Become a Cosmetologist

Applicants are required apply for their license on the New York State e-Licensing system.  You must have a NY.gov ID account. If you do not have an account, you should go to the MY NY.gov Online Services page to sign up for an account. 

To apply for a Cosmetology license, you must:

1. Be 17 years old
2. Complete a 1,000 hour approved course of study and pass both the New York State written and practical examinations. The affirmation of New York State Approved Schooling section of the application must be completed by your school director as proof of successful completion.
3. Be examined by a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner. The physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner must complete and date the Health Certification section of the application. You must submit your application within 30 days after the health certification is signed and dated.

There are several ways to apply for a license:

1. New York State Education and Examinations (eligible for temporary license)
   You must complete a 1,000-hour approved course of study and pass both the New York State written and practical examinations to get a license to operate in this state. As proof of successful completion of schooling, you must have the Affirmation of New York State Approved Schooling section of the application completed by your school director.
   
   Effective June 17, 2020, all operator applicants qualifying based  on the completion of NYS education must complete a 1- hour course on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness. Visit this page to complete the course before submitting your application.
   
   After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive information that explains the exam process in detail.

2. Education Outside of New York State (eligible for temporary license)
   The Department of State may waive the New York State schooling requirement if you can document an equivalent level of schooling from another state or country. You must submit all three of the following documents:

   1. a school certificate;

   2. a school transcript listing subjects and hours completed; AND

   3. a current, original Certification of Licensure from your state board or, if not licensed, a current Certification from your state's board verifying the hours claimed.

   After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will also be required to pass both the New York State written and practical examinations to obtain a Cosmetology license in this state. You will receive information that explains the exam process in detail.

3. Experience: 5 Years Outside of New York State
   Any individual having five years of legal experience in an occupation equivalent to cosmetology may apply for a New York State license by submitting satisfactory evidence of education and experience.
   
   Within the United States experience:

   1. An original certification from the licensing agency you were previously licensed with.

   2. Two experience statements filled out by former employers, co-workers, clients, that can claim your experience in the state for at least five years.  These experience statements must include EXACT dates (month and year of start of service and month and year of end of service), location(City, State, shop name), and specific services that you performed.            

   3. Copy of tax returns which indicate cosmetology as occupation (optional)

   
   Outside of the United States experience:
   Evidence may include but is not limited to:

   1. Official certification from the licensing authority in your country or verification from the Consulate that a license is not required to practice this occupation in your country.

   2. Detailed letters from employer(s) in your country specifying EXACT dates of employment, location and specific services that you performed.

   3. Detailed letters from your client(s), or coworker(s), in your country specifying EXACT dates of service, location and specific services you performed.

   4. Copy of passport which indicates cosmetology as occupation, drivers license, workbook with cosmetology experience, or any photo identification.

   5. Copies of course curricula and diplomas/certificates for education completed in your country.

   6. Copy of tax returns which indicate cosmetology as occupation (optional)

After your application is reviewed and accepted, you may obtain a Cosmetology license in New York State without examination or further education.

1. Endorsement/Reciprocity
   An applicant who holds a Cosmetology license in another jurisdiction may obtain a Cosmetology license in New York through endorsement or reciprocity. Refer to the Cosmetology endorsement or reciprocity lists to determine if you qualify for licensure based on endorsement or reciprocity.
   
   An applicant must submit an original certification from the jurisdiction where s/he holds an equivalent license.

2. Previous New York State Licensure
   An individual who fails to file an application and fee for renewal within five years of the expiration date cited on the individual's license shall be ineligible for such license until he/she passes a written exam. Proof of previous licensure may be required.

To apply for a license, please select the below link and submit your application through the online system:

APPLY 

Translations: (Spanish/Español)  (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen)  (Italian/Italiano)  (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский)  (Chinese/中文)  (Arabic/العَرَبِي)  (French/Française)  (Polish/Polski)  (Bengali/বাংলা) (Urdu/اردو)  (Yiddish/אידיש) 

Using the online services provides a quicker turnaround time on the processing of your application. It will allow you to view your record, track the status of your application, view exams scores and complete amendment transactions through your online account.

Please refer to the below useful user guides to assist you with this online application process:

Quick Online Application Instruction Flyer (pdf)

Applicant User Guide for the License Center (doc)

For further information on the online system, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions: Frequently Asked Questions about the NYS License Center

frequently asked questions