GA SOS cosmetology renewal: Georgia 2026
Regulated by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (GA SOS)
Last verified:
Georgia cosmetology licenses are valid for 2 years. Renewal requires 5 hours of continuing education within each renewal cycle. You renew through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (GA SOS). Online CE is accepted. The current renewal fee is $45.
Georgia keeps continuing education light: just 5 hours every two years to renew a cosmetology license. The catch is that the hours are split by topic, so you cannot satisfy the whole requirement with one type of class. Three of those hours must cover health, safety, and sanitation, with the remaining two in general cosmetology or your specialty.
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, housed under the Secretary of State, sets a two-year renewal cycle for all license types. Across that cycle you need a total of 5 hours of continuing education.
Those hours are not interchangeable. They break down as:
- 3 hours in health, safety, and sanitation
- 2 hours in general cosmetology or your specialty area
This applies to the licenses Georgia issues, including cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, hair designer, and instructor. Each licensee is responsible for completing the same 5-hour total within their cycle.
Online courses are accepted in Georgia, so you can complete the requirement through approved self-study or virtual classes rather than sitting in a classroom. Keep your certificates of completion in case the board asks for proof.
The renewal fee is $45. Renew on time to keep your license active and avoid any lapse in your ability to work.
The controlling rules live in Georgia Administrative Code Chapter 240-3. Because state rule text can be updated, confirm the current hours and fee directly with the board before you plan your courses.
How many CE hours does Georgia require?
| License types | CE hours | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, hair designer, instructor | 5 hours | every 2 years |
CE topic breakdown
- Health And Safety And Sanitation: 3 hours
- General Cosmetology Or Specialty: 2 hours
Fees
- Renewal: $45
Georgia state board contact info
- Board: Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers (GA SOS)
- Website: https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-board-cosmetology-and-barbers
See the full list of states that require CE for cosmetology renewal. Compare all 53 states.
Set your Georgia renewal reminders
Drop your email and renewal date once. We send the reminders so your license does not lapse. Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked questions about Georgia cosmetology renewal
How many CE hours does Georgia require for cosmetology renewal?
Georgia requires 5 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle for cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, hair designers, and instructors. Online CE is accepted. Check the GA SOS for the current list of approved CE providers.
Can I complete Georgia cosmetology CE online?
Yes. Georgia accepts online CE. You must use a board-approved provider. Verify the current approved-provider list directly with the GA SOS.
How often does a Georgia cosmetology license need to be renewed?
Georgia cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, hair designers, and instructors licenses renew every 2 years. You need to complete 5 CE hours before each renewal.
What happens if my Georgia cosmetology license lapses?
If you miss your Georgia 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 Georgia cosmetology license?
You need 5 hours every two-year renewal cycle: 3 hours in health, safety, and sanitation, plus 2 hours in general cosmetology or your specialty.
Can I take my Georgia continuing education online?
Yes. Georgia accepts online and self-study courses for continuing education. Save your completion certificates as proof in case the board requests them.
Do nail technicians and estheticians have the same CE requirement as cosmetologists in Georgia?
The 5-hour total over two years applies across Georgia license types, including cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, hair designer, and instructor. The two specialty hours can be focused on your own discipline.
How much does it cost to renew a cosmetology license in Georgia?
The renewal fee is $45. Renewing on time keeps your license active so you can continue working without interruption.
Where do Georgia's CE rules come from?
The requirements are set by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers under the Secretary of State, with the detailed rules in Georgia Administrative Code Chapter 240-3.