Georgia Cosmetology Board 2026: Lookup, GOALS & Renewal

by
Georgia beauty licensing • verified August 2, 2026 • independent guide

Use GOALS Before You Renew, Apply or Transfer

Use this Georgia licensing guide to search a cosmetology license, fix GOALS login problems, reinstate a lapsed Master Cosmetologist license, prepare CE Broker records, apply after PSI exams, transfer an out-of-state license or contact the Macon licensing office.

The official agency is the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. This website is not a government agency, so use GOALS and Georgia Secretary of State records for final status, payment, approval and legal decisions.

Search a Georgia License GOALS Login Choose My Task
Master Cosmetologist update: the March 31, 2026 expiration date and April 1–30 late-renewal period have passed. Check your live GOALS record. A license that was not renewed should use the reinstatement route shown in the portal, and the licensee should not work until the record again shows active with a valid expiration date.

Georgia License Task Helper

This helper does not access government records. It identifies the likely route and the proof you should save.

Select a task to see the safest starting route.

GOALS, Board Website, CE Broker or PSI: Which One Do You Need?

These tools perform different jobs. Using the wrong one is a common reason users cannot find a license, submit renewal, report CE or schedule an examination.

License actions

GOALS

Use for license search, account verification, application, renewal, reinstatement, address updates, license printing, application tracking and verification requests.

Instructions

Board website

Use for application checklists, renewal dates, Board meetings, contact forms, FAQs, rule links and profession-specific how-to guides.

Education records

CE Broker

Use to record continuing-education activities and upload completion proof required for Georgia renewals beginning in 2026.

Examinations

PSI

Use for examination registration, scheduling, candidate bulletins, rescheduling, retakes and score-related questions after eligibility is established.

What “GOALS” means: Georgia Online Application Licensing System. It is the current Georgia Secretary of State professional-licensing portal—not the Board’s mission or organizational goals.

GA Cosmetology License Lookup: Search the Person and Facility

GOALS license search is a primary-source verification tool. Search a worker and the salon, shop or school separately when a job, booth rental, service, lease or enrollment decision depends on both records.

Choose individual or business/facility

Use individual search for a Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Barber, apprentice or instructor. Use facility search for salons, shops and schools.

Begin with minimal information

Try the complete license number or legal last name first. Filling every field can hide a valid result when spelling, punctuation or name formatting differs.

Open the complete record

Review license number, profession, license type, status, issue date, expiration, last renewal date, associated licenses and any available public Board order.

Save dated proof

Save a screenshot or printout showing the lookup date. A wall certificate, receipt or social-media profile does not prove that the license remains active today.

Result item What to confirm Why it matters
License type The category matches the service being performed. Cosmetology, esthetics, nail care, hair design and barber licenses do not all have the same scope.
Status The record shows active rather than lapsed, revoked, expired or pending. Submission or payment does not itself authorize practice.
Expiration The date extends beyond today. Georgia categories renew on different calendars.
Public Board orders Whether a public action or restriction appears. An active license may still have conditions that require review.
Facility license The salon, shop or school has its own valid record. A worker’s personal license does not license the business location.
Open GOALS License Search

GA State Board of Cosmetology Login: GOALS Account Fixes

GOALS replaced the older username-based login process. Your email address is now the username, and the email entry is case-sensitive.

You already held or applied for a Georgia license

  • Choose the option to verify an existing account.
  • Use the personal email associated with the previous record.
  • Retrieve the unique PIN from the email.
  • Do not create a second personal account merely because the old username fails.

You have never held or applied for a PLB license

  • Register as a new user.
  • Use a frequently monitored personal email.
  • Use that email as the username.
  • Create the account before starting a new individual application.
GOALS problem What usually causes it Best fix
PIN email not received Spam filtering, an inaccessible old email or delivery delay. Wait at least two minutes, check spam and use the most recent PIN. Call 404-424-9966 when identity verification is needed.
Email or username rejected GOALS email usernames are case-sensitive. Enter the email exactly as registered. Do not reuse the old system’s username.
Forgot license number The credential is not available in your records. Use the public GOALS license search before contacting support.
Forgot application number The confirmation email was deleted or filtered. Search the email inbox and spam folder. Contact the call center if the confirmation cannot be located.
License will not print Blocked third-party cookies, cached files, browser conflict or VPN interference. Allow cookies, clear cache, reopen the browser, try another browser and disconnect the VPN temporarily.
Business license missing The individual account lacks access to the business account or facility role. Use GOALS account consolidation and request the correct Principal, Secondary or facility-level access.
Email tip: Georgia reports intermittent delivery issues with some Hotmail accounts. Use a personal email that you monitor regularly, keep the capitalization consistent and check spam before requesting another PIN.
Open GOALS Read GOALS Help

GA Cosmetology License Renewal Online: Use the Correct Calendar

Georgia does not renew every cosmetology and barber credential on the same date. Confirm the exact category and expiration in GOALS before paying.

Reinstatement route now

Master Cosmetologist

Expired March 31, 2026

The April 1–30 late period has ended. Check GOALS for reinstatement and do not practice from a receipt alone.

Georgia category Regular expiration Listed late period
Master Cosmetologist March 31 of even-numbered years April 1–30 of even-numbered years
Hair Designer September 30 of even-numbered years October 1–31
Master Barber and Barber II December 31 of even-numbered years January 1–31
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Nail and Barber instructors Generally June 30 of odd-numbered years July 1–31
Hair Design Instructor September 30 of odd-numbered years October 1–31
Esthetician and Nail Technician August 31 of odd-numbered years September 1–30
Salon / Shop June 30 of odd-numbered years July 1–31

Online renewal workflow

Search the license first

Confirm the exact license type, current status and expiration. Do not assume the date from another Georgia beauty category applies.

Complete and report CE

Create at least a no-cost CE Broker account and record all required coursework before opening renewal.

Verify or log in to GOALS

Review legal name, personal email, mailing address, associated businesses and linked licenses.

Answer disclosures carefully

A conviction or professional-sanction answer may require court documents, an explanation and certified records before approval.

Pay and save proof

Save the confirmation, receipt and uploaded-document list. Application fees are generally nonrefundable.

Confirm active status

Use GOALS lookup after processing. Georgia states that the license must show active with a valid expiration date before the person works.

Georgia Lapsed License and Reinstatement Help

Late renewal and reinstatement are not the same action. Once the category’s listed late-renewal window closes, use the reinstatement application offered in GOALS.

Prepare before reinstatement

  • Current government identification and secure/verifiable document.
  • Affidavit of citizenship and immigration documents where applicable.
  • Proof of every required CE hour since the license lapsed.
  • Court, sanction or Board-order records where applicable.
  • Payment of outstanding fines or fees.

Do not assume

  • A CE waiver available for renewal will also cover reinstatement.
  • A submitted application immediately restores work authority.
  • A salon license protects a worker whose personal license is lapsed.
  • An old paper reinstatement form remains the correct route.
Official timing conflict: Georgia’s current expiration schedule and Board FAQ show a 30-day late-renewal window for Master Cosmetologists, while an older Board rule contains broader six-month wording. Use the specific current calendar, live GOALS action and direct Board confirmation rather than relying on a generic six-month assumption.

Georgia CE Broker 2026: What Must Be Reported

Beginning January 1, 2026, Georgia cosmetology and barber licensees must record qualifying continuing education and completion proof in CE Broker. The Board recommends uploading courses as they are completed, not waiting until renewal day.

Ordinary renewal

Five total hours

After the first renewal, Master Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Hair Designers, Master Barbers and Barber II licensees generally complete five hours every two years.

Course split

Three plus two

Three hours must cover approved health and safety. Two hours may cover approved practice, industry, business, computer or related topics.

Instructor renewal

Fifteen hours

At least half must address teaching techniques, lesson planning or advanced teacher training. Instructor CE exemptions are not available.

CE situation Georgia guidance User action
First renewal Ordinary CE is not required for the first renewal. Still register in CE Broker and follow any credential-specific GOALS prompt.
License held 25 years or longer The licensee may qualify for a CE waiver. Submit the official waiver request rather than self-declaring an exemption.
Hardship A hardship waiver may be requested. Provide supporting facts and wait for approval.
Reinstatement The Board cannot waive required CE accumulated since lapse. Gather and upload all required completion documents.
Online or home-study course May be acceptable when the course/provider is registered and required curriculum is met. Verify approval before paying for the course.
  • Create at least the no-cost Basic Limited Access CE Broker account.
  • Upload every required activity and certificate before renewal.
  • Use approved providers and courses listed through GOALS.
  • Keep original certificates in case of audit.
  • Do not assume the Georgia Board itself provides CE classes.
Read Official CE Requirements

How to Get a Cosmetology License in Georgia

The main Master Cosmetologist routes are approved school training or a registered apprenticeship, followed by written and practical examinations and a separate license application.

School route

1,500 approved hours

Georgia’s cosmetology-school curriculum requires 1,500 credit/clock hours, including theory, safety, hair, skin and nail subjects.

Apprentice route

18 months and 3,000 hours

The apprentice must train under the appropriate licensed supervisor in a properly licensed salon or shop and maintain required records.

Choose an approved route

Confirm the school, apprentice license, supervising master and business location are correctly licensed before counting training.

Complete training and eligibility

Keep transcripts, hour reports and eligibility notices. Name differences between school, PSI and identification can delay testing.

Pass written and practical examinations

Use the current PSI candidate bulletins for the exact license category.

Apply through GOALS

Submit passed exam proof, secure/verifiable document, citizenship affidavit, immigration documents where applicable and disciplinary records if required.

Wait for the active license

Passing the examinations does not guarantee immediate licensure. Criminal history and professional sanctions can require Board review.

Georgia Cosmetology PSI Exam: Eligibility, Scheduling and Retakes

PSI administers Georgia cosmetology and barber examinations using profession-specific NIC candidate bulletins. Contact PSI for test fees, dates, locations, content and score questions.

PSI phone

855-744-0314

PSI registrars are listed as available Monday–Friday and limited Saturday hours. Confirm current hours on PSI before calling.

Pass both

Written and practical

After passing both portions, submit the separate Georgia license application in GOALS.

Failed section

Retake only that portion

Use PSI’s re-examination instructions and current candidate bulletin.

Exam situation What Georgia candidates should know Next action
School graduate The approved educator normally establishes PSI eligibility. Wait for eligibility confirmation before scheduling.
Apprentice graduate The Board reviews transcripts and issues a Letter of Eligibility. Submit completed original hour records and keep copies.
Failed one section Only the failed section generally needs to be retaken. Register directly with PSI under current retake instructions.
Conviction or sanction disclosure The candidate may generally sit for the exam, but licensure still requires Board review. Prepare complete court, probation and Board-sanction records.
Testing deadline The Board FAQ says applicants completing required hours on or after July 1, 2018 have 48 months to pass both exams. Also follow any shorter authorization or scheduling date shown in the PSI notice.
Candidate-bulletin rule: do not prepare from a generic “Georgia state board test” list alone. Download the current bulletin for Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Barber or Instructor because supplies, services and identification rules differ.

For broader written and practical preparation, review the site’s cosmetology state board test guide. Georgia’s current PSI bulletin and Board instructions still control the real examination.

Open Georgia Exam Links

Transfer a Cosmetology License to Georgia by Endorsement

Georgia does not describe this as automatic reciprocity. An active out-of-state license holder applies by endorsement and the Board reviews licensing history, examinations and supporting records.

Confirm active good standing

Your current out-of-state credential should be active and in good standing for the corresponding Georgia category.

Request every official verification

If licensed in multiple states, arrange verification from every state. Include the original licensing state when a later license was issued by endorsement.

Prepare examination proof

Proof of passing approved written and practical examinations in English can prevent additional Georgia examination requirements.

Prepare identity and legal documents

Include education verification, secure/verifiable document, citizenship affidavit, immigration records where applicable and disciplinary records.

Apply through the current official route

Use the endorsement option shown in GOALS or the route specifically directed by the Board. Do not mail an old form without confirming it remains valid.

Helpful Georgia provisions

  • Active licensees may apply even when their original school hours were lower than Georgia’s current school requirement.
  • No additional exam is generally required when approved written and practical exam proof in English is accepted.
  • Military applicants and spouses may qualify for expedited or alternate consideration.

Common endorsement delays

  • Verification sent by the applicant instead of the licensing authority.
  • Missing verification from one of several states.
  • Legal-name mismatch across ID and old licenses.
  • Only one exam portion can be verified.
  • Unresolved sanctions, orders or unpaid citations.
Moving out of Georgia: request an official license verification through GOALS. The Board FAQ lists a $35 verification fee; confirm the current amount before submitting.

Georgia Cosmetology Apprentice License and Hour Rules

An apprentice license is a regulated training route, not permission to work independently. The supervising master, salon/shop and apprentice record must remain correct.

Apprentice category Minimum period Minimum hours
Cosmetology Apprentice 18 months 3,000 hours
Esthetician Apprentice 18 months 2,000 hours
Nail Technician Apprentice 8 months 1,050 hours
Hair Design Apprentice 14 months 2,650 hours
Master Barber Apprentice 18 months 3,000 hours
Barber II Apprentice 14 months 2,280 hours
  • Apprentices licensed after July 1, 2019 must take the theory examination within the first 12 months.
  • Apprentice licenses issued after July 1, 2015 are four-year licenses with no renewal.
  • Record hours daily and retain a personal copy of every report.
  • Submit changes when the supervising master or salon/shop changes.
  • A Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Esthetician or Nail Technician generally must hold the license for at least 36 months before supervising an apprentice.
  • Only one apprentice is permitted for each master or supervising licensee in the salon/shop.
Old-address warning: an older Board FAQ still tells apprentices to mail completed records to 237 Coliseum Drive. The Professional Licensing Division has moved to 3920 Arkwright Road. Confirm the current document-delivery method and destination through GOALS or the Board contact form before mailing originals.

Georgia Cosmetology Fees: Planning Amounts Before GOALS Checkout

Fees can be changed by the Board, and GOALS may add a processing charge. Treat these as current planning figures and confirm the final live fee schedule before paying.

License action Planning amount Important distinction
Master Cosmetologist application by examination $30 PSI examination charges are separate.
Master Cosmetologist renewal $50 Used before the regular March 31 deadline.
Master Cosmetologist late renewal $100 The listed 2026 late period ended April 30.
Individual or instructor reinstatement $200 CE since lapse and outstanding obligations may also apply.
Licensure by endorsement $75 Official state-verification costs may be separate.
Instructor endorsement $100 Instructor qualifications are reviewed separately.
Salon / Shop initial license $75 The business license is separate from personal licenses.
Salon / Shop reinstatement $300 Facility and ownership issues may require additional action.
School reinstatement $1,000 School review may require Board-meeting action.
Official license verification $35 Used when another state requires direct verification.
Before paying: verify the profession, license type, application route and status. Georgia application-processing fees are generally nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Check the Live Fee Schedule

State Board of Cosmetology Macon GA Office and Phone Number

The Georgia Professional Licensing Boards Division moved to Arkwright Road. Use the Board contact form for questions that require attachments or a written record.

Professional licensing call center

404-424-9966

Use for GOALS PIN recovery, account identity verification, missing application numbers and general Professional Licensing Division assistance.

Current division office

Macon address

3920 Arkwright Road
Suite 195
Macon, GA 31210

Written Board question

Online contact form

The form accepts a license/application number, explanation and JPG, PNG, TIFF or PDF attachments.

“My legal name is [name]. My license or application number is [number]. My GOALS email is [email]. The public status is [status]. I attempted [action] on [date]. The exact message is [copy message]. Please confirm the correct next action and whether any document is missing.”
Do not send documents automatically to an address found on an old PDF. Confirm whether the item should be uploaded in GOALS, submitted through the contact form or mailed to the current Arkwright Road office.
Open Board Contact Form

GA State Board of Cosmetology Rules and Regulations

Use current Chapter 240 rules for the combined Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. Older Chapter 130 cosmetology rules may still appear in search results and should be read with current combined-board and Joint Secretary rules.

Rule source Main subject When it helps
O.C.G.A. Chapter 43-10 Georgia cosmetology and barber statutory authority. Eligibility, prohibited practice, Board authority and enforcement.
Chapter 240-1 Board organization, applications, renewal and reinstatement. Late status, reinstatement fees and licensing administration.
Chapter 240-3 Continuing education. Renewal hours, instructor CE and waiver questions.
Chapter 240-4 Facility requirements. Salon, shop, home business and equipment questions.
Chapter 240-6 Licensure by examination. Exam proof, missed examinations and license application.
Chapter 240-11 Application by endorsement. Out-of-state transfer and examination equivalency.
Chapter 295-2 Joint Secretary expiration and renewal dates. Determining the current category-specific late period.
Current versus proposed: proposed or recently passed rules may not yet be the rule currently in force. Check the effective version before changing business practices or paying for an application.
Open Board Laws and Rules Open Chapter 240

Georgia Salon and Shop License: Personal License Is Not Enough

The salon/shop location needs its own Board license, and local city or county business licensing is a separate requirement.

Before applying

  • Confirm zoning and local business-license requirements.
  • Choose the correct salon, shop or home-business path.
  • Verify ownership, legal name and location details.
  • Check physical and sanitation rules before leasing.

Before opening

  • Wait until the facility license is issued.
  • Verify every worker’s active personal license.
  • Post personal and facility licenses as required.
  • Prepare for random inspection and citation rules.

Changes requiring action

  • Name change.
  • Location or address change.
  • Change of ownership.
  • Closure or new business account access.
Home salon: Georgia permits home salons/shops when all applicable state laws, Board rules, facility standards and local requirements are met. Do not assume residential zoning automatically permits the business.

Georgia Application Status, Deficiency Letters and Board Review

A completed payment does not guarantee immediate approval. Board staff review the application and may send a deficiency notice or refer a completed file for Board review.

Application issue What Georgia guidance says Best response
Deficiency notice Requested items should be submitted together as soon as possible. Create one complete response package rather than sending fragmented documents.
Deficiency remains unresolved The application may be withdrawn if deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of notice. Track the notice date and confirm successful upload or receipt.
Board-meeting review A completed application generally must arrive at least 15 days before a meeting to be added to that agenda. Do not expect same-week Board review after a late document submission.
Submitted or paid The applicant may not legally perform services until an active license is issued. Check GOALS status and save the active-license result.
  • Keep the email address and mailing address current.
  • Save every GOALS confirmation and upload receipt.
  • Read spam folders for Board deficiency notices.
  • Use the application tracker before sending a repeated inquiry.
  • Do not submit a duplicate application unless the Board instructs you to restart.

File a Georgia Cosmetology Licensing Complaint

Search the license first, then create a concise evidence package. The licensing complaint process is for possible professional-law or Board-rule violations, not ordinary GOALS password support.

Collect before filing

  • Person or facility name and license number.
  • Dated GOALS lookup result.
  • Service date, location and chronological explanation.
  • Receipts, contracts, invoices, messages and photographs.
  • Names and contact details of witnesses where useful.

Avoid weak complaints

  • Submitting only an opinion without names or dates.
  • Using the complaint process for a forgotten password.
  • Sending altered screenshots without original context.
  • Assuming a complaint automatically produces a refund.
Open Official Complaint Instructions

Georgia Licensing Mistakes That Cause Delays

Creating a second GOALS account

Existing applicants and licensees should verify the previous account rather than registering as completely new.

Using the wrong renewal date

Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Esthetician, Nail Technician, instructors, barbers and salons follow different calendars.

Skipping CE Broker

Georgia now expects required CE activities and proof to be recorded in CE Broker.

Mailing to an old address

Old PDFs and FAQs may still show 237 Coliseum Drive instead of the current Arkwright Road office.

Working from a receipt

A paid, submitted or pending application is not the same as an active license.

Ignoring a deficiency notice

An incomplete application may be withdrawn after the stated response period, requiring a new application and fee.

Official Georgia Licensing Action Links

Use these pages after identifying the correct task. GOALS and Georgia Secretary of State records control current status, submission and payment.

License lookup

Search an individual or facility and review primary-source license details.

Open Lookup

GOALS portal

Apply, renew, reinstate, print, update information and track an application.

Open GOALS

Official Board page

Use current how-to guides, meetings, CE links, forms and announcements.

Open Board Page

Master Cosmetologist guide

Read initial, instructor, endorsement, reinstatement and renewal checklists.

Open How-To Guide

Continuing education

Review CE Broker, five-hour, instructor and waiver requirements.

Open CE Page

Board contact form

Submit a written question with license/application details and supporting files.

Contact the Board

Related guides on this website

New applicants can use the complete cosmetology license guide to understand the broader school-to-license process. Exam candidates can review the cosmetology state board test guide. Readers comparing agency roles can also use the barbering and cosmetology board guide.

Georgia State Board of Cosmetology FAQs

What is the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology phone number?

The Georgia Professional Licensing Boards call center number is 404-424-9966. It can assist with GOALS PIN recovery, account verification, missing application numbers and general licensing-division support.

Where is the Georgia cosmetology board office in Macon?

The current Professional Licensing Boards Division office is listed at 3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 195, Macon, GA 31210. Confirm instructions before mailing because older documents may still show 237 Coliseum Drive.

How do I perform a GA cosmetology license lookup?

Use the GOALS licensee search. Choose an individual or business/facility search, enter the minimum reliable information, open the complete record and verify license type, status, expiration, last renewal date and any public Board order.

What does GOALS mean for Georgia cosmetology licenses?

GOALS means Georgia Online Application Licensing System. It is used for license search, account verification, applications, renewal, reinstatement, updates, printing, application tracking and official verification requests.

Can I renew my Georgia Master Cosmetologist license online now?

The regular March 31, 2026 deadline and April 1–30 late-renewal period have passed. Check the live GOALS record and use the reinstatement action shown for the license. Do not work until the record returns to active status.

How many continuing-education hours does Georgia require?

After the first renewal, most covered Master Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians, Hair Designers, Master Barbers and Barber II licensees complete five hours every two years. Three hours cover approved health and safety and two hours cover other approved topics. Instructors complete 15 hours.

Do I need a CE Broker account in Georgia?

Yes. Beginning January 1, 2026, covered cosmetology and barber licensees must record qualifying continuing education and proof in CE Broker. The Board says a no-cost Basic Limited Access account is sufficient.

How do I transfer an out-of-state cosmetology license to Georgia?

Apply by endorsement rather than assuming automatic reciprocity. Provide verification from every state where licensed, original and current-license records, identity documents and examination proof. Georgia generally does not require additional exams when acceptable written and practical examination proof in English is verified.

Who administers the Georgia cosmetology state board exam?

PSI administers the examinations using profession-specific NIC candidate bulletins. Candidates normally complete written and practical sections and then apply separately for licensure through GOALS.

Can I mail a paper cosmetology application to Georgia?

GOALS is the main current application system, and Georgia’s GOALS page says paper applications are no longer generally accepted. Some older Board pages still mention paper forms for special situations. Use the route displayed in GOALS or obtain direct written Board instructions before mailing an old form.

Final Georgia License Checklist

  • Search the individual and salon/shop record separately.
  • Verify an existing GOALS account instead of creating a duplicate.
  • Use the expiration date for the exact Georgia license category.
  • Use reinstatement when the category’s late-renewal window has ended.
  • Record required CE and certificates in CE Broker.
  • Use the current PSI bulletin for the exact exam category.
  • Request endorsement verification from every state where licensed.
  • Respond to deficiency notices before the stated deadline.
  • Confirm the current Arkwright Road address before mailing originals.
  • Wait until GOALS shows an active license before working or opening.

Independent-site notice: board-of-cosmetology.org is not the Georgia Secretary of State, the Professional Licensing Boards Division or the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. Official GOALS records, Board instructions and Georgia laws control final decisions.