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Cosmetology license reciprocity and transfer, state by state

Moving with a cosmetologist license? Here is what each state's board says it accepts from other states, with the partner lists exactly as the boards publish them.

Last checked · 97 official sources

On this page
  1. How cosmetologist licenses move between states
  2. Cosmetologist reciprocity by state
  3. Sources

How cosmetologist licenses move between states

No license is valid nationwide: the board in the state you move to decides whether it accepts yours. Across the 49 states and DC we cover, the routes boards publish for the main cosmetologist license are license by endorsement (45), military service members and spouses (29), universal license recognition (12), exam waiver (12), temporary license or permit (8), multistate license (interstate compact) (7), interstate compact privilege (2), reciprocity agreements (2) and provisional (1). 4 boards name the states whose licenses they accept; those lists are one-way, so a state on the list does not necessarily accept a license from the listing state. What each route means.

Cosmetologist reciprocity by state

StateLicenseRoutes the board publishesStates the board lists
AlabamaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement12
Temporary license or permit1
Military service members and spouses3
Multistate license (interstate compact)4		–
AlaskaHairdresserTemporary license or permit56
Military service members and spouses7		–
ArizonaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement8
Universal license recognition9
Military service members and spouses10
Interstate compact privilege11		–
ArkansasCosmetologistLicense by endorsement12
Universal license recognition13
Military service members and spouses13		–
CaliforniaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement14
Exam waiver15
Military service members and spouses14		–
ColoradoCosmetologistLicense by endorsement16
Military service members and spouses17
Multistate license (interstate compact)16		–
ConnecticutRegistered Hairdresser and Cosmetician (DPH: Hairdresser/Cosmetician license)License by endorsement18
Exam waiver19		–
DelawareCosmetologistLicense by endorsement20–
District of ColumbiaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement21–
FloridaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement22
Exam waiver23
Military service members and spouses24		–
GeorgiaMaster CosmetologistLicense by endorsement25
Military service members and spouses26
No reciprocity25		–
HawaiiBeauty Operator – CosmetologistExam waiver27
No reciprocity28		–
IdahoCosmetologistLicense by endorsement29–
IllinoisCosmetologistLicense by endorsement30
Exam waiver30		–
IowaBarbering and Cosmetology License (barber and cosmetologist)Universal license recognition31
No reciprocity31		–
KansasCosmetologist licenseNo route published–
KentuckyCosmetologist licenseMilitary service members and spouses32
Multistate license (interstate compact)33		–
LouisianaCertificate of registration as a registered cosmetologistLicense by endorsement34
Universal license recognition35
Temporary license or permit34		–
MaineCosmetologistLicense by endorsement36
Temporary license or permit37
Military service members and spouses38		–
MarylandCosmetologist licenseLicense by endorsement39
Military service members and spouses40
Multistate license (interstate compact)11		–
MassachusettsCosmetologist licenseLicense by endorsement41
Military service members and spouses42		–
MichiganCosmetologist licenseLicense by endorsement43
Military service members and spouses44		–
MinnesotaCosmetologist (operator) licenseLicense by endorsement45–
MississippiCosmetology license (cosmetologist)License by endorsement46
Universal license recognition46		–
MissouriClass CA - hairdressing and manicuring (cosmetologist operator license)License by endorsement47
Exam waiver47
Universal license recognition48
Military service members and spouses49		–
MontanaCosmetologist licenseExam waiver50
Military service members and spouses51
Multistate license (interstate compact)11		–
NebraskaCosmetologist licenseLicense by endorsement52
Universal license recognition53
Military service members and spouses52
Multistate license (interstate compact)11		–
NevadaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement54
Exam waiver55		–
New HampshireCosmetologistLicense by endorsement56Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming56
New JerseyCosmetologist-Hairstylist (cosmetology and hairstyling license)License by endorsement57
Military service members and spouses58		–
New MexicoCosmetologist LicenseLicense by endorsement59
Military service members and spouses60		–
New YorkCosmetology (appearance enhancement operator license)Reciprocity agreements61
License by endorsement62
Exam waiver63
Military service members and spouses63		Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and District of Columbia61
New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming62
North CarolinaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement64
Military service members and spouses64
Exam waiver65		Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming64
North DakotaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement66
Universal license recognition67
Military service members and spouses68		–
OhioCosmetologist (practicing license)License by endorsement69
Military service members and spouses70		–
OklahomaCosmetologist (Cosmetology license, chemical or non-chemical)License by endorsement71–
OregonPractitioner certificate in the field of practice of hair design (Board of Cosmetology)License by endorsement72–
PennsylvaniaCosmetologistReciprocity agreements73Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming73
Rhode IslandHairdresser/Cosmetician (RIDOH license type "Hairdresser/Cosmetologist")License by endorsement74
Temporary license or permit74
Exam waiver74		–
South CarolinaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement75
Military service members and spouses76		–
South DakotaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement77
Temporary license or permit78
Military service members and spouses79		–
TennesseeCosmetologistLicense by endorsement80–
TexasCosmetology OperatorLicense by endorsement81
Temporary license or permit81		–
UtahCosmetology license (holder may be known as a cosmetologist or a barber)Universal license recognition82–
VermontCosmetologistLicense by endorsement83
Universal license recognition84		–
VirginiaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement85
Universal license recognition86
Military service members and spouses87		–
WashingtonCosmetologistLicense by endorsement88
Multistate license (interstate compact)89
Military service members and spouses90		–
West VirginiaCosmetologistLicense by endorsement91
provisional92
Military service members and spouses93		–
WisconsinCosmetologistLicense by endorsement94
Military service members and spouses95
Interstate compact privilege11		–
WyomingCosmetologistLicense by endorsement96
Universal license recognition96
Military service members and spouses97		–

Each state's own board decides whom it accepts. Before you move, read the conditions on the state page and confirm with the board.

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. Reciprocity Instructions and Application (2025-10)Alabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Transfer A LicenseAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Military FamiliesAlabama Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  4. 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
  5. AS 08.13 Barbers and HairdressersAlaska State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  6. 12 AAC 09.005 Application for examinationAlaska State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  7. 12 AAC 02.900-.990 license periodsAlaska State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  8. A.R.S. 32-513Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Licensed in another state moving to ArizonaArizona Barbering & Cosmetology BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Military ReciprocityArizona Barbering & Cosmetology BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Pennsylvania becomes 13th state to enact Cosmetology Licensure Compact (July 20, 2026)Cosmetology Licensure Compact CommissionDated July 20, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  12. Cosmetology and Body Art Law (2025)Arkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  13. 17 CAR Part 54 (Cosmetology and Body Art rules), sections 54-101 to 54-207 and 54-401Arkansas Department of Health (Code of Arkansas Rules)Checked November 7, 2026
  14. Reciprocity Application Instructions and ChecklistCalifornia Board of Barbering and CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  15. FAQsCalifornia Board of Barbering and CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  16. Colorado Revised Statutes 2024Colorado General Assembly, Office of Legislative Legal ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  17. 4 CCR 731-1 Barber and Cosmetology Licensure Rules and RegulationsColorado Secretary of State (Code of Colorado Regulations)Dated October 30, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  18. Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 387 Hairdressers and CosmeticiansConnecticut General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  19. Hairdresser Licensure of Foreign Trained ApplicantsConnecticut Department of Public HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  20. License by ReciprocityDelaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  21. Board of Barber and CosmetologyDepartment of Licensing and Consumer Protection — Board of Barber and CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  22. Fla. Stat. 477.019 (2026)Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine) — The 2026 Florida StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  23. Cosmetologist License by Current Licensure in Another State or Country (COSMO 2) checklistFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Licensing Portal (Board of Cosmetology)Checked November 7, 2026
  24. Cosmetologist Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003) checklistFlorida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — Licensing Portal (Board of Cosmetology)Checked November 7, 2026
  25. Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers FAQGeorgia Secretary of State, State Board of Cosmetology and BarbersChecked November 7, 2026
  26. Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. ch. 240-11 Application by EndorsementGeorgia Secretary of State (Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia)Checked November 7, 2026
  27. Board of Barbering and Cosmetology Examination InformationHawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  28. Barbering and Cosmetology FAQs (20250429)Hawaii DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing DivisionChecked November 7, 2026
  29. BCB Frequently Asked QuestionsIdaho Division of Occupational and Professional LicensesDated August 6, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  30. Qualifications for Licensure: Cosmetologist (011)Illinois Department of Financial and Professional RegulationDated September 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  31. 481 IAC ch. 501 Licensure by verification / work experience (10-28-2026 IAC)Iowa LegislatureDated September 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  32. 201 KAR 12:030 Licensing and examinationsKentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated December 2, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  33. KRS 317A.105 Cosmetology Licensure CompactKentucky Legislative Research CommissionDated June 29, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  34. LAC 46:XXXI CosmetologistsLouisiana Division of Administration, Office of the State Register (LAC Title 46 Part XXXI Cosmetologists)Checked November 7, 2026
  35. Welcome Home ActLouisiana State Board of CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  36. 32 M.R.S. §14231 Examination eligibility for out-of-state applicantsMaine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  37. 32 M.R.S. §14230 Temporary licenseMaine Legislature (Office of the Revisor of Statutes)Dated October 5, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  38. Temporary License for Active Duty Service Members, Veterans and SpousesMaine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Barbering and Cosmetology LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  39. Apply for Licensure by Endorsement (Reciprocal)Maryland Department of Labor, Board of CosmetologistsChecked November 7, 2026
  40. Military Veterans and Families - Expedited LicensingMaryland Department of LaborChecked November 7, 2026
  41. Transfer a cosmetology, aesthetics, manicuring, barber, or electrology license to MassachusettsMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of Registration of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  42. DOL licensing benefits for active military, spouses & veteransMassachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Board of Registration of Cosmetology and BarberingChecked November 7, 2026
  43. Occupational Code (1980 PA 299) Article 12, Cosmetology (MCL 339.1201 to 339.1218) PDFMichigan LegislatureDated February 11, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  44. MCL - Section 339.213 - Michigan LegislatureMichigan Legislature (Legislative Service Bureau)Checked November 7, 2026
  45. Minnesota Statutes chapter 155A, CosmetologistsMinnesota Office of the Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  46. MSBCB Updated Statutes 4.1.2026 (Miss. Code Ann. Title 73 Ch. 7)Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated April 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  47. 20 CSR 2085-7 Cosmetology Licensing (9/30/19)Missouri Secretary of State (Code of State Regulations)Dated September 30, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
  48. RSMo 324.009 Licensure of nonresidents (universal recognition)Missouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  49. Application for Temporary Courtesy License to Nonresident Military SpouseMissouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  50. MCA 37-31-304Montana Legislature (Montana Code Annotated 2025)Checked November 7, 2026
  51. Cosmetologist license informationMontana Department of Labor and Industry, Board of Barbers and CosmetologistsChecked November 7, 2026
  52. Cosmetologist and Esthetician License by Reciprocity applicationNebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  53. Uniform Credentialing Act (compilation)Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  54. Transfer to NevadaNevada State Board of CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  55. Out of State / Out of Country HoursNevada State Board of CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  56. New Changes to Reciprocity in New HampshireNew Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and CertificationChecked November 7, 2026
  57. N.J.A.C. 13:28 Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (board regulations PDF)New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling (Division of Consumer Affairs)Dated February 26, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  58. 45:1-15.5New Jersey State Library (legislative history compilation of the enacted law)Dated January 17, 2014Checked November 7, 2026
  59. NMSA 1978 Chapter 61, Article 17A Barbers and Cosmetologists ActNew Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource)Checked November 7, 2026
  60. 16.34.6 NMAC Expedited LicensureNew Mexico State Records Center and Archives (NMAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  61. Cosmetology ReciprocityNYS Department of State Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  62. Endorsement StatesNYS Department of State Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  63. Become a CosmetologistNYS Department of State Division of Licensing ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  64. Individuals Licensed in another StateNC Board of Cosmetic Art ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  65. Out of State GraduatesNC Board of Cosmetic Art ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  66. ND Cosmetology Administrative Rules 2026North Dakota State Board of CosmetologyDated January 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  67. CHAPTER 43-51.1North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  68. N.D.C.C. ch. 43-11 CosmetologistsNorth Dakota Legislative BranchChecked November 7, 2026
  69. Ohio Rev. Code 4713.28Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Revised Code)Dated October 24, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  70. Military Members & SpousesOhio State Cosmetology and Barber BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  71. Oklahoma Statutes Title 59 (complete title PDF) - excerpt 59 O.S. 199 to 199.21Oklahoma LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  72. OAR 817 Division 6 - Practitioner Certificate QualificationsOregon Secretary of State, Oregon Administrative Rules DatabaseDated July 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  73. Cosmetology Licensure GuidePennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, State Board of CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  74. Barbers, Hairdressers/Cosmeticians, Manicurists, Estheticians, and Instructors (216-RICR-40-05-4)Rhode Island Department of State (RICR); rule of the Rhode Island Department of HealthDated May 30, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  75. S.C. Code of Regulations Chapter 35 - Board of CosmetologySouth Carolina LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  76. S.C. Code Title 40 Chapter 1 Professions and Occupations (general provisions)South Carolina LegislatureChecked November 8, 2026
  77. ARSD Article 20:42 CosmetologySouth Dakota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  78. SDCL Chapter 36-15 CosmetologistsSouth Dakota LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  79. SDLRC - Codified Law 36-1B-4 - Fees. 36-1B-4. Fees.South Dakota Legislature, Codified LawsChecked November 7, 2026
  80. Tennessee Code Unannotated - Free Public Access: search results for T.C.A. 56-6-103 to 56-6-121 (section…Tennessee Code Unannotated, free public accessChecked November 7, 2026
  81. 16 TAC §83.28 Substantial Equivalence and Provisional LicensureTexas Secretary of State, Texas Administrative Code (TDLR rules)Dated August 15, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  82. R156-11a Cosmetology and Associated Professions Licensing Act RuleUtah Office of Administrative Rules (Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing rule)Dated March 24, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  83. 26 V.S.A. chapter 6: Barbers and CosmetologistsVermont General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  84. Barber, Cosmetologist, Nail Technician, Esthetician Application InstructionsVermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
  85. 18VAC41-20-30Virginia General Assembly, Division of Legislative Automated Systems (Virginia Administrative Code)Dated December 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  86. Universal License Recognition Form (static PDF)Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Barbers and CosmetologyDated September 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  87. Board for Barbers and CosmetologyVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Barbers and CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  88. Chapter 308-20 WAC (full chapter)Washington State Legislature, Office of the Code Reviser (WAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  89. Chapter 18.16 RCW (full chapter)Washington State Legislature, Code ReviserChecked November 7, 2026
  90. Get your license: cosmetologyWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  91. Transfer License to WVWest Virginia Board of Barbers and CosmetologistsChecked November 7, 2026
  92. W. Va. Code §30-27-9West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  93. W. Va. Code §30-1-23West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  94. Cosmetologist - Licensure by EndorsementWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  95. CosmetologistWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  96. Wyoming Statutes Title 33, Chapter 12 (Wyoming Cosmetology Act, W.S. 33-12-119 to 33-12-140) excerptWyoming LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  97. Board of Cosmetology Rules Chapter 1: General Provision (033.0001.1.04012026)Wyoming Secretary of State - Administrative RulesDated April 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026