FAQs
What does the practice of Cosmetology cover?
The practice of Cosmetology includes providing the services of natural hair styling, esthetics, nail specialty and waxing and also includes providing services to the hair, head, face, neck or scalp of a human being, including but not limited to shaving, trimming, and cutting the hair or beard either by hand or mechanical appliances and the application of antiseptics, powders, oils, clays, lotions or applying tonics to the hair, head, or scalp, and in addition includes providing, for a fee or any consideration or exchange, whether direct or indirect, services for the application of dyes, reactive chemicals, or other preparations to alter the color or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the hair of a human being.
Who must apply for a Cosmetology license?
Any person practicing Cosmetology as described above is required by law to have a Cosmetology license. A Cosmetology license will not permit you to operate a business; a separate business application must be completed and a separate business license obtained.
Do I need a physical to be licensed?
Yes. You need to be examined by a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner to apply for a license in Cosmetology. Your 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 certification is signed and dated.
Is there reciprocity or endorsement with another states?
Yes. There is reciprocity and endorsement with other states specified:
• Reciprocity • Endorsement
Is there a NYS Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee?
Yes. NYS Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee
I am applying online for an operator license, how do I notify the department of my physical examination?
All Appearance Enhancement or Barber Operator applicants (which includes Barber Apprentice applicants) need to be examined by a physician, physician’s assistant or a nurse practitioner to apply for a license. The license application must be submitted within 30 days after an examination by a physician, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner, and must include their name and contact information on the application. The Health Certification Form (DOS-1948) must be completed and can be downloaded from the Department of State website. Within the online application, you must utilize the information contained on the completed Health Certification Form. You are required to enter information from this form into the health certification fields within the system. Please note: This completed Health Certification Form is subject to audit by an investigator to ensure compliance with this requirement. Evidence of this form must be maintained on your work premises for audit purposes.
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 verifying my education taken at a NYS School?
When you apply online, you must enter your school’s name and curriculum code. Schools will be notified by email that you applied using their school’s curriculum code. For schools that are not participating in the online certification program, when you reach the “affirmation of NYS Schooling” section of the online application, you must upload the affirmation that was provided by your school that contains the required verification information.
If you do not upload the affirmation, you will be required to submit it by mail along with the confirmation page which includes your application number. Important: A delay in the school verification may affect your temporary license status.
Why do I need to affirm a child support statement?
A child support statement is mandatory in New York State (General Obligation Law) regardless of whether or not you have children or any support obligation. Any person who is four months or more in arrears in child support may be subject to having his or her business, professional and driver’s licenses suspended. The intentional submission of a false written statement for the purpose of frustrating or defeating the lawful enforcement of support obligations is punishable under §175.35 of the Penal Law. It is a class E felony to offer a false instrument for filing with a state or local government with the intent to defraud.
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.
How do I schedule my exam?
Exams must be scheduled online*. After your application is approved, an email will be sent to the email address provided on your application. The email will contain a link where you may schedule your exam.
A $15 non-refundable fee is due at the time you schedule your exam.
*If you have submitted the appropriate documentation to request special testing arrangements, a representative from the Division of Licensing Services will contact you with your exam schedule or you may contact them by emailing [email protected].
What if I need special testing arrangements?
The Department of State will provide special testing arrangements if you have a documented learning disability or any physical, mental or psychological disability. On your application you must indicate that you need special accommodations and complete the Special Testing Arrangements Request form (DOS-1591) available on our website. You must also submit supporting documentation from a physician, other qualified professional or evidence of prior accommodations from a school or other institution describing your condition and an explanation of any modifications requested. You may contact our Special Testing coordinators by emailing [email protected].
Does it matter if I take my written or practical exam first?
It does not matter which order you take your written and practical exams. You must have at least one passing grade should you need to renew your temporary license.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule an exam?
Cancelling a scheduled exam results in a forfeit of paid fees. You may reschedule an exam if it is more than 6 days before your original exam date (there is no cost to reschedule). However, if the original exam date is less than 6 days, you cannot reschedule the exam. If you do not appear for a scheduled exam, you forfeit your exam fees.
Can I renew my temporary license?
You must have a passing mark on either your written or practical exam to renew your temporary license. You may continue to schedule your exam online, but you may not be actively practicing Appearance Enhancement during this time.
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
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 and you are no longer eligible to renew. 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.