DC BBC cosmetology renewal: District of Columbia 2026
Regulated by the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (DC BBC)
Last verified:
District of Columbia cosmetology licenses are valid for 2 years. Renewal requires 6 hours of continuing education within each renewal cycle. You renew through the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (DC BBC). Online CE is accepted. The current renewal fee is $77.
Washington, DC is one of the lighter continuing-education jurisdictions in the country: just 6 hours over each two-year renewal cycle, and online courses are accepted. The same rule covers everyone the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology licenses, from cosmetologists and barbers to estheticians and nail technicians.
The DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (DC BBC) sets a single, easy-to-remember continuing-education standard for all of its license holders.
- Total CE hours: 6 hours per renewal cycle.
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years.
- Online and self-study: Allowed. You can complete approved coursework online rather than attending in person.
- Who it applies to: The same 6-hour requirement applies across the board to cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians. There is no separate hour count by discipline.
- Renewal fee: $77 at the time of renewal.
Because the District treats all of these professions under one board, your renewal path is the same whether you cut hair, do skin care, or work on nails: complete your 6 hours, then renew and pay the fee before your license lapses.
The data here does not specify mandatory subject areas (such as a sanitation or bloodborne-pathogens hour), a per-license-type breakdown, formal exemptions, or a late fee, so we do not list any. If you are unsure whether a particular course or topic qualifies, confirm it with the board before you enroll.
Licensing exams in DC are administered through PSI; renewals and CE are handled by the DC BBC under the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection.
How many CE hours does District of Columbia require?
| License types | CE hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| esthetician, cosmetologist, nail technician, barber | 6 hours | every 2 years |
Fees
- Renewal: $77
District of Columbia state board contact info
- Board: DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology (DC BBC)
- Website: https://dlcp.dc.gov/page/board-barber-and-cosmetology
States with the same 6-hour CE requirement: Guam, Iowa, Maryland. See the full list of states that require CE for cosmetology renewal. Compare all 53 states.
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Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia cosmetology renewal
How many CE hours does District of Columbia require for cosmetology renewal?
District of Columbia requires 6 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle for estheticians, cosmetologists, nail technicians, and barbers. Online CE is accepted. Check the DC BBC for the current list of approved CE providers.
Can I complete District of Columbia cosmetology CE online?
Yes. District of Columbia accepts online CE. You must use a board-approved provider. Verify the current approved-provider list directly with the DC BBC.
How often does a District of Columbia cosmetology license need to be renewed?
District of Columbia estheticians, cosmetologists, nail technicians, and barbers licenses renew every 2 years. You need to complete 6 CE hours before each renewal.
What happens if my District of Columbia cosmetology license lapses?
If you miss your District of Columbia renewal deadline, your license enters expired or inactive status. You may face late fees, a reinstatement application, and in some cases additional CE hours or re-examination. Set a free reminder on CEFinder so your deadline is never a surprise.
How many CE hours do I need to renew my cosmetology license in DC?
Six continuing-education hours for each two-year renewal cycle. That total is the same for cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and nail technicians.
Can I complete my DC continuing education online?
Yes. The District allows online and self-study coursework, so you do not have to attend an in-person class to meet the 6-hour requirement.
How much does it cost to renew my DC license?
The renewal fee is $77. Any additional charges, such as a late fee, are not listed in our data, so verify those directly with the board if your renewal is overdue.
Do barbers and nail technicians have different CE rules in DC?
No. The DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology applies the same 6-hour, two-year requirement to barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, and nail technicians alike.
Where do I renew my DC barber or cosmetology license?
Through the DC Board of Barber and Cosmetology under the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Licensing exams are administered separately through PSI.