Nail Specialty Trainee

The practice of "nail specialty" means providing services for a fee or any consideration or exchange to cut, shape or to enhance the appearance of the nails of the hands or feet. Nail specialty includes the application and removal of sculptured or artificial nails. 

A Nail Specialty Trainee must work under the supervision of a licensed Nail Specialist and be employed by a licensed Appearance Enhancement Business. It is the responsibility of licensees to understand the Appearance Enhancement Law.

Term of registration is one year.

laws, rules and regulations 

Applicants are required to 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 Nail Specialty Trainee license, you must:

• Be 17 years old
• 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.
• must work under the supervision of a licensed Nail Specialist
• Be employed by a licensed Appearance Enhancement Business.

Course Providers offer the qualifying and continuing education courses for Nail Specialty Trainees.

Find a Nail Specialty Trainee School

There are no fees associated with a Nail Specialty Trainee registration.

Renew Your License

A Nail Specialty Trainee registration is good for one year and renewable for an additional year. Your license expiration date is printed on the license.

You are eligible to renew your license three months prior to the expiration date, all renewals must be done online.

Update Your License

You are able to update your existing license through an online account. Updates include:

1. duplicate license requests
2. name change
3. address change
4. contact change (social security number, date of birth, email address, phone number)

Visit the License Center to log in or create your account.

To apply visit the License Center

Apply

Searches are limited to active licenses only. 

You must go to the License Center and select Search for a Licensee.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained on this site is up to date and accurate. As the Department relies upon information provided to it, the information's completeness or accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

Please note that information pertaining to residence addresses is not included on this database. Such information is protected by privacy law.

What is a “Nail Specialty Trainee” and is a registration required?

Effective July 16, 2015, the New York State Department of State will be registering “Nail Specialty Trainees.” A Nail Specialty Trainee is a person who provides nail services in an Appearance Enhancement Business (nail salon) under the supervision of a licensed Nail Specialist. Although a Nail Specialty Trainee is supervised by a licensed Nail Specialist, he or she will be employed by a licensed Appearance Enhancement Business. The business owner is responsible for paying the Nail Specialty Trainee minimum wage and ensuring that the Nail Specialty Trainee is adequately supervised during the duration of the traineeship.

Who may apply for a Nail Specialty Trainee registration?

Anyone who will be working or is currently working under the supervision of a licensed Nail Specialist to provide nail services for a fee is entitled to a Nail Specialty Trainee registration, regardless of citizenship or residency status.

How do I obtain a Nail Specialty Trainee registration?

You may obtain a Nail Specialty Trainee registration by submitting a Nail Specialty Trainee application to the Department of State. On this application, you will need to identify the person or persons who will be supervising you as a licensed Nail Specialist, together with the name of the licensed Appearance Enhancement Business where you will be working. The Department of State will process your application and issue you a Nail Specialty Trainee registration, without a fee. This will entitle you to work for an initial one year period as a Nail Specialty Trainee.

Do I need to supply a Social Security Number?

No. The Department of State is required to request social security numbers, however having a social security number is NOT a requirement for a registration. If you do not have a social security number, please include with your application a written statement that you do not have a social security number.

Is there a fee to apply for a Nail Specialty Trainee registration?

There is no fee to apply for the Nail Specialty Trainee registration.

Do I need a physical to apply for a Nail Specialty Trainee registration?

Yes. You need to be examined by a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner to apply for a Nail Specialty Trainee registration. The physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner must complete and date the Health Certification section of the application or the Health Certification Form (DOS-1948) if you are applying online. You must submit your application within 30 days after the certification is signed and dated.

What will I be required to do during my traineeship?

A Nail Specialty Trainee registration is valid for one year. As a Nail Specialty Trainee, you may provide nail services under the supervision of a licensed Nail Specialist. You may work full or part time. There is no requirement as to the number of hours you must work as a Nail Specialty Trainee.

Can I be a Nail Specialty Trainee for more than one year?

Yes, you have the right to renew your traineeship for an additional year (two years total). If you require additional renewals, you will be required to submit a request with written justification to the Department of State.

Do I need to pass an examination?

You do not need to pass an examination to obtain a Nail Specialty Trainee registration.

As a Nail Specialty Trainee, who will be my employer?

During the duration of your traineeship, you will be supervised by one or more licensed Nail Specialists. You will, however, be considered an employee of the licensed Appearance Enhancement Business (nail salon). The business owner is responsible for ensuring that you are properly trained, and for paying you legal minimum wage.

How do I document the hours worked?

During your traineeship, you should maintain a log setting forth the hours worked, and the name of the person who supervised you during this period of time. We suggest that you keep the log with you during work hours.

Can I change supervisors?

Yes, you can change supervisors during your traineeship. If you do so, you will be required to notify the Department of State. Change of status form.

Can I change nail salons?

Yes, during your traineeship, you may change nail salons where you work. If you do so, you will be required to notify the Department of State. Change of status form.

How do I upgrade to a Nail Specialty license?

At the end of your traineeship, you will need to upgrade your registration in order to provide nail services. To do so, you will need to obtain a license as a Nail Specialist from the Department of State.

Is there a limit to the number of Nail Specialty Trainees a licensed Nail Specialist can supervise?

No. There is no limit to the number of Trainees a Nail Specialist can supervise, however, adequate supervision must be provided for all Trainees.

Frequently Asked Questions for Nail Specialists/Traineeship Route

What is a Nail Specialist?

A Nail Specialist provides nail services, such as manicures and pedicures, for a fee.

When can I obtain a Nail Specialty license?

After you have been registered as a Nail Specialty Trainee for a period of one year, you may obtain a Nail Specialty license from the Department of State.

How do I obtain a Nail Specialty license?

To obtain a Nail Specialty license, you must submit an application to the Department of State with an application fee of $40. You may apply online for a Nail Specialty license at: https://dos.ny.gov/nail-specialty

Is there an exam requirement?

Yes, before you are issued a Nail Specialty license, you must pass the Department of State administered written and practical examinations. There is a $15 fee for taking each of the two required examinations.

Do I need to complete education?

Yes, you will be required to complete a 27 hour course of approved study before obtaining a Nail Specialty license.

How do I register for an account within the NYS License Center (NYSLC)?
In order to register for an account within the NYS License Center (NYSLC), you must first register with My NY.gov. If you are not currently registered with My NY.gov, from our website http://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/licensecenter.html Click on the ‘Create my Account’ link, this brings you to the My NY.gov registration site; select ‘I need a NY.Gov ID’ and follow the registration for My NY.gov. Once you are registered with My NY.gov, select the NYS License Center option from the options available to you on My NY.gov. In the NYS License Center, click on the ‘Account Management’ link in the top right hand corner. Complete the required fields and this data will pre-populate on all new applications created using your account. Once you have completed and saved this data, click on the ‘Home’ tab to proceed.

What if I already have a My NY.gov Account?
If you are already registered with My NY.gov, go to My NY.gov and sign in, then select the NYS License Center option from the options available to you on My NY.gov. This will create your NYS License Center Account. In the NYS License Center, click on the ‘Account Management’ link in the top right hand corner. Complete the required fields and this data will pre-populate on all new application created using your account. Once you have completed and saved this data, click on the ‘Home’ tab to proceed.

How do I apply for a license in NYS License Center?
To apply for a license at NYS License Center, you must create an account or login to your existing account. Follow these steps to apply for your license online:

• Register for an Account or Login to your account (see “How do I register for an account within the NYS License Center (NYSLC)” above)’
• Once you are logged in to NYS License Center, on the ‘Home’ tab select ‘Apply now for a new license or permit’
• Follow the application instructions provided online
• Upload any supporting documentation
• Make payment and print confirmation page

You will be able to log in to your account and view the status of your application.

How do I create an additional license online?
To apply for an additional license, login to your account and click on the ‘Manage My Licenses’ tab and then select the ‘Apply now! For a New License or Permit’ link. Read and accept the terms and conditions and the system will guide you from there.

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 on line 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 using the NYS License Center, you must enter your school’s curriculum code. Those schools participating in the online certification program will affirm the completion of the course through the NYS License Center. 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 using the NYS License Center, 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 using the NYS License Center, 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 check the status of my application?
You may track the status of your application by logging in to your NYS License Center account. On the ‘Manage My Licenses’ tab, the process of your application is tracked in the ‘Status’ column in your list of records.

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.

Click the link, log in to your NYS License Center account and you are brought to the record for your application.  Scroll down to the ‘Examination’ section of the screen and click on the sideways arrow to expand the examination data.  Select the ‘Schedule an Examination’ link.  From here you may review the ‘examination scheduling policy’ and select the type of exam you would like to schedule for that application.  Search to find an exam provider or select an exam from the list. 

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.

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.

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.

How do I cancel or reschedule my exam?
Under the ‘Manage My Licenses’ tab you see a list of your records. Click on the record number for the license you wish to cancel or reschedule the exam for. Scroll down to the ‘Examination’ section of the record data and click on the arrow (small triangle) to open the examination section of the record. Scroll down to see the list of all scheduled exams you are enrolled in and under the ‘Actions’ link select ‘Reschedule’ or ‘Cancel’ as appropriate. Follow the steps for the selection you chose.

How do I view my exam results?
You will be notified by email once your exam results are available. You must login to your NYS License Center account to view your results under the Examination section.

What happens if I don’t pass either my written or practical exam?  Can I renew my temporary license?
No.  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 through NYSLC, but you may not be actively practicing Appearance Enhancement during this time.

What is an Amendment?
An Amendment is a change of information transaction that can be completed in NYS License Center. This includes the following amendments:

1. Address Change Amendment
2. Change of Supervising Barber Amendment
3. Nail Trainee Change of Supervisor/Business
4. Close Business Amendment
5. Contact Information Change Amendment
6. Duplicate License Amendment
7. Name Change Amendment

How do I file an Amendment to my license online?
Log into your account. Go to ‘Manage My Licenses’ to view your records. Under ‘Action’ click ‘Amendment‘ next to the record you wish to amend. Select the Amendment Type; this includes the following Amendments:

1. Address Change Amendment (An Address Change Amendment may be filed when you are changing your home, mailing, or business address)
2. Change of Supervising Barber Amendment
3. Nail Trainee Change of Supervisor/Business
4. Close Business Amendment
5. Contact Information Change Amendment:

Contact Information Change Amendment allows you to change the following:

1. Social Security Number
2. Date of Birth
3. Email Address
4. Phone Number

You must provide a brief description of the reason for your change request.  *Note: When changing your Social Security Number and/or date of birth you will be required to provide documentation in order for these changes to be processed.

1. Duplicate License Amendment
2. Name Change Amendment (documentation required)

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.  You may apply for your new Area Renter license at NYSLC.

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 do I do if my business closes or if I want to close my business?
You can close your Appearance Enhancement Business online. You must login to your account; click on the ‘Manage My Licenses’ tab; select the license for the business you want to close and click the ‘Amendment’ link; select ‘Close Business Amendment’; complete the application as directed. You will receive an email confirming the closure of your business. There is no fee for notifying our office of your business closure. Please note * when your Appearance Enhancement business is closed any Area Renter’s license associated with your business will also become cancelled.

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. For a quicker turnaround time, we encourage you to apply online using the NYS License Center at MY NY.gov Online Services.  All associated Area Renters will need to reapply as their associated licenses will be cancelled.

What if the shop changes physical location?
An address amendment needs to be completed for the business and all associated Area Renters with the new address.  Area Renters must update the address to keep their licenses current.  Go to NYSLC to complete the address amendment. Log into your account and go to ‘Manage My Licenses’ to view your records. Under ‘Action’ click ‘Amendment‘  next to the record you wish to amend. Select ‘Address Change Amendment’ and follow the instructions provided in the online application.

How do I change my home address associated with my license?
Go to NYS License Center to complete an Address Change amendment. Log into your account. Go to ‘Manage My Licenses’ to view your records. Under ‘Action’ click ‘Amendment‘  next to the record you wish to amend. Select ‘Address Change Amendment’ and follow the instructions provided in the online application.

How do I change my name associated with my license?
A Name Change Amendment may be filed for a change in your personal name. Go to NYS License Center to complete a Name Change amendment. Log into your account. Go to ‘Manage My Licenses’ to view your records. Under ‘Action’ click ‘Amendment‘ next to the record you wish to amend. Select ‘Name Change Amendment’ and follow the instructions provided in the online application. You will be required to provide documentation.
 
How do I request a duplicate copy of my license?
To request a duplicate copy of your license, go to NYS License Center and log into your account. Go to ‘Manage My Licenses’ to view your records. Under ‘Action’ click ‘Amendment‘  next to the record you wish to amend. Select ‘Duplicate License Amendment’ and follow the instruction provided in the online application.

Can I update my name and/or address on my renewal?
No. You must complete an amendment online separately at NYSLC 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. Instructions for creating an account and claiming a record can be found in the Applicant User Guide for the License Center and the NY License Center Claiming Record(s) Guide. 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.

How can I add my email address to my existing license(s) so I may receive emails when it is time to renew?

1. Once you have claimed your records
2. Click on “Manage My Records”
3. Click on Amendment link on your license record:
   1. select Contact Information Change Amendment; click continue application;
   2. Individual or Business will show up for Contact Type to Change, click appropriate box then click continue application
   3. Click on Email Address, it will bring up a box to insert your email address and a box for an explanation of why you are changing your information.
   4. Insert your email address and add a brief explanation in box below it such as “I am adding my email address to my records”. Click continue application.
   5. A list of records to change will appear, be sure to place a check on all records, then click continue application,
   6. It gives you an opportunity to upload documentation (not required), click continue application
   7. a review screen will appear, verify information and click continue application
   8. A confirmation box will appear that states your amendment has been submitted.

How do I renew my license online?
Your license expiration date is printed on the license. You are eligible to renew your license three months prior to the expiration date. Once you create an account and claim your record, you can login to your NYS License Center account. Select the ‘Manage My Licenses’ tab to see your list of records, the status of your license shows as ‘About to Expire’. Under the ‘Action’ column, click on ‘Renew Application’, complete the renewal application, including uploading any documentation you are instructed to provide. Review your completed information and check out. After submitting payment you receive a confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted. This does NOT necessarily mean that your renewal has been approved. When your application is approved you will receive an additional email notifying you that your renewal has been issued.

If my license has expired can I renew online?
Yes. Your NYS License Center 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.

You may track the status of your renewal on the ‘Manage My Licenses’ tab. The process of your renewal is tracked in the ‘Status’ column in your list of records.