A license is required before providing barbering and cosmetology services for a fee.
(b) Cosmetologists: (3) Initial license fee 50
1,000 hours
Pass the written licensing examination.
Board licenses renew on a two-year cycle based on the previous expiration date.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
California Board of Barbering and CosmetologyOfficial source
17 years old
10th grade or equivalent.
Has completed the 10th grade in the public schools of this state or its equivalent.Official source
1,000 hours
Pass the written licensing examination.
You need to pass the written examination and be issued a license to perform barbering and cosmetology services for a fee.Official source
An alternative examination qualification credits out-of-state cosmetology practice: each three months equals 100 training hours.
Each three months of practice shall be deemed the equivalent of 100 hours of training for qualification under paragraph (1) of this subdivision.Official source
submit an application online through BreEZeOfficial source
A current out-of-state license in good standing, not revoked, suspended or restricted, can qualify for reciprocity without the California written examination. Submit the application, fees and board-to-board license certification.
The Board issues out of state licensees a California license through reciprocity without taking the California written exam A complete Reciprocity Application and all fees required by the California Board. Proof of a current license issued by another state It is not revoked, suspended, or otherwise restricted. It is in good standing. request a certification of your license to be sent directly to the California Board.Official source
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
Open the official agency pageA license is required before providing barbering and cosmetology services for a fee.
You need to pass the written examination and be issued a license to perform barbering and cosmetology services for a fee.Official source
(b) Cosmetologists: (2) Application and examination fee 75
(b) Cosmetologists: (2) Application and examination fee 75Official source
Timely personal-license renewal costs $50; the late fee is an additional $25.
A timely renewal fee for personal licenses (barber, cosmetologist, hairstylist, electrologist, esthetician, and manicurist) is $50. A delinquent (late) renewal fee for personal licenses is $25Official source
Board licenses renew on a two-year cycle based on the previous expiration date.
Board licenses renew on a two-year cycle based on the previous expiration date.Official source
2 years
Cosmetologist | $50.00 | $25.00 | 2 yearsOfficial source
The Board does not require continuing education credits to maintain a license.
The Board does not require continuing education credits to maintain a license.Official source
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
(b) Cosmetologists: (3) Initial license fee 50
(b) Cosmetologists: (3) Initial license fee 50Official source
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
Board licenses renew on a two-year cycle based on the previous expiration date.
Board licenses renew on a two-year cycle based on the previous expiration date.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
(b) Cosmetologists: (3) Initial license fee 50
(b) Cosmetologists: (3) Initial license fee 50Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology
California Board of Barbering and CosmetologyOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/applicants/license_requirements.shtml
License RequirementsOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://www.breeze.ca.gov
submit an application online through BreEZeOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
17 years old
17
Is not less than 17 years of age.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
10th grade or equivalent.
10th grade or equivalent.
Has completed the 10th grade in the public schools of this state or its equivalent.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
1,000 hours
1000
Cosmetologist = 1000 hoursOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Pass the written licensing examination.
Pass the written licensing examination.
You need to pass the written examination and be issued a license to perform barbering and cosmetology services for a fee.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
An alternative examination qualification credits out-of-state cosmetology practice: each three months equals 100 training hours.
An alternative examination qualification credits out-of-state cosmetology practice: each three months equals 100 training hours.
Each three months of practice shall be deemed the equivalent of 100 hours of training for qualification under paragraph (1) of this subdivision.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
(b) Cosmetologists: (3) Initial license fee 50
50
(b) Cosmetologists: (3) Initial license fee 50Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
2 years
2
Cosmetologist | $50.00 | $25.00 | 2 yearsOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
The Board does not require continuing education credits to maintain a license.
0
The Board does not require continuing education credits to maintain a license.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
A current out-of-state license in good standing, not revoked, suspended or restricted, can qualify for reciprocity without the California written examination. Submit the application, fees and board-to-board license certification.
A current out-of-state license in good standing, not revoked, suspended or restricted, can qualify for reciprocity without the California written examination. Submit the application, fees and board-to-board license certification.
The Board issues out of state licensees a California license through reciprocity without taking the California written exam A complete Reciprocity Application and all fees required by the California Board. Proof of a current license issued by another state It is not revoked, suspended, or otherwise restricted. It is in good standing. request a certification of your license to be sent directly to the California Board.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
A license is required before providing barbering and cosmetology services for a fee.
A license is required before providing barbering and cosmetology services for a fee.
You need to pass the written examination and be issued a license to perform barbering and cosmetology services for a fee.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
(b) Cosmetologists: (2) Application and examination fee 75
The combined application and examination fee is $75.
(b) Cosmetologists: (2) Application and examination fee 75Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Timely personal-license renewal costs $50; the late fee is an additional $25.
Timely personal-license renewal costs $50; the late fee is an additional $25.
A timely renewal fee for personal licenses (barber, cosmetologist, hairstylist, electrologist, esthetician, and manicurist) is $50. A delinquent (late) renewal fee for personal licenses is $25Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Board licenses renew on a two-year cycle based on the previous expiration date.
Board licenses renew on a two-year cycle based on the previous expiration date. Applies to: Cosmetologist license
Board licenses renew on a two-year cycle based on the previous expiration date.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
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Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
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