FAQs
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 Nail Specialty. 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 certification is signed and dated.
Is there reciprocity?
No. However we do hold endorsement agreements with other states. Please click here to obtain the current list of endorsement agreements held with other states.
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.
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.
What is the process for Supervising Barber Affirmation?
When a Barber Apprentice applicant applies online, they are required to identify the Supervising Barber responsible for their supervision and direction for the 24 month apprenticeship. The Supervising Barber will be notified of the application and will be provided with instructions on how to complete the Supervising Barber Affirmation.
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
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.