verify with your state board before enrolling.

What happens if my cosmetology license expires?

An expired license means you cannot legally perform services until it is reinstated. Most states charge a late fee or reinstatement fee on top of the renewal fee. If your license has been expired for several years, some states require re-examination. Set a renewal reminder well before your deadline to avoid this.

Compare all 53 states side by side  |  States that require CE  |  States with no CE  |  Recent rule changes