Kentucky Board of Cosmetology: License Lookup, Renewal, Exams & Contact
Use this page to reach the correct Kentucky Board of Cosmetology service for license verification, first-time licensing, 2026 renewal or restoration, PSI exams, out-of-state transfer, salon licensing, complaints and Board contact.
Quick Answer: What Does the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology Handle?
The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology regulates cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, shampoo styling, instructors, salons, limited facilities, schools and several specialty permits in the Commonwealth. The Board manages licensing, renewals, examinations, inspections, complaints and public license verification.
For a current license status, use the Board’s public verification database rather than relying on a paper license, social media profile or third-party directory. For your own application or renewal, use the Board’s official licensing route from the KBC website.
Kentucky changed its renewal cycle beginning in July 2026. Licenses in the renewal cycle are now renewed biennially in even-numbered years. The regular 2026 online renewal deadline was July 31 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. If a required renewal was not received by that deadline, the Board says the license becomes inactive and the applicable restoration fee must be paid. Do not treat an inactive record as authority to practice.
Check the official 2026 renewal instructionsKentucky Board of Cosmetology License Lookup
Kentucky provides separate public searches for people and facilities. The person search can use profession, license type, license number, first name or last name. The facility search adds facility name, city and state.
Check a cosmetologist or other individual license
Use this search for a cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, shampoo stylist, instructor or other individual credential regulated by KBC.
Open Kentucky person license searchCheck a salon or licensed facility
Use the facility search separately when you need to verify a beauty salon, esthetics salon, nail salon or another regulated facility record.
Open Kentucky facility searchHow to search the Kentucky license database
Kentucky Cosmetology License Requirements
The Board publishes separate education requirements for each major license route. Completing school hours does not itself authorize practice. First-time applicants must also meet the applicable age and education requirements, pass the required written and practical examinations, apply for licensure, and receive the license or official license verification before providing services.
| Credential | Education benchmark | Other core requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | Age 18+, grade 12 equivalency, written and practical exams, license application |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | Age 18+, grade 12 equivalency, written and practical exams, license application |
| Nail Technician | 450 hours | Age 18+, grade 12 equivalency, written and practical exams, license application |
| Shampoo and Style Services | 300 hours | Age 18+, grade 12 equivalency, written and practical exams, license application |
| Apprentice Instructor | 750 hours | Current qualifying individual license for at least one year plus school enrollment requirements |
The Board also requires a recent applicant photo. Its current instructions call for a photo taken within the last six months, facing forward, shoulders up, against a solid white or light-blue background. KBC expressly says AI-generated images and filters are not permitted.
Read the official Kentucky license requirementsKentucky Board of Cosmetology Fees
Kentucky’s fee page now reflects the biennial renewal structure. This is important because older web pages and third-party guides may still show the former annual renewal amounts.
| Transaction | Current fee | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|
| Initial individual license | $50 | Cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician and shampoo stylist |
| Biennial individual renewal | $100 | Applies to the listed individual license categories |
| Individual restoration fee | $50 | In addition to past-due renewal fees when restoration applies |
| Initial salon license | $100 | Full beauty, esthetics and nail salons |
| Biennial salon renewal | $200 | Current Board fee schedule |
| Salon restoration fee | $100 | Added when restoration applies |
| School initial license | $1,500 | Cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, instructor and shampoo styling schools |
| School biennial renewal | $500 | Current Board fee schedule |
| Examination / retake | $85 | Current fee shown for individual and instructor exams |
| Out-of-state endorsement | $100 | Nonrefundable; additional requirements may apply |
| Certification request | $25 | Often used for transfer to another state |
| Duplicate / lost / name-change license request | $25 | Use the correct portal transaction |
| Salon owner or location change | $100 | Separate from ordinary renewal |
| Manager change | $50 | All listed facility types |
KBC has not accepted physical payments since July 1, 2023. Fees and fines are handled through the online application system by credit or debit card.
Check the live Kentucky fee schedule before payingKentucky Cosmetology License Renewal and Restoration in 2026
Beginning in July 2026, Kentucky moved license renewals to a biennial schedule in even-numbered years. The regular renewal window is July 1 through July 31 of the renewal year. The Board states that the online renewal must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on July 31 or the license becomes inactive and restoration fees apply.
Every even-numbered year
The new biennial cycle began with the July 2026 renewal.
July 1–31
The regular online renewal period closes July 31 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
Inactive + restoration
A missed required renewal moves the license to inactive status and triggers the applicable restoration route.
What to prepare for a Kentucky renewal
- Valid email address associated with the license account
- Current government-issued photo ID
- Recent compliant personal photo in JPEG or PNG format
- Current employment information where requested
- Correct license number and portal account access
- Debit or credit card for online payment
If your account shows your name but no licensing details, KBC instructs users to take a screenshot and email the Board. The Board notes that technical responses can take up to 72 hours. Keep the status-change notice and payment receipt, but continue monitoring your email and public record for deficiency notices or final approval.
Kentucky Cosmetology Exams: PSI Changes for 2026
KBC uses PSI for examination scheduling. The Board says applicants must pass the theory examination before submitting the application and fee for practical-exam scheduling. Current candidate bulletins became effective March 19, 2026.
Practical exam location
Effective June 1, 2026, practical examinations are held at PSI’s testing center in Suite 120, 333 Waller Ave, Lexington, KY 40504.
Shampoo Styling exam hold
KBC says the Shampoo Styling examination is temporarily unavailable for scheduling through November 2026 while PSI updates the exam subject material.
The current examination fee shown by KBC is $85. Theory test dates and locations are available through PSI after registration. Applicants should use the current PSI test-taker guide for their exact credential rather than relying on an older school checklist.
Open current Kentucky exam instructionsMoving a Cosmetology License to Kentucky
Kentucky uses an out-of-state endorsement process. The Board reviews the applicant’s education, active license certification, examination history or qualifying experience, and supporting documents. Do not assume that an active license in another state automatically authorizes Kentucky practice.
Core Kentucky education benchmarks for an out-of-state review
| Field | Kentucky benchmark |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,500 hours + grade 12 equivalency |
| Esthetics | 750 hours + grade 12 equivalency |
| Nail Technology | 450 hours + grade 12 equivalency |
| Shampoo Styling | 300 hours + grade 12 equivalency |
| Instructor | One year of individual licensure + 750 hours + grade 12 equivalency |
Documents Kentucky may need
- Certification from every state where education or licensure was obtained
- Active certification sent directly from the issuing state agency to KBC
- Photo of the current active professional license
- Current government-issued photo ID
- Education-hour certification when transferring hours
- Exam scores when available and useful
- Work-history tax records when experience is being evaluated
- Required court or supervision records when a felony disclosure applies
KBC states that the application will not be processed until all required certifications arrive directly from the state agency. Additional education or examinations may still be required after the full application is reviewed. The endorsement fee is nonrefundable.
Read Kentucky out-of-state licensing instructionsKentucky Salon and Facility Licensing
A practitioner’s personal license does not replace the license required for a Kentucky salon or limited facility. For a new salon, the Board says the application, required documents and fees must be submitted before a regional inspector schedules the opening inspection.
KBC says the final inspection must be completed and the salon or limited-facility license must be issued before the business is advertised as licensed or opened to the public.
New salon preparation checklist
- Submit the salon application at least 5 business days before the requested opening date
- Complete the Plumbing Affidavit and required plumbing inspection
- List employees and booth renters with license numbers and license types
- Provide owner and manager government photo IDs
- Ensure the listed manager holds an active KBC professional license
- Provide proof of the applicable city/county business license
- Provide planning and zoning documentation where required
- Pass the KBC opening inspection before opening to the public
Ownership changes require a new salon application and new license. A location or suite move also requires a new salon application because the license is location-specific. KBC says a manager change must be completed within 10 days through the online account.
Open official Kentucky salon requirementsHow to File a Complaint With the Kentucky Board
The Board handles complaints alleging violations of Kentucky cosmetology laws and regulations, but it does not act as a civil court and cannot order compensation for private damages.
KBC states that it does not accept complaints by phone or email. A complaint must be submitted using the Board’s complaint process with valid contact information. Supporting photographs and documents are encouraged when they help explain the alleged violation.
Information submitted in a complaint may be shared with the person or business complained about and may be used for enforcement. The Board also warns that complaints can be subject to Kentucky Open Records requirements, although certain personal information is protected.
Open the official KBC complaint and contact pageKentucky Board of Cosmetology Contact Information
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology
Address:
1025 Capital Center Dr.
Suite 200
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: 502-564-4262
Email: kbc@ky.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Eastern, excluding recognized closures and holidays.
Send enough information to identify the problem
For technical or licensing questions, include your legal name, license number and a screenshot when it helps show the portal issue. KBC asks users not to send duplicate email and contact-form messages because they are monitored by the same staff.
If you submitted a license or examination item and have not received confirmation after 30 days, the Board instructs applicants to contact kbc@ky.gov for status help.
Kentucky Cosmetology License Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely issue | Practical next step |
|---|---|---|
| No license-search result | Too many search fields, spelling variation, wrong person/facility search or pending issuance | Use fewer fields, try the license number, use a wildcard for partial name information, then contact KBC if needed |
| License shows inactive after July 2026 | The required biennial renewal was not completed by July 31 | Log into the KBC portal, confirm status and use the restoration route the account provides |
| Portal shows your name but no license details | Account-to-license linking or system issue | Take a screenshot and email KBC with your identifying license information |
| Application gets a deficiency notice | Missing or unacceptable document, photo or response | Read the deficiency carefully and correct it within the Board’s stated deadline |
| Out-of-state application is stalled | Required state certification has not reached Kentucky | Ask the issuing state agency to send the certification directly to KBC and verify receipt |
| Salon wants to open before inspection | Application or inspection is still incomplete | Do not advertise as licensed or open until the inspection is complete and license is issued |
| Shampoo Styling exam cannot be scheduled | 2026 temporary PSI exam hold | Check the KBC exam page for the November 2026 scheduling update |
Official Kentucky Cosmetology Resources
Kentucky Board of Cosmetology FAQ
How do I verify a Kentucky cosmetology license?
Use the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology public verification database. Choose the person search for an individual practitioner and the facility search for a salon or other regulated establishment. Search by license number when available, or use limited name information and the state’s wildcard option if needed.
How often do Kentucky cosmetology licenses renew now?
Beginning in July 2026, Kentucky moved to biennial renewal in even-numbered years. The regular renewal window is July 1 through July 31 of the applicable renewal year.
What happens if I missed the July 31, 2026 renewal deadline?
The Board states that a license not renewed by the July 31 deadline becomes inactive and the applicable restoration fee must be paid. Check the status in your portal before choosing the next transaction.
How much is Kentucky cosmetology license renewal?
The current Board fee schedule lists a $100 biennial renewal fee for individual cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician and shampoo stylist licenses. An individual restoration fee is $50 in addition to past-due renewal fees when restoration applies.
How many hours are required for a Kentucky cosmetology license?
The Board currently lists 1,500 hours for cosmetology. Esthetics requires 750 hours, nail technology 450 hours and shampoo and style services 300 hours. First-time applicants must also meet the applicable education, age, examination and licensing requirements.
Where are Kentucky cosmetology practical exams held?
Effective June 1, 2026, the Board says practical exams are held at PSI’s testing center in Suite 120, 333 Waller Ave, Lexington, KY 40504. Always check the current PSI/KBC instructions before traveling.
Why can I not schedule the Kentucky Shampoo Styling exam?
KBC says the Shampoo Styling examination is on a temporary hold through November 2026 while PSI updates the exam subject material. Check the official exam page for the latest scheduling notice.
What is the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology phone number?
The Board’s current main phone number is 502-564-4262. The office is at 1025 Capital Center Dr., Suite 200, Frankfort, KY 40601. General licensing and technical questions can be emailed to kbc@ky.gov.
Can I file a complaint with the Kentucky Board by email?
No. KBC states that complaints are not accepted by phone or email. Use the Board’s formal complaint process and provide valid contact information plus supporting documentation when relevant.
Is board-of-cosmetology.org the Kentucky licensing agency?
No. Board-of-Cosmetology.org is an independent informational website. The Kentucky Board of Cosmetology, its official portal, laws, regulations and public license records control official licensing decisions and status.
Kentucky Cosmetology License Checklist
- Verify the exact credential or facility in the official Kentucky database
- Use the current fee schedule instead of an older annual-renewal amount
- Check whether your 2026 record is active, inactive or expired before paying
- For a first license, complete the correct hours and both required exams
- Use current PSI instructions before scheduling or traveling for an exam
- For out-of-state licensing, arrange direct state certifications before applying
- For a new salon, complete the application and inspection before opening
- Keep your KBC email, legal name, ID and recent photo information current
- Use the written complaint process rather than phone or email for complaints
- Confirm time-sensitive facts on the official KBC website before acting
Independent-site notice: Board-of-Cosmetology.org is not the Kentucky Board of Cosmetology or another Kentucky government agency. This page explains official processes in plain language. Government records, statutes, regulations, portal instructions and written Board decisions control eligibility, fees, deadlines and license status.