Transferring Cosmetology License to a Different State

Each state has different requirements for obtaining and maintaining a cosmetology license. When you move to a new state, you must ensure that your license meets the state’s requirements. Most states offer programs that make transferring easy. Some even have reciprocity laws with nearby states. You will need to apply for a new license and pay the fee. Here is an explanation of the process of how to transfer a cosmetology license to another state.

How to Transfer a Cosmetology License to Another State

The first step in transferring your license is contacting the State Board of Cosmetology in the state where you will be moving. They will be able to explain the transfer process to you, including the specific state licensing requirements. Many states also list this information on their website.

Contact the state board as early as possible, because some states have much more stringent requirements than others, and the process can take longer. If the new state requires more classroom training hours than your current license, you will have to take additional classes. Knowing this as soon as possible can help you reduce the time you are out of work.

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Finishing Coursework

You’ll have to complete the necessary coursework before you can continue the process in these states. Advanced cosmetology courses that teach new techniques and product formulations may help you meet additional requirements. In other cases, specific board-required safety and sanitation classes are required for all licensed cosmetologists.

The Application Process

In states with a reciprocity agreement, you will still need to request an application to transfer your license. You’ll probably also have to request that your current state license information be forwarded to the new state from your original State Board. Just like most high schools, colleges, and community colleges require students to submit transcripts during enrollment, your new state board of cosmetology may require you to submit your original cosmetology license. You’ll also be required to submit other information in addition to the transfer application and current license. An application transfer may include a processing fee, information about your education, and proof of hands-on experience. Your cosmetology school can help you to compile this information if necessary.

Testing

In order to work as a hairstylist or barber, you must pass the state board exam of your current residence or find out if your exam results will suffice for you to practice cosmetology at your new location. 

Some states impose more comprehensive test requirements that include hands-on and written exams. Study manuals are usually offered to help students prepare for each state board exam of cosmetology.

For more information on obtaining or renewing your Cosmetologist license, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing

 

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Julie Boyajian
Julie Boyajian
3 years ago

hello. I’m want to transfer my license to Tennessee

Pamela Newsom
Pamela Newsom
2 years ago
Reply to  Julie Boyajian

Where are you coming from??

Pamela Newsom
Pamela Newsom
2 years ago
Reply to  Pamela Newsom

I lived in Ohio but, now I live in Gillette, Whyoming

Shirley Valdes
Shirley Valdes
1 year ago
Reply to  Pamela Newsom

South America, Chile but now live in New York

Sharon Isenberg
Sharon Isenberg
3 years ago

I have moved from Colorado to Kansas. The Kansas Board requires a verification of licensure and training/education received in the state of Colorado where which I received my training/education from
Hair Dynamics in Fort Collins,Colorado which has since closed!
The Kansas Board will receive Verification of Licensure via e-mail.
How do I proceed?
Sharon.

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
3 years ago

Sharon, that is a great question. Most states have a process and would recommend that you reach out to the Colorado Board. In Washington State, student records are recorded on the state level in addition to being at the school. Even if a school has closed, you may be able to petition Colorado’s regulatory agency that oversees beauty schools to verify what was recorded. If that doesn’t work, old records may suffice. You may also see if an affidavit from a prior school employee may be acceptable; it’s a long shot, but is worth a try.

Pamela Newsom
Pamela Newsom
2 years ago

I would think once Dynamics closed all of your records most likely went to the other school. And so I would get on the internet and look up Whyoming Board of Cosmetology and do what you call “Look up License for verification. And send that to them over email, or fax. If u need that information, I do have it

Donna Marie Schwarz
Donna Marie Schwarz
3 years ago

I received my cosmetology license in Connecticut, transferred it to Ohio then let it expire. I now plan on moving to Florida how can I get my cosmetology license renewed? I let my license expire a 18 years ago.

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
3 years ago

Donna, thank you for your question. The best way is to reach out the Ohio Board of Cosmetology, and if that doesn’t work, I would reach out the Florida to see if they have any options. I wish I could be more help, but I am not as familiar with both those states. Some states will allow you to ‘retest’ however others may require you to attend school again, depending on the length of time the licensed has lapsed.

Pam newsom
Pam newsom
2 years ago

I’m from Ohio and they won’t let them go anywhere until you have all your CEUs done

Kim Rojas
Kim Rojas
3 years ago

I have an active boston massachusetts cosmo license. I now for 1 yr. Lived in myrtle beach, sc. How do I ransfer so I can work here.

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
3 years ago
Reply to  Kim Rojas

You would need to reach out to South Carolina Board of Cosmetology. Here is the their website: llr.sc.gov/cosmo/

Janice Arnold
Janice Arnold
2 years ago

Try to call them is impossible. They just say ” call back at later time and hang up.”

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago
Reply to  Janice Arnold

Janice, are you referring to your experience with Evergreen Beauty College? If so, please submit your inquiry online at evergreenbeauty.edu or call our Admission’s line at (425) 336-5120 and an admission counselor will get back to you within a business day.

patty
patty
3 years ago

trying to move from Illinois to South Carolina, licensed in IL for over 30 years with all CEU hours met no violations and they are trying to get me to re-take the state exams again!! Anyone have a better solution like an endorsement?

KATHLEEN Musetti
KATHLEEN Musetti
3 years ago

Have original N.Y. Licensing would like to change it to N.C How do I go about this?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
3 years ago

You would need to reach out the regulatory agency in North Carolina. Link: boardofcosmetology.net/north-carolina-state-board-of-cosmetology-cb33

guets
guets
3 years ago

I have a New York License I want to transfer to New Jersey any idea where I start?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
3 years ago
Reply to  guets

You would need to reach out to the New Jersey Board of Cosmetology. Here is the website: njconsumeraffairs.gov/cos

Ra'keesha
Ra'keesha
3 years ago

Hello, I have my cosmetology license in the state of Michigan but I just moved to South Carolina and want to transfer it. What is the steps for doing that?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
3 years ago
Reply to  Ra'keesha

You will want to check out the South Carolina’s Cosmetology Board. Here is the link: llr.sc.gov/cosmo/

Kristin Dan
Kristin Dan
3 years ago

I have a MI cosmetology license and want to apply for an Ohio license. Do I contact MI or Ohio first? If you have a link that would be much appreciated. I can’t seem to find the correct site.

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
3 years ago
Reply to  Kristin Dan

Hello Kristin, I am not as familiar with the licensing rules in Ohio, but I would definitely reach out Ohio to see what the steps would be and then follow up with Michigan. This is the website for Ohio’s Cosmetology Board: cos.ohio.gov/ Good luck!

Brianna
Brianna
2 years ago

Hello! I moved from CA to NY with over 7 yrs in the industry. Where do I start by transferring my Lic I am very confused from what I’ve read online.

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago
Reply to  Brianna

Hello Brianna, it may be best to reach out directly to the New York State Division of Licensing Services [Cosmetology]. Here is a link if it may be helpful: dos.ny.gov/licensing/cosmetology/cosmetology.html

Haley J Green
Haley J Green
2 years ago

Trying to transfer my license from Colorado to Iowa. Tried to make an account with Iowa State Board of Cosmetology but it is not processing. Is there another avenue I can take?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago
Reply to  Haley J Green

Haley, I would suggest that you move forward with trying to apply with Colorado first.

Jessica
Jessica
1 year ago
Reply to  Haley J Green

Haley, did you have any success? I’m trying to transfer to Iowa as well

Tom
Tom
2 years ago

I live in Cali now but if i move to Texas, Boston, Georgia, Alabama or Florida…. can I transfer my Cosmetology license? Can you explain the rules? Do I need to learn and make the test or no? Thanks.

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago
Reply to  Tom

Tom, that is a great question. Each state has it’s own regulation and rules. The best way would be to reach out to the individual states to get the most up to date requirements.

Pamela Newsom
Pamela Newsom
2 years ago

Hi I’m from Ohio and I have my Advanced Cosmetology License. In my state?of Ohio, It’s considered to be moving up the latter. I went from a Receptionist to Stylist(hairdresser), to Managing Cosmetologists, then to an Advanced Cosmetologists. In my State that is as far as I could go. As an Advanced Cos. Girl I could Manage a Salon as well as be the Owner. I also could work from home, as long as I had a separate restroom.
Thanks for your time,
Sincerely, Pamela Newsom
Graduate of Cosmetology 1988

Sara Brown
Sara Brown
2 years ago

hi! i’m starting cosmetology school in January will credits transfer from Kentucky to South Carolina?

Lena
Lena
2 years ago

I have moved to Florida and have an Illinois license; I would like to transfer it to Florida

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago
Reply to  Lena

Lena, the best thing to do is reach out the regulatory agency in Florida. Here is their website: boardofcosmetology.net/florida-state-board-of-cosmetology-cb9

janet ferrara
janet ferrara
2 years ago

i need help, I need to renew my license, its been a few years, im a cosmetologist for 36 years and I moved to New jersey 6 years ago, Now I want to cut hair again, what do I do?, Il Pay to renew license first but how do I switch to new jersey?

Jessica Battaglia
Jessica Battaglia
2 years ago

Hello,

I am an esthetician in Maryland. I am moving to North Carolina how would I change my license over? Do I have to take the state boards again?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago

Jessica, the best thing to do is to reach out directly the regulatory agency in North Carolina. Here is the their website: boardofcosmetology.net/north-carolina-state-board-of-cosmetology-cb33

Alyce Dellapenna
Alyce Dellapenna
2 years ago

how do i transfer a osmetologist licence from Jax Florida

Alyce Dellapenna
Alyce Dellapenna
2 years ago

needed to add to North Carolina

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago

Alyce, which state are you trying to transfer your license to?

Lori
Lori
2 years ago

I will be getting my South Carolina license in the mail soon. How do I transfer my License to North Carolina ??

Shannon N Alexander
Shannon N Alexander
2 years ago

how do I obtain an affidavit verifying the type of license

ana
ana
2 years ago

Hello! I’m planning ; to move to Nevada, and I’m active license in Illinois what Are the requirements

Mekdelawit Habtmariam
Mekdelawit Habtmariam
2 years ago

I want transfer my Virginia license to Vermont

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago

The best thing to do is to reach out to the Vermont Department of Cosmetology to see what their process is. Here is the their website: https://sos.vermont.gov/barbers-cosmetologists/forms-instructions/

k paul
k paul
2 years ago

I just moved to georgia from colorado Ive been doing hair there for 30 years What do I need to do to get a license here

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
2 years ago
Reply to  k paul

KPaul, check out the Board of Cosmetology in Georgia. It’ll give you instructions on next steps: https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/16

Punnada Phianam
Punnada Phianam
2 years ago

Hello I moved from Alaska I would like to transfer to Pittsburgh PA. I did called an asked for transfer science 2019 Till now I didn’t get any help. Now 2021 what can I do please help
Thank. Punnada

Nga Nguyen
Nga Nguyen
1 year ago

hello could you show me how to transfer my nail license from oregon to utah

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Nga Nguyen

Hello Nga, a suggestion may be to reach out to Utah board of Cosmetology. Here is the link: https://dopl.utah.gov/cosmo/index.html

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Nga Nguyen

Nga, the best thing to do is to reach out the Utah Board of Cosmetology. Here is the link: https://dopl.utah.gov/cosmo/index.html

Candace Loyd
Candace Loyd
1 year ago

I am a 28yr licensed cosmotologist in Illinois, currently moved to Missouri. would like to transfer my license

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Candace Loyd

Candace, here is the link to the Board of Cosmetology: https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp

Joann
Joann
1 year ago

Hello I have a New York cosmetology license I am moving to South Carolina the requirements for SC a 1500 hours .. NY is 1000 hour requirement.. I have been doing hair for 20+ years in NY does that mean I have to go back to school for an additional 500 hours in order to get my license in South Carolina???

Maria Bollaro
Maria Bollaro
1 year ago

How do I transfer my New Jersey cosmetology license to South Carolina

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Maria Bollaro

Maria, I would suggest that you reach out the South Carolina Cosmetology Board: https://www.llr.sc.gov/cosmo/

Vera Kuznetsove
Vera Kuznetsove
1 year ago

I want to transfer my license from New York to New Jersey

Daniella Gibbs
Daniella Gibbs
1 year ago

Hello my name is Daniella Gibbs and I have my New York State cosmetology license and I have been trying to find a way to get reciprocity to North Carolina. I have been on the NYS website and it does not give me the forms to fill out and I have been trying to call. Is there any one that can help me solve this issue?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Daniella Gibbs

Daniella, have you tried calling a local beauty school in North Carolina? They may be able to give you some direction.

Anniston Elliott
Anniston Elliott
1 year ago

I want to transfer my cosmetology license from sc to Ny, but I can’t find anything about it online, so how would I do it?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago

Anniston, have you tried to reach out the state regulatory agency directly? Here is the link: https://dos.ny.gov/cosmetology

Isabel Gopaul
Isabel Gopaul
1 year ago

Hello How do I transfer my license from New York State to Ga.

Mehmet
Mehmet
1 year ago

hello I want to transfer the license from Washington DC to Virginia

April Thomas
April Thomas
1 year ago

Hi, I am licenced in Illinois. I want to keep my licence current in Illinois but, also transfer to Nevada. I that possible?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  April Thomas

Having dual licenses are not uncommon. Many license professionals hold licenses in different states. I would recommend that you contact both the Licensing Board of both Illionois and Nevada. Here are the links if that would be helpful.

Nevada: https://www.nvcosmo.com/

Illionois: https://www.boardofcosmetology.net/illinois-state-board-of-cosmetology-cb13

Jenny
Jenny
1 year ago

How to transfer my Cosmetology License from NY to Connecticut?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Jenny

Jenny, what may be best is to reach out the Connecticut Board of Cosmetology. Here is their website: https://www.boardofcosmetology.net/connecticut-state-board-of-cosmetology-cb7

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1 year ago

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Mikayla
Mikayla
1 year ago

I got my esthetician license in Colorado but recently just moved to Missouri. Is there anything I can do to get my credits transferred? Or get licensed here?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Mikayla

Mikayla, I would recommend that you reach out to the Missouri Cosmetology Board. They can definitely give you guidance: https://pr.mo.gov/cosbar.asp

Laura
Laura
1 year ago

Help! I have a MA Esthetician License and want to get a NY license as well. The website is very difficult to navigate and I can’t get anyone on the phone. Does anyone know of a phone number that will take me to someone in that department so I can get some help with this? And how long does it take to get the license once you have all the paperwork in?

Hiyam
Hiyam
1 year ago

I want to transfer my license from Jordan to the USA

tina
tina
1 year ago

i want to add another state to my license. can i have 2 licenses. i 2 different ststaes

Hung Pham
Hung Pham
1 year ago

How do I transfer my license to South Carolina

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Hung Pham

Hung, which state do you reside in?

Jeffery Armstrong
Jeffery Armstrong
1 year ago

I want to transfer my cosmo lic to kansas

Beka
Beka
1 year ago

Hello, I’m having trouble finding information on this so perhaps you might know. I am currently enrolled in cosmetology school in Kansas, they require 1500 credit hours. I am moving to Nebraska once I graduate and they require 1800 credit hours. Is it possible for me to just do an extra 300 credit hours in Kansas so that I may transfer and be qualified to work in Nebraska once I have passed the board exam? Or would I have to complete the extra 300 credit hours in the state of Nebraska?

Thank you!

Ell
Ell
1 year ago

Can you transfer your Michigan cos license to New York?

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
1 year ago
Reply to  Ell

Ell, what may be best is to reach out directly to the Cosmetology Board in New York. Here is a link to their website: https://dos.ny.gov/cosmetology Good luck!

Transfer my license from North Carolina to New Yor
Transfer my license from North Carolina to New Yor
11 months ago

Hi I’m trying to Transfer my license from North Carolina to New York City

Vanna Ly
Vanna Ly
11 months ago

I want to transfer license nail florida to tennessee license nail. Who can you help me please

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
11 months ago
Reply to  Vanna Ly

Vanna, I would suggest you reaching out the Tennessee Board of Cosmetology at https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/cosmo.html

Xiomara
Xiomara
11 months ago

Hi,I would like to transfer my Florida Cosmetology and Esthetician licenses to North Caroline,Thank you.Xiomara

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
11 months ago
Reply to  Xiomara

Xiomara, I would suggest you checking out the North Carolina Board of Cosmetology at https://www.boardofcosmetology.net/north-carolina-state-board-of-cosmetology-cb33

Jane Masten
Jane Masten
11 months ago

I want to transfer my license from Georgia to South Carolina

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
11 months ago
Reply to  Jane Masten

Jane, it may be best to reach out the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology https://www.llr.sc.gov/cosmo/

Sydni Sparks
Sydni Sparks
10 months ago

I will be transferring to Washington State from Hawaii in about 10 months. What will I need to do before then?

Jamie smith
Jamie smith
9 months ago

My license expired from Texas, How can I transfer my license to ohio

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
9 months ago
Reply to  Jamie smith

Jamie, the first thing you likely will need to do is contact the Texas Cosmetology Board to ensure that your license is active: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cosmet/cosmet.htm After that, contact Ohio’s Cosmetology Board on their process for reciprocity, if available. if it is not active, there won’t be a license for Ohio’s board to recognize.

Puja Shrestha
Puja Shrestha
8 months ago

I have an Esthetician license from NY and I am in Illinois now. How, do I transfer my license.

Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
Admin
Frank - Beauty College Ambassador
8 months ago
Reply to  Puja Shrestha

Puja, visit the Board of Cosmetology website for Illinois. I believe they even have a ‘chat function’. Here is the website: https://www.boardofcosmetology.net/illinois-state-board-of-cosmetology-cb13 Good luck!

Puja Shrestha
Puja Shrestha
8 months ago

Thank you