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How to get a Cosmetologist license in Washington

Washington licenses cosmetologists statewide through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).1 For the Cosmetologist license you need at least 1,600 clock hours1 of education, a passing score on the NIC Practical and NIC Written2 and a criminal background check3. The board lists $35 for the initial license4. You renew every 2 years5.

Last checked · 12 official sources

Who issues it

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)

Training and experience

Training: at least 1,600 clock hours1

Exam

NIC Practical and NIC Written2

Fees the board lists

Initial license fee: $354
Exam fee: $1696
Exam fee: $1196

Renewal

Every 2 years5

From another state

License by endorsement, Multistate license (interstate compact) and Military service members and spouses417 Details

On this page
  1. Washington cosmetologist licenses
  2. Applies to every license level
  3. Who needs a Cosmetologist license
  4. Requirements for a Cosmetologist license
  5. How to apply
  6. Renewal and continuing education
  7. Moving to Washington with a license from another state
  8. Instructor
  9. Check a license or report a problem
  10. Laws and rules
  11. Rule changes since January 2024
  12. Common questions
  13. Cosmetologist licenses in other states

Washington cosmetologist licenses

Washington issues 2 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
CosmetologistHair arranging, cutting, styling, chemical waving/relaxing, coloring and beard design; temporary hair removal; manicures and pedicures (no artificial nails); limited esthetics.1Training 1,600 clock hours1Yes4$354
InstructorTeaches in a licensed school, or gives classroom theory to apprentices, in a curriculum in which the instructor holds a license.1Training 500 clock hours1Yes4$354

Applies to every license level

These rules are the same for every Washington cosmetologist license on this page, so they are shown once here. Each license's own section lists only what differs.

Requirements

Background check
Background check required3
Legal background questions on the application and at renewal; "Yes" answers need a detailed explanation.3
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply8
Social Security number
SSN/ITIN not required; if you have one, you must provide it (new and reinstatement applications).3

Fees

FeeAmountPaid toNotes
Initial license fee$354DOLEffective November 22, 2022
Exam fee$1696Prov–
Exam fee$1196Prov–
Duplicate or replacement license$53DOLOptional: DOL prints and mails the license (self-print online is $0). Effective November 22, 2022

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

Application form
dol.wa.gov39

Renewal

How often
Every 2 years510
When it expires
Two-year license; renew up to 120 days before expiry.5
Renewal fee
$664
Late renewal
Late renewal fee: $6511 (renewal after the expiration date (total due $131 per the DOL fee table))
If it expires
Late renewal: penalty fee plus each year's renewal fee at the current rate.1
Not renewed within one year: license is canceled; reapply, pay the license fee, meet current requirements and pass the exams.5
Inactive status is available on written notarized request (fee equal to the duplicate-license fee), extendable in two-year steps up to six consecutive years.1

From another state

Route
Military service members and spouses
What the board says
Military training may count toward requirements; a temporary license may be available to military members/spouses moving to Washington with a current out-of-state license; veterans may get partial fee reimbursement.7

Who needs a Cosmetologist license

Hair arranging, cutting, styling, chemical waving/relaxing, coloring and beard design; temporary hair removal; manicures and pedicures (no artificial nails); limited esthetics.1

Work that does not need this license:

  • Students in licensed schools and apprentices in state-approved programs do not need a license; people licensed under other laws acting within their scope are exempt.1
  • Does not apply to people caring for hospital patients or nursing-home residents; trained electrologists are not covered.1

Requirements for a Cosmetologist license

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Minimum age
17 years old7
Education or training
At least 1,600 clock hours1
Graduate from a Washington-licensed school in an approved 1,600-hour cosmetology curriculum (including at least 100 hours each of nail and esthetics skills and training on textured hair).4
Who may teach it: School licensed under chapter 18.16 RCW, hours taught by a licensed instructor; up to 10% of hours may be earned in a licensed salon under a DOL-approved contract.4
Alternative: Training hours expire three years after the last day of attendance.4
Exam
NIC Practical and NIC Written2
Given by: Prov (from May 1, 2026; previously Prometric)11
Passing score: Scaled score of 75 on each exam4
When you can take it: When within 100 hours of completing the required hours; all hours must be finished before licensure.7
Written exam6
Practical (performance) exam4
Retakes: Each exam may be taken once per day; failed exams are rescheduled for another day with a re-exam fee.7
Time limit: Exam results expire three years from the exam date.4

How to apply

  1. Complete 1,600 hours at a licensed Washington school (or a state-approved apprenticeship).7
  2. Register with Prov and pass the NIC written and practical exams (eligible within 100 hours of finishing).7
  3. Complete the license application (form 638-040) and pay the license fee online through SecureAccess Washington or by mail to the DOL Cosmetology Program.7 dol.wa.gov3
  4. Start working only after the license is issued, and post it.6
Temporary or provisional license
No general temporary license; military members/spouses with a current out-of-state license may qualify for a temporary license.7

Renewal and continuing education

Renewal planner

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

Moving to Washington with a license from another state

These are the routes DOL publishes for the Cosmetologist license. The other cosmetologist licenses have their own routes in their sections below.

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
"Reciprocity" license for anyone licensed in good standing in another state, territory or foreign country who has passed an exam approved by the director; applicants without exams must pass Washington's written and practical exams.4
Conditions
Must be at least 17 with an active out-of-state license.7
Provide proof of a license in good standing and proof of the other jurisdiction's exam(s).7
Fee
$603
Route
Multistate license (interstate compact)
What the board says
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.1

Instructor

Teaches in a licensed school, or gives classroom theory to apprentices, in a curriculum in which the instructor holds a license.1

Requirements

Education or training
At least 500 clock hours1
Complete a 500-hour instructor-trainee curriculum in a licensed school (teaching techniques and lesson planning); up to 300 hours may be credited for documented licensed experience.1
Who may teach it: School licensed under chapter 18.16 RCW; trainees supervised at all times by a licensed instructor.4
Alternative: A degree in education from an accredited postsecondary institution qualifies for an instructor license on application (no exam); an instructional credential from an accredited community or technical college plus the licensing exam also qualifies; more than 500 documented hours as an instructor in another state plus the exam also qualifies.1
Experience
Hold a current Washington operator license (e.g., cosmetologist) before enrolling in the instructor program.12
License you must hold first: Current Washington operator license in good standing4
Exam
Instructor written and practical examinations12
Given by: Prov (from May 1, 2026; previously Prometric)11
Passing score: Scaled score of 754
Time limit: Exam results expire after three years.4

How to apply

  1. Hold a current Washington cosmetologist (or other operator) license, then complete a 500-hour instructor-trainee program at a licensed school.12
  2. Pass the instructor practical and written exams with Prov.12
  3. Apply online through SecureAccess Washington or mail form 638-008 with the $35 fee.12 dol.wa.gov9

From another state

Route
License by endorsement
What the board says
Reciprocity instructor license: current Washington operator license plus an active instructor license in good standing elsewhere and proof of that jurisdiction's exams.12
Fee
$604

The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.

Check a license or report a problem

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

Look up a license
dol.wa.gov2
File a complaint
dol.wa.gov8

Laws and rules

The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.

Rule changes since January 2024

  • June 1, 2028: Cosmetology Licensure Compact takes effect in Washington (RCW 18.16.400).1
  • August 2, 2026: WAC 308-20-105 (instructor-trainee minimum instruction) amended under 2025 c 194 (WSR 26-15-010).4
  • March 1, 2026: 2025 c 194 added textured-hair training to the cosmetology curriculum (effective March 1, 2026).1

Common questions

How long does it take to get a Cosmetologist license in Washington?

The rules set at least 1,600 clock hours1 before you can be licensed. The board does not publish how long it takes to process an application.

Can I transfer my cosmetologist license to Washington?

DOL publishes these routes for the Cosmetologist license: license by endorsement4 and multistate license (interstate compact)1. Conditions and forms.

How often do you renew a Cosmetologist license in Washington?

Every 2 years5. The renewal fee is $664.

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. Chapter 18.16 RCW (full chapter)Washington State Legislature, Code ReviserChecked November 7, 2026
  2. Verify cosmetology licenses and examsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  3. Form 638-040 Cosmetology, Hair Design, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician License,…Washington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  4. Chapter 308-20 WAC (full chapter)Washington State Legislature, Office of the Code Reviser (WAC)Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Renew or reinstate your license: cosmetologistsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Frequently asked questions: cosmetologistsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  7. Get your license: cosmetologyWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  8. Forms: cosmetologistsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  9. Form 638-008 Instructor License, Renewal, or Reciprocity ApplicationWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  10. Renew or reinstate your license: cosmetology instructorWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  11. Fees: cosmetologistsWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
  12. Get your license: cosmetology instructorWashington State Department of LicensingChecked November 7, 2026