New Mexico Esthetician License Requirements

New Mexico licenses estheticians through the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists, part of the Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD).

1. Meet the basic eligibility requirements. You must be at least 17 years old and have completed at least the 10th grade or its equivalent.
2. Complete 600 hours of training. Finish a minimum 600-hour course of instruction at a licensed school of esthetics.
3. Create a PCS account and apply for your exams. Register at pcshq.com, upload your notarized New Mexico Transcript of Training (also mailed directly to the Board office), a copy of your photo ID, and pay the $203 Theory & Practical exam fee.
4. Pass the NIC theory, practical, and state law exams. All three must be passed to qualify for licensure.
5. Submit your license application. Apply through the RLD online licensing portal and pay the $100 original Esthetician License fee.
6. Receive your license. Once approved, your esthetician license is active and renews annually.

New Mexico requires a minimum of 600 hours of instruction at a licensed school of esthetics before you can sit for the licensing exams, under 16.34.5.12 NMAC. Your school issues a New Mexico Transcript of Training that must be notarized or carry an official school seal, uploaded to your PCS homepage, and mailed directly to the Board office. Out-of-state applicants may submit an official transcript showing a breakdown of hours by subject in place of the New Mexico-specific transcript.

New Mexico contracts with Professional Credential Services (PCS) to administer the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) exams for estheticians.

Exams Required

You must pass the NIC theory exam, the NIC practical exam, and a New Mexico state law exam to become licensed.

Fees

Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Payment is valid for one year from the date it’s made.

How to Register

Create a personal account at pcshq.com, verify your email, and set up your PCS password. Then complete the online application, selecting the Esthetician license type and the exams you wish to take.

New Mexico esthetician licenses renew annually. The renewal fee is $100, the same as the original license fee. A $40 late fee applies to all license types renewed after the deadline.

How to Renew

Renew online through the RLD’s licensing portal. If you renewed on the previous platform, you must self-register again the first time you log in to the current system. Log in with your email address, or use the password reset tool if needed.

Continuing Education

New Mexico does not require continuing education hours to renew an esthetician license. Continuing education (12 hours annually) is required only for licensed instructors.

Expired Licenses

If your license has been expired for less than one year, contact the Board directly to discuss reinstatement. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must reapply as a new applicant.

New Mexico defines the esthetician license scope of practice directly in 16.34.5.12 NMAC. A licensed New Mexico esthetician may:

• Skin care: Use cosmetic preparations on the skin for cleansing and stimulating
• Massage and manipulation: Apply massage and manipulation techniques using the hands or mechanical apparatus
• Facial treatments: Apply light therapy, high frequency, and other types of facial treatments using specialized skin care and facial machines
• Cosmetic application: Apply cosmetic makeup preparations, antiseptics, powders, oils, clays, or lotions to any part of the body
• Lash and brow services: Apply product to eyelashes and eyebrows, including eyelash extensions and lash and brow tinting
• Hair removal: Remove superfluous or unwanted hair by any means except electrolysis, other invasive techniques, or shaving

New Mexico law is explicit that an esthetician may not perform any services beyond this list — doing so can lead to license revocation or other discipline. The regulation also specifically prohibits using the title “medical esthetician,” calling it misleading and potentially deceptive or fraudulent. You can verify any license through the Board’s license search tool.