Texas Cosmetology License Requirements
Updated
Licenses in Texas are issued and regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). 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
1,000 hrs
Minimum Age
17 years old
Exam Provider
PSI
Application Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
$50
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
4 hrs
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗License Lookup
How to Verify a License →The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Phone
(512) 463-6599Official Website
Official Site ↗Mailing Address
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
920 Colorado St.
Austin, TX 78701
Office Hours
Phone support Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM, closed state holidays. Lobby walk-in hours vary; mailing address is P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711.
Renewal Portal
Renew Online ↗Complaints
File a Complaint ↗TDLR is a large umbrella agency that regulates roughly 39 different industries across Texas, and Barbering and Cosmetology is one of its programs. Within that program, TDLR licenses individual practitioners — Class A Barbers, Cosmetology Operators, Estheticians, Manicurists, Hair Weaving Specialists, and Eyelash Extension Specialists — along with the salons, mobile establishments, and schools where they work. The agency is governed by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, a seven-member board appointed by the Governor, with a dedicated Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board providing industry input on rules and enforcement.
TDLR's main office is at 920 Colorado St. in Austin, though mail for the Barbering and Cosmetology program should go to P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711. Phone support runs Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, excluding state holidays, at (512) 463-6599 or the in-state toll-free line (800) 803-9202. TDLR does not process licensing or complaints in person at a counter for walk-ins the way some smaller boards do — nearly all licensing, renewal, and complaint activity is handled online through TDLR's web portal.
Texas issues six core personal license types, each with its own required training hours at a TDLR-licensed school: Class A Barber (1,000 hours), Cosmetology Operator (1,000 hours), Esthetician (750 hours), Manicurist (600 hours), Hair Weaving Specialist (300 hours), and Eyelash Extension Specialist (320 hours). Estheticians can combine their license with a Manicurist or Hair Weaving Specialist credential through a combination course or separate hour tracks. TDLR also issues Establishment licenses for full-service and specialty salons, Mini-Establishment licenses for single-practitioner booths inside a licensed salon, and School licenses for training programs.
Every personal and establishment license is valid for two years from its date of issue rather than renewing on a shared statewide date or the licensee's birthday. Texas requires 4 hours of continuing education every two years to renew a personal license — including sanitation and human trafficking awareness training — though that requirement drops to 2 hours for anyone who has held a Texas license for at least 15 years.
How to Get a Cosmetology License in Texas
To earn a Texas Cosmetology Operator license, you must complete 1,000 hours of approved training and pass both a written and practical examination administered by PSI. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees all barbering and cosmetology licensing in Texas.
- Meet the minimum requirements. You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a license. Texas does not require a high school diploma or GED at the state level.
- Enroll in a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school. Search for schools at tdlr.texas.gov. You will receive a student permit while in training.
- Complete 1,000 hours of training. Your school will report your hours through TDLR's SHEARS system.
- Pass the written exam. After completing 900 of 1,000 hours, your school notifies TDLR of your exam eligibility. PSI will email you instructions to schedule. Score 70% or higher to pass.
- Pass the practical exam. After completing all 1,000 hours and passing the written exam, you become eligible for the practical. Score 70% or higher.
- Apply for your license. After passing both exams, apply online and pay the $50 non-refundable application fee. A temporary 21-day license is available at the PSI testing site upon passing the practical exam.
Training Requirements
Texas requires 1,000 hours of instruction at a TDLR-licensed barbering and cosmetology school for the Cosmetology Operator license. Students are issued a student permit while enrolled and may practice under supervision during training.
Curriculum Areas
- Hair services: Cutting, coloring, chemical relaxing, permanent waving, thermal services, and braiding
- Skin care: Facials, waxing, and makeup application
- Nail care: Manicures, pedicures, and nail enhancements
- Sanitation and infection control: Texas sanitation standards, disinfection, sterilization, and chemical safety
- Texas laws and rules: TDLR regulations, scope of practice, and professional standards
Early Written Exam Eligibility
Texas allows students to take the written exam after completing 900 of the required 1,000 hours. Your school will notify TDLR when you reach 900 hours, and PSI will contact you with scheduling instructions. The practical exam requires completion of all 1,000 hours.
Out-of-State Training
If you received your training outside Texas, you may apply for a license by equivalence rather than repeating schooling. TDLR evaluates out-of-state credentials based on your license type, training method, and years of licensure. Visit the out-of-state applicants page for details.
Cosmetology Exam Requirements
Texas requires passage of both a written exam and a practical exam, administered by TDLR's third-party vendor, PSI. Both exams require a score of 70% or higher to pass.
Written Exam
The written exam is offered in computer-based format at PSI testing centers in 15 Texas cities: Abilene, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Harlingen, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, Tyler, and Waco. The exam is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Vietnamese at no additional cost.
Schedule at psiexams.com or call PSI at (833) 333-4741. Refer to the Candidate Information Bulletin for your specific exam type for question count and time allotted.
Practical Exam
The practical exam is offered at 8 locations: Austin, San Antonio, DFW Metroplex, Greater Houston area, McAllen, El Paso, Midland, and Amarillo. You must bring valid government-issued ID matching the name TDLR has on file.
Temporary License
Students who pass the practical exam may receive a temporary license at the PSI testing site, valid for 21 days while TDLR processes the two-year license. You must apply for the temporary license online before taking the exam.
Retakes
You may retake each exam as many times as needed. Additional exam fees apply with each attempt. Your grade is provided by the PSI proctor immediately after testing.
How to Renew Your Texas Cosmetology License
$50
Renewal Fee
2 years (fixed)
Renewal Period
Texas Cosmetology Operator licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue. You must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education before renewing. The on-time renewal fee is $50.
CE Requirements (4 Hours)
- 1 hour sanitation (mandatory)
- 1 hour human trafficking awareness (mandatory)
- 2 hours elective — from topics in Section 83.202 of TDLR rules, including sanitation, law/rules, or mental health awareness
You cannot receive CE credit for the same course twice. One CE hour equals 50 minutes of actual instruction time.
15+ Year Licensees
If you have held a Texas license for at least 15 years, you only need 2 hours of CE: 1 hour sanitation and 1 hour human trafficking awareness. The 2 elective hours are waived.
How to Renew
- Complete your required CE hours from a TDLR-approved provider.
- Renew online at tdlr.texas.gov.
- Pay the $50 renewal fee.
Late Renewals
- Expired less than 18 months: $75
- Expired 18 months to 3 years: $100
- Expired more than 3 years: Cannot be renewed — must meet all initial license requirements again, including exams
Does Texas Take Part in the Cosmetology Licensure Compact?
Not a member stateTexas has not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. The compact is an agreement among 12 states to recognize one another's cosmetology licenses through a single multistate license, and a state has to pass it into law before its licensees can take part.
In practical terms, that means a Texas license cannot be converted into a multistate license, and a multistate license issued elsewhere will not authorize you to work in Texas. If you are moving into or out of Texas, you will go through the normal reciprocity or endorsement route: applying directly to the receiving state's board, documenting your training hours, and meeting whatever additional requirements that state sets.
It is worth noting that even in the 12 states that have enacted the compact, multistate licenses are not being issued yet — the Commission is still building the system that will administer them. So at the moment, a Texas licensee is not at a practical disadvantage compared with one in a member state.
Other Compact member states
Licenses the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Regulates
| License | Training Hours | Initial Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Class A Barber |
1,000 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Cosmetology Operator |
1,000 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Esthetician |
750 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Manicurist |
600 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Manicurist / Esthetician (Combination) |
800 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Hair Weaving Specialist |
300 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Hair Weaving Specialist / Esthetician (Combination) |
800 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Eyelash Extension Specialist |
320 hrs | $50 | $50 |
|
Establishment License |
— | $78 | $78 |
|
Mini-Establishment License |
— | $70 | $70 |
|
School License |
— | $380 | $280 |
Notes
Cosmetology Operator: Full scope: hair, skin, and nails.
Esthetician: Skin care and facials only.
Manicurist / Esthetician (Combination): Or complete separate 750-hour Esthetician and 600-hour Manicurist courses.
Hair Weaving Specialist / Esthetician (Combination): Or complete separate 750-hour Esthetician and 300-hour Hair Weaving courses.
Establishment License: Covers full-service salons, barbershops, and specialty establishments.
Mini-Establishment License: For a single practitioner leasing space inside a licensed establishment.
Other Cosmetology License Types in Texas
TDLR issues the following cosmetology-related license types under the Texas Barbering and Cosmetology program:
| License Type | Training Hours | Exams Required | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology Operator | 1,000 | Written + Practical | $50 |
| Esthetician | 750 | Written + Practical | $50 |
| Manicurist | 600 | Written + Practical | $50 |
| Hair Weaving Specialist | 300 | Written + Practical | $50 |
| Eyelash Extension Specialist | 320 | Written + Practical | $50 |
| Manicurist/Esthetician (combo) | 800 | Written + Practical | $50 |
| Hair Weaving/Esthetician (combo) | 800 | Written + Practical | $50 |
Texas uses "Cosmetology Operator" as the official term for what most states call a cosmetologist. All practitioner license types require both written and practical exams administered by PSI. All licenses are valid for two years and require 4 hours of CE for renewal ($50 fee). Minimum age for all types is 17.
Texas also offers license by equivalence for out-of-state licensees, evaluated on a case-by-case basis through the TDLR equivalence tool.
File a Complaint
TDLR's Enforcement Division investigates complaints against Texas barbers, cosmetologists, estheticians, manicurists, hair weaving specialists, eyelash extension specialists, salons, and schools. Common issues include unlicensed practice, sanitation and health-code violations, unsafe conditions, and other breaches of Texas barbering and cosmetology law and rules. Complaints can be filed online through TDLR's centralized complaint portal at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints, or by mail using a printable complaint form; TDLR's process allows a complaint to be filed anonymously, though anonymous complaints that lack enough detail to establish a possible violation may not be opened for investigation.
Once a complaint is received, an intake legal assistant reviews it to confirm TDLR has jurisdiction and that a violation may have occurred. If the case is opened, it is assigned a complaint number and an investigator, who may interview the complainant, the licensee (respondent), and witnesses, and may conduct an on-site inspection. Many salon-related cases instead originate directly from a TDLR field inspection rather than a public complaint.
After the investigation, a prosecuting attorney decides how to resolve the case — closing it informally, issuing a warning letter, or pursuing formal action through a Notice of Alleged Violation that can lead to an administrative penalty, license probation, suspension, or revocation. Respondents who contest the findings can request a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings, with a final decision made by the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours does Texas require for a cosmetology license? +
Texas requires 1,000 hours at a TDLR-licensed school for the Cosmetology Operator license. Students can take the written exam after 900 hours. Other types: Esthetician (750), Manicurist (600), Eyelash Extension (320), Hair Weaving (300).
What exams are required for a Texas cosmetology license? +
Both a written exam and practical exam administered by PSI. Score of 70% required on each. Written available in 5 languages. Schedule at psiexams.com or call (833) 333-4741.
How do I transfer my cosmetology license to Texas from another state? +
Texas offers license by equivalence, evaluated case-by-case based on your license type, training method, and years of licensure. Apply through the TDLR out-of-state applicants page.
What are the CE requirements for Texas cosmetology license renewal? +
4 hours per renewal: 1hr sanitation, 1hr human trafficking awareness, 2hr elective. 15+ year licensees only need the 2 mandatory hours.
What is the minimum age for a Texas cosmetology license? +
You must be at least 17 years old. No high school diploma or GED required at the state level.
Is Texas part of the Cosmetology Licensure Compact? +
No. Texas has not enacted the Cosmetology Licensure Compact. 12 states have enacted it so far.
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 Texas today? +
Through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)'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 Texas. Requirements differ by state, so check the board's current instructions before applying.
How much does it cost to renew a Texas cosmetology license? +
On-time renewal for a personal license (Barber, Cosmetology Operator, Esthetician, Manicurist, Hair Weaving Specialist, or Eyelash Extension Specialist) is $50. Renewing late costs $75 if the license has been expired less than 18 months, or $100 if expired between 18 months and 3 years.
When does my Texas cosmetology or barbering license expire? +
Texas personal licenses run on a fixed two-year term from the date the license was issued — not a birthday or a shared statewide renewal date. A license expired for more than 3 years can no longer be renewed; the holder must meet all requirements for a new license, including exams.
Does Texas require continuing education to renew a cosmetology license? +
Yes. Most licensees need 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education every two years, including 1 hour in sanitation and 1 hour in human trafficking awareness. Anyone who has held a Texas license for at least 15 years only needs those same 2 required hours.
What license types does TDLR regulate for barbering and cosmetology? +
TDLR licenses Class A Barbers, Cosmetology Operators, Estheticians, Manicurists, Hair Weaving Specialists, and Eyelash Extension Specialists, plus combination Manicurist/Esthetician and Hair Weaving Specialist/Esthetician licenses, along with Establishment, Mini-Establishment, and School licenses.
How do I contact TDLR about a Texas cosmetology license? +
Call (512) 463-6599, or (800) 803-9202 if calling from within Texas, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM (excluding state holidays). Mail for the Barbering and Cosmetology program goes to P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711.
How do I file a complaint against a Texas salon or licensee? +
File online through TDLR's complaint portal at tdlr.texas.gov/complaints, or mail in a printable complaint form. Complaints can be filed anonymously, though a complaint without enough detail to show a possible violation — anonymous or not — may not be opened for investigation.
Helpful Resources
Texas Esthetician License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for an Texas Esthetician license.
Learn more →Texas Nail Technician License Requirements
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Learn more →Texas Barber License Requirements
Training hours, exam providers, fees, and renewal periods for a Texas Barber license.
Learn more →License Reciprocity
Already licensed elsewhere? See how endorsement and reciprocity work for Texas.
Learn more →Texas Cosmetology License Lookup
How to verify a Texas license: what you can search by, and what each status means.
Learn more →Continuing Education
See how many CE hours the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires before you can renew.
Learn more →License Renewal
Renewal fees, deadlines, and CE requirements for Texas and every other state.
Learn more →Compare Other States
Licensing rules change at the state line. These states either border Texas 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.