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How to get a Cosmetologist license in District of Columbia

District of Columbia licenses cosmetologists statewide through the Board of Barber and Cosmetology.1 For the Cosmetologist license you need a passing score on the NIC Cosmetology written (theory) exam2. The board lists $65 for the application1 and $110 for the initial license1, each a separate charge. You renew every 2 years3 and complete at least 6 hours of continuing education4.

Last checked · 12 official sources

Who issues it

Board of Barber and Cosmetology

Training and experience

An approved education program; see the requirements

Exam

NIC Cosmetology written (theory) exam2

Fees the board lists

Application fee: $651
Initial license fee: $1101
Exam fee: $922

Renewal

Every 2 years3, at least 6 hours of continuing education4

From another state

License by endorsement1 Details

On this page
  1. District of Columbia cosmetologist licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Cosmetologist license
  4. Requirements for a Cosmetologist license
  5. How much a Cosmetologist license costs
  6. How to apply
  7. Renewal and continuing education
  8. Instructor
  9. Barber, Cosmetology, or Specialty Cosmetology Shop and Salon Owner
  10. Check a license or report a problem
  11. Laws and rules
  12. Rule changes since January 2024
  13. Common questions
  14. Cosmetologist licenses in other states

District of Columbia cosmetologist licenses

District of Columbia issues 3 cosmetologist credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.

LicenseWhat it coversTraining or experienceExamApplication or license fee
CosmetologistExcludes shaving or trimming beards/moustaches.5–Yes6$651
Instructor (cosmetology instructor)Teaches in the practice area shown on the license; a cosmetology instructor may also practice as a cosmetologist without a separate license and supervises students and prelicensure applicants.6Experience 2 years6Yes6$651
Barber, Cosmetology, or Specialty Cosmetology Shop and Salon OwnerEvery salon or shop owner needs a Board salon/shop license (issued without exam) for each place of business, plus the DLCP Beauty and Grooming Services business license; each rented booth, chair or space needs its own salon owner license.7–No7–

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for several of the District of Columbia cosmetologist licenses on this page, so they are shown once here, with the licenses they apply to. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

1. Every license level (all 3)

How to apply

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years3
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $501 (renewal within 60 days after expiration (in addition to the renewal fee))
Reinstatement fee: $1551 (license expired more than 60 days)
Reinstatement fee: $501 (license expired more than 60 days; total quoted as $210.00 with the $155.00 reinstatement license fee)

2. Every license level except Barber, Cosmetology, or Specialty Cosmetology Shop and Salon Owner

Requirements

Minimum age
18 years old6

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Exam fee$922Prov, Inc. (ProV)Each written (theory) exam attempt
License verification to another state$301Board of Barber and CosmetologyLetter sent to another state board

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

Renewal

Continuing education
At least 6 hours each renewal period4
Exemptions
First renewal of a license is exempt from CE.14
If it expires
Renewal within 60 days after expiration is allowed with proof of CE and the late fee; after 60 days the license lapses and must be reinstated.1
Reinstatement requires all CE that would have been due for each missed cycle.4
No reinstatement more than 5 years after expiry; the person must qualify as a new applicant.8

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
A person licensed in another state can apply for a DC license by endorsement (exam waiver): upload the current out-of-state license and have that state board send a Letter of Certification directly to the DC Board.1
Conditions
Reciprocity under the rule requires a letter of good standing from a jurisdiction whose requirements were substantially equivalent at the time of licensure and which admits DC licensees in a like manner.9
Applicant must prove active practice in the other jurisdiction.9
The Board may deny applicants with discipline or a conviction bearing on fitness to practice.9

3. Every license level except Instructor (cosmetology instructor)

Renewal

Renewal fee
$1101

Who needs a Cosmetologist license

Excludes shaving or trimming beards/moustaches.5

Requirements for a Cosmetologist license

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1, group 2 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

High school diploma or GED
Not required6
Education or training
Cosmetology training in a licensed school (or school acceptable to the Board) covering a fixed curriculum, e.g. chemical straightening 200, permanent wave 100, dye and bleach 100, haircutting 100, sciences 125 hours.6
Who may teach it: A licensed school or a school otherwise acceptable to the Board; DC-school graduates also submit a Formal Education Certificate.6
Alternative: Training and experience the Board judges equivalent to 1,250 hours, met by holding a license in another US jurisdiction with 1,250 hours of combined experience and training.6
Exam
NIC Cosmetology written (theory) exam2
Given by: Prov, Inc. (ProV)1
Passing score: 70% for a cosmetology operator8
When you can take it: Student applicants must test within two years of finishing an approved school program; candidates schedule with Prov only after DLCP approves them.8
Retakes: A failed exam requires a new application and new fee.8
Exam
Practical examination (administered by DLCP)1
Given by: DLCP Exam Coordinator; held at Bennett Career Institute, 700 Monroe St., NE1
Passing score: 70% for a cosmetology operator8
When you can take it: After passing the written (theory) exam.1
Retakes: Failed practical parts must be retaken within one year of the result notice; credit for passed parts is kept for the next five consecutive regular exams.8
Also required
Applicants whose first language is not English must show English competency.8
Also required
Application items: a 2x2 passport-style photo (.jpeg), government ID, and an official school transcript.1

How much a Cosmetologist license costs

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$651Board of Barber and CosmetologyLicense by examination. Not refundable
Initial license fee$1101Board of Barber and CosmetologyLicense by examination. Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Finish 1,250 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school (DC schools issue a Formal Education Certificate) and get an official transcript.6
  2. Apply online through DLCP (Access DC account) with a passport-style photo and ID, and pay the $65 application and $110 license fees.1 govservices.dcra.dc.gov1
  3. After DLCP approves you, book the NIC written exam with Prov ($92) at provexam.com.1
  4. After passing the written exam, schedule the practical exam with the DLCP Exam Coordinator (held at Bennett Career Institute).1
Temporary or provisional license
Prelicensure supervised practice: an applicant whose application shows all qualifications except the exam may practice under a licensed instructor in a licensed school, salon or shop after receiving a Board letter, and must sit the first exam offered.10

Renewal and continuing education

When it expires
All cosmetology licenses expire April 15 of even-numbered years, regardless of issue date; renewal opens 90 days before expiry.1
Required topics
2 hours in health, safety and welfare subjects4
4 hours of general elective courses approved by the Board4

Renewal planner

Enter the expiration date printed on your District of Columbia Cosmetologist license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.

Instructor

Teaches in the practice area shown on the license; a cosmetology instructor may also practice as a cosmetologist without a separate license and supervises students and prelicensure applicants.6

Requirements

Education or training
Pathway (b): recent graduate of a Board-approved school who is licensed and completes a 500-hour course in teaching techniques (pedagogy, lesson planning, classroom management, practical demonstrations).6
Alternative: Pathway (a) needs no course: an active DC license plus 2 years of full-time verifiable work experience, sample lesson plans, two references and CE proof.6
Experience
At least 2 years6
Pathway (a): hold an active DC barber, cosmetologist or specialty license in good standing with at least two years of full-time verifiable work experience.6
License you must hold first: Active DC barber, cosmetologist or specialty cosmetologist license (both pathways require a license).6
Substitute: Pathway (a) documents: sample lesson plans and training materials, at least two letters of recommendation/references, and proof of CE.6
Exam
NIC Instructor written exam2
Given by: Prov, Inc. (ProV)1
Passing score: 75% for instructor licenses8
Retakes: A failed exam requires a new application and new fee.8
Exam
Practical examination (administered by DLCP)1

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Application fee$651Board of Barber and CosmetologyInstructor license by examination. Not refundable
Initial license fee$1101Board of Barber and CosmetologyInstructor license by examination. Not refundable

Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.

How to apply

  1. Qualify by either route: 2 years of full-time licensed work plus lesson plans, two references and CE proof, or (recent graduates) a 500-hour teaching-techniques course.6
  2. Apply online through DLCP and pay the application and license fees.1 govservices.dcra.dc.gov1
  3. Book and pass the NIC Instructor written exam with Prov ($92) after DLCP approval, then the practical exam scheduled by DLCP.1

Renewal

When it expires
Cosmetology instructor licenses expire April 15 of each even-numbered year.3
Renewal fee
$1551
Required topics
2 hours in health, safety and welfare subjects4
4 hours of general elective courses approved by the Board4
Education or instruction topics may be approved for instructors.4

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 2 under Applies to every license level.

Barber, Cosmetology, or Specialty Cosmetology Shop and Salon Owner

Every salon or shop owner needs a Board salon/shop license (issued without exam) for each place of business, plus the DLCP Beauty and Grooming Services business license; each rented booth, chair or space needs its own salon owner license.7

Requirements

Exam
Not required7
Business requirements
Board page document list for owners: Certificate of Good Standing, Basic Business License application in progress, Certificate of Occupancy, federal tax ID, Clean Hands Certificate, trade name registration if using a DBA, and a copy of the designated manager’s license.1
Business requirements
DLCP issues the Beauty and Grooming Services License only after confirming the required professional license, fees and Certificate of Occupancy.7
Business requirements
An owner who intends to manage the salon or shop must obtain a salon license.7

How to apply

  1. Register the business (good standing, Clean Hands, trade name if used), get a Certificate of Occupancy and start the Basic Business License (Beauty and Grooming Services) application.7
  2. Apply online to the Board for the salon/shop owner license (no exam) for each location and post it in the salon under glass.1 govservices.dcra.dc.gov1

Renewal

When it expires
Salon licenses expire April 15 of each even-numbered year.3
If it expires
Renewal within 60 days after expiration is allowed with proof of CE and the late fee; after 60 days the license lapses and must be reinstated.1

From another state

Route
No reciprocity
What the board says
Not applicable: the owner license is a District business-location license issued without exam for each place of business.7

More rules for this license are shared with other levels: group 1 and group 3 under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

Before you hire a cosmetologist in District of Columbia, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in District of Columbia is on the District of Columbia license lookup page.

Look up a license
govservices.dcra.dc.gov1
File a complaint
dcra.kustomer.help1

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • May 22, 2026: DLCP final rulemaking cut the training hours for a cosmetology license (and a barber license) from 1,500 to 1,250.11 The same rulemaking created two instructor-license pathways: one for currently licensed barbers and cosmetologists, one for recent graduates.11 The same rulemaking created wax technician and full wax and nails technician licenses.11 The same rulemaking eliminated the DC manager license requirement.11
  • May 1, 2026: Written (theory) exams moved to Prov, Inc., which administers the NIC theory exams for DLCP from May 2026 (board page notice "Exam Provider Change Effective May 1").12

Common questions

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to District of Columbia?

The Board of Barber and Cosmetology publishes this route for the Cosmetologist license: license by endorsement1. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in District of Columbia?

Every 2 years3. Continuing education: at least 6 hours4. The renewal fee is $1101.

Cosmetologist licenses in other states

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. Board of Barber and CosmetologyDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection — Board of Barber and CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  2. DC Cosmetology CIB 2026.04.29DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection Candidate Information BulletinDated April 29, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  3. 17 DCMR § 3706 Term of LicensesDistrict of Columbia Office of Documents (DCRegs) — D.C. Municipal RegulationsDated September 12, 2003Checked November 7, 2026
  4. 17 DCMR § 3730 Continuing Education Requirements for LicenseesDistrict of Columbia Office of Documents (DCRegs) — D.C. Municipal RegulationsDated May 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  5. D.C. Code § 47-2853.81 Scope of practice for cosmetologistsCouncil of the District of Columbia (D.C. Law Library)Checked November 7, 2026
  6. 17 DCMR § 3703 Qualifications for LicensureDistrict of Columbia Office of Documents (DCRegs) — D.C. Municipal RegulationsDated May 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  7. 17 DCMR § 3716 Barbershops and Cosmetology SalonsDistrict of Columbia Office of Documents (DCRegs) — D.C. Municipal RegulationsDated May 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  8. 17 DCMR § 3707 ExaminationDistrict of Columbia Office of Documents (DCRegs) — D.C. Municipal RegulationsDated September 12, 2003Checked November 7, 2026
  9. 17 DCMR § 3711 Licensure by Reciprocity or EndorsementDistrict of Columbia Office of Documents (DCRegs) — D.C. Municipal RegulationsDated January 8, 2010Checked November 7, 2026
  10. 17 DCMR § 3714 Prelicensure Supervised PracticeDistrict of Columbia Office of Documents (DCRegs) — D.C. Municipal RegulationsDated May 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  11. DLCP Notice of Final Rulemaking - Amending 17 DCMR Ch. 37 - Barber and Cosmetology Licensing Reform (Vol…District of Columbia Office of Documents (DCRegs) — D.C. RegisterDated May 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Prov Announcement - District of Columbia 2026Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection — Board of Barber and CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026