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Cosmetology Licensure Compact

What each state we cover says about the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, in its own words, and what that means if you plan to work across state lines.

Last checked · 5 official sources

On this page
  1. What the Cosmetology Compact does
  2. States that describe their Cosmetology Compact membership
  3. Before you rely on the compact
  4. Sources

What the Cosmetology Compact does

An interstate compact is a law that each member state passes in the same words. Under it, a cosmetologist licensed in one member state can work in the others without a separate full license in each, once the compact is running. Each state below describes its own membership in its own words; the dates and conditions matter, because a state can enact the compact years before its residents can use it.

States that describe their Cosmetology Compact membership

We cover cosmetologists in 49 states and DC. In 6 of them, the board or the state's law describes the compact as follows. A state missing from this table may still be a member: we list only what the boards we checked publish.

StateRouteWhat the state says
AlabamaMultistate license (interstate compact)Alabama has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (Code §§ 34-7B-50 to -64), which will offer a multistate license for cosmetologists. Until the Board issues multistate licenses, apply through the regular reciprocity route.1
ArizonaInterstate compact privilegeArizona has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, but as of the commission's July 20, 2026 release licensees cannot yet practice through it.2
ColoradoMultistate license (interstate compact)Colorado enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (HB 24-1111, effective August 7, 2024); the Director may grant multistate licenses under the compact's terms.3
KentuckyMultistate license (interstate compact)Kentucky enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact as KRS 317A.105 (effective June 29, 2023). The commission says the compact is not yet active, so no multistate license can be issued yet.4
MarylandMultistate license (interstate compact)Maryland enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (Bus. Occ. & Prof. §5-6A-01). The commission says the compact is not yet active, so no multistate license can be issued yet.2
WashingtonMultistate license (interstate compact)Washington enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact (RCW 18.16.400, 2025 c 238), which takes effect in Washington on June 1, 2028; no multistate license is available yet.5

Before you rely on the compact

  • Check your home state: a compact license is usually issued by the state where you live, and only if that state has joined.
  • Check the state where you want to work: it must be a member and must have started accepting compact licenses or privileges.
  • If either state is not ready, apply for a license in the new state the usual way; each state page lists its other transfer routes.

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. The Alabama Cosmetology Act (Code of Alabama 1975 §34-7B-1 to -94) and Administrative Rules ch. 250-X-1 to…Alabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated October 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  2. Pennsylvania becomes 13th state to enact Cosmetology Licensure Compact (July 20, 2026)Cosmetology Licensure Compact CommissionDated July 20, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  3. Colorado Revised Statutes 2024Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  4. KRS 317A.105 Cosmetology Licensure CompactKentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated June 29, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Chapter 18.16 RCW (full chapter)Washington State Legislature, Code ReviserChecked November 7, 2026