Mississippi Cosmetology Board: Lookup, Renewal, Exams & Forms
Use this guide to reach the correct Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering action for license status, renewal, applications, examinations, reciprocity, continuing education, salon or school licensing, complaints and current 2026 rule changes.
Board-of-Cosmetology.org is an independent information site. The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering (MSBCB) and MS.gov control official licensing decisions, payments, permits, examinations and enforcement.
Find the Correct Mississippi License Action
Start with the task you actually need to complete. Mississippi now regulates cosmetology and barbering through one Board, so older pages or forms that refer only to the former cosmetology board can be misleading.
Mississippi Board Task Helper
Choose your goal. This helper only routes you to the right section; it does not access Board records or submit an application.
Mississippi Cosmetology License Lookup and Verification
As of September 28, 2026, the MSBCB website does not present a clearly labeled public practitioner or establishment license-search database in its main navigation. The page labeled “Search” is a website search/contact function, not a public credential database.
For an ordinary status check, contact MSBCB with the person’s full legal name, registration number if known, license type and associated establishment or city. Ask the Board to confirm the credential’s current status and whether any additional written verification is needed.
Confirm the person and credential
Use the legal name and exact license category. Cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and nail technology are different regulated scopes.
Ask about current status
Confirm whether the license is active, inactive, delinquent, expired, suspended or subject to another restriction before allowing regulated work.
Request licensure certification
For another licensing board, employer or credentialing body, MSBCB offers formal licensure certification for a current $35 fee.
Information to gather before contacting MSBCB
- Full legal name rather than a nickname or social-media name.
- Mississippi registration or license number if available.
- Credential type: cosmetologist, barber, esthetician, nail technician or instructor.
- Salon, barber shop, school or city connected with the record when relevant.
- Whether you need only a status check or formal written certification.
Mississippi State Board Phone Number, Website and Addresses
Official Board contact
Agency: Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering
Website: msbcb.ms.gov
Phone: 601-359-1820
Email: info@msbcb.ms.gov
Physical and mailing addresses
Physical office:
239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 301
Jackson, MS 39201
Mailing address:
PO Box 55689
Jackson, MS 39296-5689
Mississippi License Renewal, Online Login and Expired-License Help
The official MS.gov portal is labeled the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Practitioner Licensing System. Its sign-in asks for the practitioner’s last name, last four digits of the Social Security number and registration number.
Online practitioner renewal steps
Instructor, establishment, school, inactive-status and certain long-expired-license actions use separate forms or Board review.
Enter the last name, last four SSN digits and registration number exactly as held by MSBCB.
Check the credential category, contact information, employment/establishment information and any delinquent status before payment.
Keep the confirmation page, receipt, transaction reference and any updated Board correspondence.
A payment receipt alone does not resolve a name mismatch, disciplinary hold, missing document or special expired-license requirement.
Current renewal situations
| Situation | Current guidance | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| Current practitioner | Biennial renewal; current practitioner license/renewal fee is $50. | Use the official practitioner renewal system when eligible. |
| Current instructor | Current instructor license/renewal fee is $80; CE proof is required. | Use the official instructor renewal materials. |
| Expired 60 days to 3 years | A delinquent renewal fee applies in addition to renewal fees. | Confirm every amount owed with MSBCB before paying. |
| Expired 3+ years | The general rule requires examination unless a special exception applies. | Ask MSBCB whether the 2026 long-term-license route applies. |
| Age 70+ | An active, good-standing licensee aged 70 or older pays no renewal fee. | Still submit the biennial renewal form; late fees can still apply. |
Mississippi Cosmetology Rules: Important 2026 Changes
Mississippi’s licensing framework changed substantially in 2026. The Board now regulates cosmetology and barbering together, and current Board notices, statutes, temporary rules and forms should take priority over older school handouts or archived advice.
Master license discontinued
MSBCB’s April 2026 legislative update states that Mississippi no longer offers a Master License.
License display changed
The Board’s 2026 update says practitioner, establishment and school licenses do not have to remain displayed, but the license must be producible on request.
Initial practitioner fee waiver
Mississippi law provides a first-license fee waiver for qualifying applicants who document participation in Medicaid, SNAP, TANF or WIC. This concerns the initial practitioner license fee; other costs or requirements may still apply.
Two one-time CE courses
All licensees must complete human-trafficking and domestic-violence education before July 1, 2029 and provide proof with renewal. Current rules describe these as one-time courses, not a requirement every renewal cycle.
Mississippi License Paths and Minimum Training Hours
Current MSBCB rules list school and apprenticeship routes for the main practitioner credentials. Course grades and examination requirements are separate from simply completing the required hours.
| Credential | Licensed-school route | Apprenticeship route | Minimum course grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours | 70 |
| Barber | 1,500 hours | 3,000 hours | 70 |
| Nail technician | 350 hours | 700 hours | 70 |
| Esthetician | 600 hours | 1,200 hours | 70 |
| Instructor | 600 instructor-training hours | Not listed as an instructor apprenticeship route in the current rule | 80 |
| Cosmetologist → barber crossover | 600 barber-course hours | Use Board instructions | 70 |
| Barber → cosmetologist crossover | 600 cosmetology-course hours | Use Board instructions | 70 |
Practitioner exam applicants: current rules generally require the applicant to be at least 16 years old and to have completed at least the 10th grade. Instructor applicants must be at least 21, have a high-school diploma/GED or equivalent, complete 600 instructor hours and hold an active Mississippi practitioner license in good standing.
Mississippi Continuing Education Requirements
12 hours each renewal cycle
MSBCB’s 2026 legislative update says instructor licensees must obtain 12 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle.
Two courses before July 1, 2029
Human-trafficking and domestic-violence courses are required before July 1, 2029, with proof provided to the Board at renewal.
Use Board-approved CE
Check the Board’s approved-provider and approved-event pages rather than assuming a beauty show or online class automatically qualifies.
Because the instructor-hour requirement changed in 2026, do not rely on older rules that still show a 24-hour instructor requirement. Use the current Board notice, renewal form and CE resources for the renewal cycle you are filing.
Mississippi Cosmetology and Barbering Fees
These amounts are listed on the current MSBCB fee page. Credit-card processing charges may be added to the payor’s total.
| Board action | Current fee | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Practitioner license or renewal | $50 | Does not include delinquent penalties or processing charges when applicable. |
| Instructor license or renewal | $80 | CE proof is required for renewal. |
| Reciprocity or UROLA application | $55 | Application requirements differ by route. |
| Practitioner/instructor delinquent penalty | $50 | Added when the renewal is delinquent under applicable rules. |
| Salon/barber shop application + initial inspection | $85 | Separate from individual practitioner licensing. |
| Salon/barber shop reinspection | $35 | Applies when another inspection is required. |
| Salon/barber shop renewal | $60 | Establishment renewal is separate from worker licenses. |
| Salon/barber shop delinquent penalty | $50 | Added when applicable. |
| School application + initial inspection | $300 | Schools have separate licensing and reporting requirements. |
| School reinspection | $100 | Separate from initial application. |
| School relocation | $150 | Relocation is not ordinary renewal. |
| School renewal | $75 | A $100 delinquent penalty may apply. |
| Duplicate license | $10 | Use the official duplicate-license request. |
| Demonstrator permit | $10 | Limited permit; not a general practitioner license. |
| Affidavit processing | $15 | Use only when the Board process requires it. |
| Licensure certification | $35 | For formal verification sent to another entity. |
Mississippi Cosmetology and Barbering Examination
The Board’s current examination page provides written/theory study aids, exam locations, a Law & Sanitation handbook, accommodation forms and retake resources. Candidates should follow the approval letter issued for their exact application rather than relying on an older school checklist.
70 scaled score
The current rule requires at least a 70 scaled score for practitioner licensure approval.
75 scaled score
The current rule requires at least a 75 scaled score for instructor licensure approval.
Board approval first
Do not schedule before MSBCB has received the complete application and provided scheduling approval.
Board-first exam process
Use the practitioner, instructor, reciprocity, UROLA or other route that matches your situation.
Incomplete examination applications may be destroyed after 90 days, so send missing documents promptly.
MS.gov instructs students to schedule only after receiving the Board approval letter. UROLA applicants follow the permit instructions supplied by the Board.
A student who does not bring the approval letter can be turned away and lose exam fees. UROLA applicants must bring the required valid temporary work permit when instructed.
Reciprocity, UROLA, Military and Student Routes
| Route | Who it helps | Current key point |
|---|---|---|
| Reciprocity | Licensees from another state with comparable credentials. | MSBCB reviews education, license standing and examination history; an exam can still apply depending on the route. |
| UROLA | Qualifying out-of-state licensees establishing Mississippi residency. | Current rules provide a 365-day temporary practice permit and require the Mississippi Law & Sanitation exam within one year of approval. |
| Military | Qualifying active military members, spouses or dependents located in Mississippi. | Current rules provide a 120-day temporary practice permit and require the Board to issue or deny within the 120-day application period. |
| Student permit | Applicants who have completed the required course and are awaiting licensure steps. | Use only within the permit’s specific supervision and duration rules. |
Reciprocity preparation checklist
- Identify the Mississippi credential matching your actual out-of-state scope.
- Request license verification from every jurisdiction where required.
- Prepare education, training-hour and examination records requested by MSBCB.
- Check whether the current reciprocity or UROLA route is the better legal path for your residency and license history.
- Do not begin practice until the Mississippi license or valid temporary permit authorizes it.
Mississippi Salon, Barber Shop and School Licensing
An individual practitioner license does not automatically license a salon, barber shop, school or other regulated establishment. Establishments and schools use their own applications, inspections, renewals and fees.
Before signing a lease
Check Board facility requirements and local zoning before committing to a space. Do not assume a location is licensable just because another beauty business operated there previously.
Before inspection
Use the current Board equipment and sanitation materials. Prepare the exact regulated setup rather than a generic salon checklist from another state.
Before opening
Confirm the establishment approval and make sure each worker holds the correct current individual license or permit for the services being offered.
How to File a Complaint With MSBCB
The Board accepts complaints alleging violations by a licensee. The current complaint form asks for the complainant’s contact information, the licensee being complained about, witness information and a complete description of events with dates. Supporting documents may be attached, but the form tells complainants to retain the originals.
Identify the person or licensee involved and provide accurate contact and license information where known.
Attach copies of relevant documents that support the allegations and keep the original records.
Current Board rules require complaints to be signed and notarized.
Current rules allow submission by email, hand delivery or mail to the Board’s address of record.
Official Mississippi Board Action Links
Applications & renewals
Practitioner, instructor, reciprocity, permit, establishment and school forms.
Update contact information
Use the Board form to submit current address, phone, email and employment details.
Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology FAQs
Does Mississippi have an online cosmetology license lookup?
As of September 28, 2026, the MSBCB website does not show a clearly labeled public practitioner or establishment credential database in its main navigation. Contact the Board for a status check or use the formal certification process when written verification is required.
What is the Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology phone number?
The Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering phone number is 601-359-1820.
What is the official Mississippi cosmetology board website?
The official site is msbcb.ms.gov.
What does the Mississippi online practitioner renewal login require?
The official MS.gov sign-in asks for the practitioner’s last name, last four digits of the Social Security number and registration number.
Can every Mississippi license be renewed online?
No. The online system is specifically the practitioner licensing system. Instructor, establishment, school, inactive-status and certain expired-license actions use separate forms or Board review.
How much is a Mississippi practitioner renewal?
The current Board fee page lists $50 for a practitioner license or renewal. Delinquent penalties and credit-card processing fees can apply separately.
Can a long-expired Mississippi cosmetology license be renewed without retesting in 2026?
Possibly. Through December 31, 2026, MSBCB has a special route for certain people who held the license at least 10 years and whose license expired between April 2016 and April 2026. Contact the Board to confirm individual eligibility and the full amount owed.
How many CE hours do Mississippi instructors need?
MSBCB’s 2026 update says instructor licensees must obtain 12 hours of continuing education each renewal cycle. All licensees also must complete one human-trafficking course and one domestic-violence course before July 1, 2029.
Where is the Mississippi State Board office?
The physical office is 239 N. Lamar Street, Suite 301, Jackson, MS 39201. The mailing address is PO Box 55689, Jackson, MS 39296-5689.
What is the current Mississippi mobile salon rule status?
MSBCB currently has proposed temporary Chapter 13 rules for mobile salons and barber shops open for public comment, with comments due by October 12, 2026. Check the current rules page before taking action because the final requirements may change.
Official Sources Used for This Update
Final Mississippi License Checklist
- Identify the exact credential or establishment type before choosing a form.
- Use MSBCB directly for license status when a public credential-search tool is not available.
- Use the MS.gov practitioner portal only for an eligible practitioner renewal.
- Check the December 31, 2026 special expired-license route before it closes.
- Use current examination instructions and your Board approval letter instead of an old practical-kit checklist.
- Complete required CE and keep proof.
- Review current rules before opening a salon, barber shop, school or mobile establishment.
- Save copies of applications, receipts, approvals and Board correspondence.
- Do not perform regulated work until the license or permit legally authorizes it.
Independent-site notice: board-of-cosmetology.org is not affiliated with MSBCB or the Mississippi government. Official Board records, rules, notices and decisions control.