FAQs
What is an “Appearance Enhancement” Business?
An Appearance Enhancement Business is one that provides any or all of the services licensed under Article 27 of the General Business Law (Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail Specialty, Natural Hair Styling or Waxing). You must obtain a license to own, control or operate an Appearance Enhancement Business in New York State. This is required regardless of whether you are a sole proprietor, partner, shareholder, officer or independent contractor (Area Renter). An Appearance Enhancement Business license does not allow you to provide customer services. Each person who provides service must be licensed by the Department of State in his or her respective discipline. Additionally, as a licensed Appearance Enhancement Business, you cannot permit the practice of Barbering at your business location without first obtaining a Barber Shop license (Article 28 of the General Business Law). Apprentice Barbers must be sponsored by a licensed master Barber (not a licensed Natural Hair Stylist) and cannot be employed by an Appearance Enhancement Business.
What is an “Area Renter”?
An Area Renter is a licensed operator who works in an Appearance Enhancement Business but who is not employed by the owner. If you are an Area Renter, you are an independent contractor and must obtain an Area Renter license in addition to your operator’s license. An Area Renter’s license alone does not allow you to provide customer services.
Is there a NYS Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee?
Yes. NYS Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee
What are the ventilation requirements if my appearance enhancement business offers nail services?
The New York State Department of State requires all Appearance Enhancement Businesses offering nail services to provide ventilation to capture and exhaust harmful contaminants, fumes and particles away from clients and workers. To obtain Information pertaining to these requirements and time frames for compliance click here.
What should I do if I close my shop?
You should notify this department of shop closure. An Appearance Enhancement Business may be closed by downloading the Business Closing Form (DOS-1960) from our website and mailing the completed form to our office. There is no fee for the notification of closure. When a shop closes it will cancel all Area Renter licenses associated with it; any Area Renter associated with the closed shop must apply for a new Area Renter license to be associated with a new shop. You may also submit this request online.
What do I do if the shop I’m renting in closes?
When the Appearance Enhancement Business you rent from closes it will cancel your Area Renter license. You must apply for a new Area Renter license to be associated with a new business. You may also submit this request online.
If I apply online for my initial license, should I also mail my application?
No. Applicants who apply online do not need to submit their application or follow up paperwork to our office unless the applicant is sent an email or a letter specifically requesting additional documentation.
I submitted my application online, but I do not have a scanner, can I submit my supporting documentation in the mail?
Yes, submit your application confirmation page, which includes your application number, along with the supporting documentation.
What is the process for affirming an Appearance Enhancement or Barbershop Area Renter?
When an Area Renter applies online, they are required to identify the shop and shop owner within the business they are renting. The shop owner will be notified of the application and provided with instructions on how to complete the Shop Owner Affirmation.
How long can my application remain “pending”?
A saved application that has not been submitted will remain pending for 6 months. A submitted application with no additional activity will remain pending for one year.
What is an Amendment?
An Amendment is a change of information transaction. This includes the following amendments:
- Address Change Amendment
- Change of Supervising Barber Amendment
- Nail Trainee Change of Supervisor/Business
- Close Business Amendment
- Contact Information Change Amendment
- Duplicate License Amendment
- Name Change Amendment
What do I do if I’m changing the name of my business?
If you are changing the name of your business you must apply for a new Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter license. There is a fee for this transaction. You must then file a Close of Business amendment at no charge.
Once a Close of Business amendment is submitted, all associated Area Renter licenses will become cancelled. Any Area Renters will need to apply for a new license with the new business name.
I’m an area renter and the business I rent from is changing the name, what do I do?
If the business name is changing you must apply for a new Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application to obtain a license with the correct name. Your license associated with the old name is cancelled.
What do I do if the shop I’m renting in closes?
When the barber shop you rent from closes it will cancel your Area Renter license. You must apply for a new Area Renter license to be associated with a new business. You may also submit this request online.
What happens if the shop changes ownership?
If the business changes ownership for any reason, a new Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter application must be submitted. All associated Area Renters will need to reapply as their associated licenses will be cancelled.
Can I update my name and/or address on my renewal?
No. You must complete an amendment separately to update your name and/or address.
My License has expired, should I submit a new application?
No. If your license status is ‘expired’ you should NOT submit a new application, you should renew your existing license. You should register for an account and claim your existing record. Once you have claimed your record, your license will be available to renew. Do not submit a new application.
Why must I renew online?
Appearance Enhancement and Barber licenses must be renewed online. Using online services provides a quicker turnaround time on your renewal and it allows you to view and access your renewal records throughout the renewal/license process.
If my license has expired can I renew online?
Yes. Your account is always available for you to log into and find out the status of your license and perform license transactions. Your renewal application is generated three months prior to expiration and the renewal link remains available for you to access and to renew your license until your license becomes inactive.
What if my license is inactive?
This means that your license has been expired for over 5 years for an operator, 2 years for a business license or 2 years for a barber apprentice and you are no longer eligible to renew this license. If your license status is inactive, you must reapply.
How do I know my license was renewed successfully online?
Once you submit your online renewal for processing, you receive a Confirmation page indicating that your renewal has been submitted along with an email confirming your renewal. This does not mean your license is renewed. Your renewal application is reviewed to make sure it is complete and meets the qualifications for renewal. You will receive an additional email upon issuance of your license.