Kentucky Cosmetology License Requirements
Updated
Licenses in Kentucky are issued and regulated by the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology. This page covers what it takes to get licensed, what renewal costs, how the board handles license transfers, and how to reach it.
Training Hours
1,500 hrs
Minimum Age
18 years old
Exam Provider
PSI
Application Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
$50
Renewal Period
1 year
CE Hours Required
None
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗License Lookup
How to Verify a License →The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
Phone
(502) 564-4262Official Website
Official Site ↗Mailing Address
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
1025 Capital Center Dr, Ste 200
Frankfort, KY 40601
Office Hours
Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM EST, closed weekends and state holidays.
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗Complaints
File a Complaint ↗The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, established in statute as the Kentucky State Board of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists, sets the educational, health, and regulatory standards for the beauty industry statewide. It licenses individual practitioners in cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, and shampoo/style services, along with specialty permits for eyelash artistry, makeup artistry, and threading. The board also licenses instructors and apprentice instructors, and it regulates salons, limited-facility businesses, event and homebound service permits, and cosmetology schools.
KBC relocated its home office on December 10, 2025, and now operates out of 1025 Capital Center Dr, Suite 200, Frankfort, KY 40601. Staff are available by phone at (502) 564-4262 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern, and the office is closed on weekends and recognized state holidays. Because call volume runs heavy during the July–August renewal period, the board encourages licensees and applicants to reach out by email at kbc@ky.gov for faster service on licensing questions or technical issues.
The board is composed of gubernatorial appointees representing consumers, estheticians, nail technicians, salon owners, school owners, and technical education, supported by an executive director and administrative staff who manage day-to-day licensing, examinations, and complaint intake.
Kentucky's core personal license disciplines are Cosmetologist (1,500 training hours), Esthetician (750 hours), Nail Technician (450 hours), and Shampoo and Style Services (300 hours), each requiring a passed written and practical exam. Beginning with the July 2026 renewal cycle, all KBC personal and business licenses move from annual to biennial renewal, with every license renewing in the same July 1–31 window rather than on an individual's birthday, and Kentucky does not require continuing education hours to renew.
How to Get a Cosmetology License in Kentucky
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology (KBC) licenses cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, shampoo stylists, and instructors. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and have completed the 12th grade or its equivalent.
Steps to Get Your Kentucky Cosmetology License
- Enroll in a KBC-approved school. Choose an accredited cosmetology school that holds KBC approval. Confirm the program length matches the license you are seeking — 1,500 hours for a full cosmetology license.
- Complete your training hours. Attend class, accumulate the required clock hours, and meet any additional graduation requirements set by your school.
- School submits your records to KBC. After graduation, your school submits completion paperwork to the Board. KBC processes applications within approximately 10 business days.
- KBC submits your information to PSI. Once KBC approves your application, the Board forwards your eligibility to PSI Exams within approximately 10 business days.
- Receive your PSI registration email. PSI will email you with instructions to schedule your theory (written) exam. Create an account at test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos.
- Pass the PSI theory exam. The theory exam fee is $85.00. Passing scores are valid for six months. You must pass the theory exam before scheduling the practical.
- Pass the PSI practical exam. The practical exam is administered by PSI at the Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 West Vine, Lexington, KY. The practical fee is $85.00. Bring a mannequin head, mannequin hand, required supplies, and wear solid-color medical scrubs (white is not permitted).
- Apply for your Kentucky license. After passing both exams, submit your license application and $50.00 fee through the online portal at kyboc.mylicenseone.com. Upload a passport-style photo as part of the application.
Specialty Permits
Kentucky issues specialty permits for threading, makeup artistry, and eyelash artistry. Each permit costs $50.00 and requires completion of a Milady infection control certification. No additional training hours are required beyond the certification course.
Training Requirements
Kentucky sets minimum training hour requirements by license type. All programs must be completed at a KBC-approved school. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a 12th-grade education or equivalent.
Required Training Hours by License Type
| License Type | Required Hours | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 18 |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | 18 |
| Nail Technician | 450 hours | 18 |
| Shampoo Stylist | 300 hours | 18 |
| Instructor | 750 hours (apprentice under licensed instructor) | 18 |
Specialty Permits
Threading Permits, Makeup Artist Permits, and Eyelash Artistry Permits do not require formal school enrollment. Applicants must complete a Milady infection control certification and pay the $50.00 permit fee. These permits are renewal-eligible on the same annual July 31 cycle.
Education Requirement
Kentucky requires all license applicants to have completed the 12th grade or its equivalent. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent documentation satisfies this requirement. Schools are responsible for verifying this before enrolling students.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Kentucky cosmetology license applicants must pass two exams administered by PSI Exams: a theory (written) exam and a practical exam. Both exams must be passed before a license can be issued.
Theory Exam
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Fee: $85.00 (initial attempt and each retake)
- Format: Computer-based written exam at multiple PSI locations statewide
- Schedule: Register at test-takers.psiexams.com/kycos
- Score validity: Passing theory scores are valid for six months. You must pass the theory exam before scheduling the practical.
- Languages: Exams are available in multiple languages — contact PSI for options.
Practical Exam
- Provider: PSI Exams
- Fee: $85.00 (initial attempt and each retake)
- Location: Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 West Vine, Lexington, KY — this is the only practical exam site in Kentucky
- Prerequisite: Must pass theory exam before scheduling the practical
Practical Exam Requirements
- Mannequin head required. Stuffed gloves and detachable fingers are not permitted.
- Mannequin hand required. Must be a standard cosmetology mannequin hand.
- Attire: Solid-color medical scrubs are required. White scrubs are not permitted.
- Disinfectants: EPA-registered bactericidal, virucidal, and fungicidal disinfectants are required. Sprays and aerosols are not permitted.
- Candidates must bring all required implements and supplies per the PSI candidate handbook.
How to Renew Your Kentucky Cosmetology License
$100
Renewal Fee
2 years (July 1–31, even years)
Renewal Period
Kentucky cosmetology licenses expire annually on July 31, regardless of when the license was issued. The renewal fee is $50.00 for all individual license types.
How to Renew
- Log in to the KBC online renewal portal at kyboc.mylicenseone.com.
- Verify your personal information and confirm your license details are current.
- Upload a current passport-style photo if prompted (required for license issuance and renewal).
- Pay the $50.00 renewal fee using a debit or credit card. The KBC does not accept checks or money orders for online renewals.
- Save your confirmation receipt as proof of renewal.
Continuing Education
Kentucky does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or shampoo stylist license renewal.
Lapsed License Restoration
If your license has expired, you may restore it by paying the current $50.00 renewal fee plus a $50.00 restoration fee ($100.00 total) through the same online portal. Licenses that have been expired for an extended period may be subject to additional review by the Board.
Address and Name Changes
Update your address and legal name through the KBC online portal. Keeping your contact information current ensures you receive renewal notices before the July 31 deadline.
Kentucky and the Cosmetology Licensure Compact
Compact member stateKentucky has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, joining it in 2023. The compact is an agreement among 12 states to recognize one another's cosmetology licenses through a single multistate license, so a cosmetologist can work across member states without applying for a separate license in each one.
Enacting the compact is not the same as being able to use it, and this is where most guidance gets it wrong. The Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission is still standing up the rules, data system, and fee structure needed to issue multistate licenses, so no state — Kentucky included — is issuing them yet. Until that happens, moving a license into or out of Kentucky still runs through the ordinary reciprocity and endorsement process.
When multistate licenses do become available, eligibility will depend on holding an active, unencumbered license in your primary state of residence. A license that is expired, suspended, or subject to discipline will not qualify, which makes keeping your Kentucky renewal current worth doing regardless.
Other Compact member states
Licenses the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology Regulates
| License | Training Hours | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cosmetologist |
1,500 hrs | $50 | $100 |
|
Esthetician |
750 hrs | $50 | $100 |
|
Nail Technician |
450 hrs | $50 | $100 |
|
Shampoo Stylist |
300 hrs | $50 | $100 |
|
Apprentice Instructor |
750 hrs | $50 | $100 |
|
Specialty Permit (Eyelash Artistry, Makeup Artistry, Threading) |
— | $50 | $100 |
|
Salon License |
— | $100 | $200 |
|
Limited Facility License |
— | $100 | $200 |
|
Service Permit (Event Services or Homebound Care) |
— | $100 | — |
|
School License |
— | $1,500 | $500 |
Notes
Shampoo Stylist: Limited scope: shampooing and styling services only.
Apprentice Instructor: Requires an active KY Cosmetologist, Esthetician, or Nail Technician license held for at least one year.
Salon License: Covers full-service, esthetics-only, and nail-only salons.
Limited Facility License: For standalone eyelash artistry, makeup artistry, threading, or shampoo/style businesses.
Service Permit (Event Services or Homebound Care): No biennial renewal fee published for this permit.
School License: Covers cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, instructor, and shampoo-styling programs.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Kentucky
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology regulates individual and facility licenses. All individual licenses require applicants to be at least 18 years old with a 12th-grade education or equivalent.
Individual License Types
| License Type | Training Hours | Application Fee | Annual Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Nail Technician | 450 hours | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Shampoo Stylist | 300 hours | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Instructor | 750 hours (apprentice) | $50.00 | $50.00 |
Specialty Permits
| Permit Type | Requirement | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Threading Permit | Milady infection control certification | $50.00 |
| Makeup Artist Permit | Milady infection control certification | $50.00 |
| Eyelash Artistry Permit | Milady infection control certification | $50.00 |
Salon/Facility License
Any establishment offering cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or related services in Kentucky must hold a current salon or facility license from the KBC. Facility license applications are available through the Board's online portal at kyboc.mylicenseone.com.
File a Complaint
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology investigates licensed cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, instructors, salons, and schools for violations of state cosmetology law and sanitation regulations. The board cannot settle matters of a civil nature and has no authority to require a licensee to pay damages to a customer — those disputes belong in civil court, not with the board.
Complaints must be filed online using the board's complaint form; KBC does not accept complaints by phone or email. A complaint must be submitted in full with valid contact information, and the board encourages including supporting photos and documents to strengthen the case. Because the form requires identifying contact details, complaints cannot be filed anonymously.
Once filed, the information provided may be shared with the licensee named in the complaint and used to enforce state cosmetology law. Under Kentucky's Open Records Act, a filed complaint is generally available for public view upon request, though certain personal details such as contact information are exempt from disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours are required to become a licensed cosmetologist in Kentucky? +
Kentucky requires 1,500 hours of training at a KBC-approved cosmetology school. Other license types require fewer hours: esthetician (750 hours), nail technician (450 hours), and shampoo stylist (300 hours).
What exams are required for a Kentucky cosmetology license? +
You must pass a PSI theory exam and a PSI practical exam. Both cost $85.00 each. Theory must be passed before scheduling the practical. The practical exam is administered only at the Hilton Lexington Downtown, 369 West Vine, Lexington, KY.
Does Kentucky require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license? +
No. Kentucky does not require continuing education hours for cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, or shampoo stylist license renewal.
When does a Kentucky cosmetology license expire? +
All Kentucky cosmetology licenses expire annually on July 31, regardless of when the license was issued. The renewal fee is $50.00.
How do I verify a Kentucky cosmetology license? +
License verification is available at kyboc.mylicense.com/verification. Search by name or license number.
How do I file a complaint against a Kentucky cosmetologist or salon? +
Submit an online complaint form at secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/KBHC/ComplaintForm. The Board does not accept complaints by phone or email and cannot assist with civil disputes.
Does Kentucky have reciprocity for cosmetology licenses from other states? +
Kentucky reviews out-of-state applications on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Board at (502) 564-4262 or kbc@ky.gov for current reciprocity and endorsement procedures.
Is Kentucky part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact? +
Yes. Kentucky has enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. It joined in 2023, and is one of 12 states to have done so.
Can I get a multistate cosmetology license right now? +
Not yet. 12 states have passed the compact into law, but the Cosmetology Licensure Compact Commission has not started issuing multistate licenses. Until it does, transferring a license between states still goes through each state board's reciprocity or endorsement process.
How do I transfer a cosmetology license to Kentucky today? +
Through the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology's reciprocity or endorsement process, not the compact. You will typically need proof of licensure in good standing from your current state, documentation of your training hours, and the application fee set by Kentucky. Requirements differ by state, so check the board's current instructions before applying.
How much does it cost to renew a Kentucky cosmetology license? +
Individual licenses — Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Shampoo Stylist, and Instructors — renew for $100, covering a full two-year cycle under the biennial schedule that began with the July 2026 renewal period. Salons and limited facilities renew for $200, and schools renew for $500.
When does my Kentucky cosmetology license expire? +
All KBC personal and business licenses run on the same statewide calendar rather than individual birthdays. Renewals are submitted during a July 1–31 window; under the biennial schedule that began in 2026, a license renewed in July 2026 expires July 31, 2028.
How do I contact the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology? +
Call (502) 564-4262 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern. Email at kbc@ky.gov is often faster, especially during the July–August renewal rush. The board's office is at 1025 Capital Center Dr, Suite 200, Frankfort, KY 40601.
How do I file a complaint against a Kentucky salon or licensee? +
File online through the board's complaint form — KBC does not accept complaints by phone or email. Complaints must be submitted in full with valid contact information, and supporting photos or documents are encouraged.
What license types does the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology regulate? +
KBC licenses Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Shampoo Stylists, and Instructors, plus specialty permits for eyelash artistry, makeup artistry, and threading. It also licenses salons, limited-facility businesses, event/homebound service permits, and cosmetology schools.
How long does a Kentucky cosmetology license or renewal take to process? +
Standard license applications may take up to 10 days to process, and applications flagged with deficiencies get a 10-day window to correct them. For renewals, the board asks applicants to allow up to 60 days for a mailed license to arrive before contacting the office.
Helpful Resources
Kentucky Esthetician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for an Kentucky Esthetician license.
Learn more →Kentucky Nail Technician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Kentucky Nail Technician license.
Learn more →Kentucky Barber License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Kentucky Barber license.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Already licensed elsewhere? See how endorsement and reciprocity work for Kentucky.
Learn more →Kentucky Cosmetology License Lookup
How to verify a Kentucky license: what you can search by, and what each status means.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology requires before you can renew.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for Kentucky and every other state.
Learn more →Compare Other States
Licensing rules change at the state line. These states either border Kentucky or line up with it on training hours or the exam you would sit — useful whether you are planning a move or weighing where to train.