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How to Get a Cosmetologist License in Kentucky (2026)

Quick answer

Receive a license or license verification before providing cosmetology services.

License fee

$50

View official source

Required hours

1,500 hours

View official source

Exam

Pass written and practical examinations.

View official source

Renewal

All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 during the renewal cycle. As a reminder of the most recent law change, beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).

View official source

Check the official requirementsRemind me before my renewal

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

How do I get this license?

  1. Check the licensing authority

    Board

    Kentucky Board of Cosmetology

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
    Official source

    Official agency page

    Open the official agency page

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    License Requirements
    Official source

  2. Check your qualifications

    Age

    18 years old

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
    Official source

    Education

    Diploma or certified testing documents proving grade 12 equivalency education.

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    A diploma or certified testing documents proving grade 12 equivalency education
    Official source

    Required hours

    1,500 hours

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Cosmetologist 1500 Hours
    Official source

    Exam

    Pass written and practical examinations.

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Successfully complete a written and practical examination
    Official source

  3. Prepare your application

    Apply with the agency

    Open the official agency page

    Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
    Click here to access KBC's Online Application Portal
    Official source

  4. Confirm 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

Receive a license or license verification before providing cosmetology services.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Receive a license verification or license prior to providing services
Official source

When do I renew, and is CE required?

Renewal

All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 during the renewal cycle. As a reminder of the most recent law change, beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 during the renewal cycle. As a reminder of the most recent law change, beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).
Official source

License term in years

Beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).
Official source

Have a license or permit? Use the expiration date printed on it to set up your calendar and reminders.

Add to my calendarRemind me before my renewal

What does it cost?

License fee

$50

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Individual License - Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Shampoo Stylist $50.00
Official source

Exam fee

$85

Last verified Oct 25, 2026 — source and quotation
Examination Fees Individual License - Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Shampoo Stylist $85.00
Official source

Confirm the charges and conditions for your application with the official agency.

What are the common questions?

How often do I renew a cosmetologist license in Kentucky?

All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 during the renewal cycle. As a reminder of the most recent law change, beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).

Source and quotation
All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 during the renewal cycle. As a reminder of the most recent law change, beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

What is the cosmetologist license fee in Kentucky?

$50

Source and quotation
Individual License - Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Shampoo Stylist $50.00
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Which official sources support this guide?

Official sources and verification (12)

Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.

Board

Kentucky Board of Cosmetology

Kentucky Board of Cosmetology

Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Official agency page

Open the official agency page

https://kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/License-Requirements.aspx

License Requirements
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Apply with the agency

Open the official agency page

https://kbc.ky.gov/Licensure/Pages/License-Requirements.aspx

Click here to access KBC's Online Application Portal
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Qualifications / Age

18 years old

18

Be at least eighteen (18) years of age
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Qualifications / Education

Diploma or certified testing documents proving grade 12 equivalency education.

Diploma or certified testing documents proving grade 12 equivalency education.

A diploma or certified testing documents proving grade 12 equivalency education
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Qualifications / Required hours

1,500 hours

1500

Cosmetologist 1500 Hours
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Qualifications / Exam

Pass written and practical examinations.

Pass written and practical examinations.

Successfully complete a written and practical examination
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Fees / License

$50

50

Individual License - Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, and Shampoo Stylist $50.00
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Fees / Exam

$85

85

Examination Fees Individual License - Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Shampoo Stylist $85.00
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

License term in years

Beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).

2

beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Renewal

All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 during the renewal cycle. As a reminder of the most recent law change, beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).

All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 during the renewal cycle. As a reminder of the most recent law change, beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year). Applies to: Cosmetologist license

All licenses must be renewed beginning July 1 through July 31 during the renewal cycle. As a reminder of the most recent law change, beginning July 2026, license renewals will occur biennially (every even-numbered year).
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Agency guidance

Receive a license or license verification before providing cosmetology services.

Receive a license or license verification before providing cosmetology services.

Receive a license verification or license prior to providing services
Official source

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Not yet verified: 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 Kentucky

What’s my next step?

Continue with the official agencyRemind me before my renewal

Last verified Oct 25, 2026.

Official sources (3)

Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.