Official sources and verification (14)
Last verified Oct 25, 2026. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.
Qualifications / Age17 years old
17
You must be at least 17 years old to apply for a Cosmetology Operator license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / Required hours1,000 hours
1000
a Cosmetology Operator course consisting of 1,000 hours of instruction at a licensed school.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Qualifications / ExamPass both written and practical examinations.
Pass both written and practical examinations.
You must pass both a written exam and practical exam to obtain a Cosmetology Operator license.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Fees / Application$50
50
There is a non-refundable application fee of $50.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceLicensees holding a Texas license for at least 15 years have a two-hour CE requirement.
Licensees holding a Texas license for at least 15 years have a two-hour CE requirement.
If a licensee has held a Texas license for at least 15 years, they will only need to complete two hours of continuing education.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Agency guidanceRenewal instructions and online application access: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/renew/.
Renewal instructions and online application access: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/renew/.
How to Renew Your Practitioner License To see instructions on how to renew your practitioner license, please answer the questions below. If you want to jump straight to the online license renewal application, click here .
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
BoardTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
License term in years2 years
2
Cosmetology Operator licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
RenewalCosmetology Operator licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue.
Cosmetology Operator licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue. Applies to: Cosmetologist license renewal
Cosmetology Operator licenses are valid for two years from the date of issue.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Continuing education hours4 hours
4
Licensees must complete a total of 4 hours of department-approved continuing education courses every two years to renew their license, including:
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
Continuing education topicsOne hour sanitation, one hour human trafficking awareness, and two hours from permitted topics; licensees holding a Texas license at least 15 years need only the sanitation and trafficking hours.
One hour sanitation, one hour human trafficking awareness, and two hours from permitted topics; licensees holding a Texas license at least 15 years need only the sanitation and trafficking hours.
Licensees must complete a total of 4 hours of department-approved continuing education courses every two years to renew their license, including: One hour in sanitation One hour in human trafficking awareness Two hours of choice in any of the following topics: Any topic listed in Section 83.202 of the rules Sanitation required under the law and rules The Texas Barbering and Cosmetology law and rules Mental health awareness Held Texas License 15+ Years If a licensee has held a Texas license for at least 15 years, they will only need to complete two hours of continuing education. They are required to complete both of the following: One hour of department-approved continuing education in sanitation One hour of department-approved continuing education in human trafficking awareness The additional two hours of continuing education will be waived and will not be required.
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026
ReciprocityApplicants currently licensed in another U.S. state may qualify for a Texas license by equivalence using that license as proof of training and experience. Eligibility depends on the originating state.
Applicants currently licensed in another U.S. state may qualify for a Texas license by equivalence using that license as proof of training and experience. Eligibility depends on the originating state.
If you are currently licensed in another US state, you may be able to apply for a Texas license using your out of state license as proof of your training and experience. 1. Where did you receive your license?
Official sourceLast verified Oct 25, 2026