How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Indiana (2026)
Quick answer
Individual renewal fee: $40 every four years.
Required hours
1,500 hours in cosmetology school; alternatively, complete a United States Department of Labor registered cosmetology apprenticeship.
Exam
Pass the written examination administered by PSI.
Minimum age
17 years old
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
How do I get this license?
Check the licensing authority
Board
Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY AND BARBER EXAMINERS
Official sourceOfficial agency page
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Individual Beauty Culture Application Instructions
Official sourceCheck your qualifications
Age
17 years old
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
is at least seventeen (17) years of age
Official sourceEducation
Tenth grade or equivalent.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
has successfully completed the tenth grade or received the equivalent of tenth grade education
Official sourceRequired hours
1,500 hours in cosmetology school; alternatively, complete a United States Department of Labor registered cosmetology apprenticeship.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Cosmetologist 1500 Hours Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program: If you completed a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program, please provide your apprentice number and upload a copy of your certificate of completion.
Official sourceExam
Pass the written examination administered by PSI.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
You must pass the written examination through PSI
Official sourcePrepare your application
Apply with the agency
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Apply, Renew, or Manage Your License
Official sourceReciprocity
Applicants need a valid license from a jurisdiction with substantially equal requirements. Education shortfalls may receive 100 hours of credit per year of practice if at least 1,000 education hours were completed.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
To apply by reciprocity, a person must possess a valid license from another jurisdiction to perform acts that require a license and the jurisdiction issuing the license must impose substantially equal requirements on applicants for the license as are imposed on applicants for an Indiana license. One (1) year of licensed practice is equal to one hundred (100) hours of education to an applicant who has completed a minimum of one thousand (1,000) hours of education.
Official sourceConfirm your next step with the agency
Review the official instructions for your situation before applying.
Open the official agency page
What else should I know?
Agency guidance
Individual renewal fee: $40 every four years.
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The board shall charge and collect the following renewal fees every four (4) years for licenses: (1) Cosmetologist: $40Official source
When do I renew, and is CE required?
License term in years
4 years
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
The board shall charge and collect the following renewal fees every four (4) years for licenses: (1) Cosmetologist: $40Official source
Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.
What does it cost?
Application fee
$40
Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Application Fee Type Individual Beauty Culture License $40.00Official source
Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.
Which official sources support this guide?
Official sources and verification (11)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
Indiana State Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners
STATE BOARD OF COSMETOLOGY AND BARBER EXAMINERSOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://secure.in.gov/pla/professions/cosmetology-and-barber-home/cosmetology-and-barber-licensing-information/
Individual Beauty Culture Application InstructionsOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
https://secure.in.gov/pla/professions/cosmetology-and-barber-home/cosmetology-and-barber-licensing-information/
Apply, Renew, or Manage Your LicenseOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
17 years old
17
is at least seventeen (17) years of ageOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Tenth grade or equivalent.
Tenth grade or equivalent.
has successfully completed the tenth grade or received the equivalent of tenth grade educationOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
1,500 hours in cosmetology school; alternatively, complete a United States Department of Labor registered cosmetology apprenticeship.
1,500 hours in cosmetology school; alternatively, complete a United States Department of Labor registered cosmetology apprenticeship.
Cosmetologist 1500 Hours Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program: If you completed a Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program, please provide your apprentice number and upload a copy of your certificate of completion.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Pass the written examination administered by PSI.
Pass the written examination administered by PSI.
You must pass the written examination through PSIOfficial source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
$40
40
Application Fee Type Individual Beauty Culture License $40.00Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
4 years
4
The board shall charge and collect the following renewal fees every four (4) years for licenses: (1) Cosmetologist: $40Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Applicants need a valid license from a jurisdiction with substantially equal requirements. Education shortfalls may receive 100 hours of credit per year of practice if at least 1,000 education hours were completed.
Applicants need a valid license from a jurisdiction with substantially equal requirements. Education shortfalls may receive 100 hours of credit per year of practice if at least 1,000 education hours were completed.
To apply by reciprocity, a person must possess a valid license from another jurisdiction to perform acts that require a license and the jurisdiction issuing the license must impose substantially equal requirements on applicants for the license as are imposed on applicants for an Indiana license. One (1) year of licensed practice is equal to one hundred (100) hours of education to an applicant who has completed a minimum of one thousand (1,000) hours of education.Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Individual renewal fee: $40 every four years.
Individual renewal fee: $40 every four years.
The board shall charge and collect the following renewal fees every four (4) years for licenses: (1) Cosmetologist: $40Official source
Last verified Oct 25, 2026
Not yet verified: license fee, renewal, continuing education — see the official agency.
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What should I explore next?
Cosmetologist in neighboring states
Neighboring states use Census adjacency data, including water and point boundaries.
Related licenses in Indiana
Last verified Oct 25, 2026.
Official sources (2)
Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.