South Carolina Cosmetology Board 2026: Renewal & Lookup

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South Carolina license help • verified August 2, 2026

Complete the Right SC LLR License Task

Use this guide to search a cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, instructor, salon, booth renter or school; prepare for the 2027 renewal; verify continuing education; fix an LLR account; reinstate an expired license; or understand examination and endorsement requirements.

Board-of-Cosmetology.org is an independent informational website, not the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Complete legal status checks, applications, payments and document submissions only through SC LLR and official state sources.

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Current 2026 Status: Prepare Now, Renew When SC LLR Opens It

South Carolina cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians and instructors renew biennially in odd-numbered years, ending March 10 at 11:59 p.m. Based on that cycle, the next regular deadline is March 10, 2027. Most repeat renewers need four hours of Board-approved continuing education.

As of August 2, 2026, SC LLR’s public cosmetology renewal page still shows the prior 2025 cycle as closed and does not present an open 2027 renewal transaction. A missing renewal button therefore does not automatically mean the license is lapsed or that a reinstatement application should be filed.

Safest 2026 preparation order: verify the license → recover the LLR account → confirm the email on file → complete approved CE if required → check reported CE hours → wait for the official 2027 renewal opening → renew and verify the updated public record.

South Carolina License Path Helper

This static helper does not search LLR records or submit applications. It points to the correct official workflow.

Select a task to see the safest starting route.

SC Board of Cosmetology Phone, Email and Address

Licensing phone

803-896-4588

Use this number for licensing, renewal, CE, reinstatement, endorsement, applications, salons, booth renters, schools, complaints and Board-rule questions.

Board email

BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov

Include the legal name, license type, license number, exact status, error message and action you need. Never email a password or full Social Security number.

Physical office

SC LLR

110 Centerview Drive
Columbia, SC 29210

Use the mailing address printed on the current form or instructions when sending documents.

Lookup mailing address: the public cosmetology lookup also displays PO Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211-1329 and fax 803-896-4484. Use the destination stated on the exact form or Board instruction rather than choosing an address from a generic directory.

Phone script

“My legal name is [name]. My South Carolina license type is [type] and number is [number]. The public status says [status]. I completed [renewal/CE/application/upload] on [date], and my confirmation or exact error is [number/message]. Please tell me the next required action or missing document.”

SC Cosmetology License Lookup: Search With Fewer Fields

The public SC LLR cosmetology search is maintained by LLR staff and is updated nightly. Not every field is required, and overfilling the form can hide the correct record.

Open the official cosmetology lookup

Use SC LLR’s public Licensee Lookup. No private licensee login is required for an ordinary status search.

Start with the license number or last name

When searching by name, enter the legal last name and only the first initial when necessary. The official search specifically says complete names are not required.

Open the correct credential type

Distinguish cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, instructor, salon, booth renter and school records.

Check status and expiration

Confirm the legal name, license number, credential category, current status and expiration information before relying on the record.

Search the business separately

A practitioner’s active license does not prove the salon, suite, booth-renter arrangement or school has a current license.

Save dated evidence

Print or save the result when employment, booth rental, school enrollment, a consumer decision or a complaint depends on the status.

Search problem Try this first Avoid this mistake
No person found Remove city and other filters; try last name plus first initial or the complete license number. Searching only a nickname, married name or social-media name.
Too many results Add a first-name initial or license number. Selecting a similar name without comparing the license type.
Salon not found Search the licensed business name and exact suite/location. Assuming the stylist’s personal record covers the business.
Another state needs proof Order official verification through the licensee portal. Sending a public-search screenshot when formal verification is required.
Public lookup versus official verification: public lookup is free status checking. A verification sent directly to another licensing board is a separate service currently listed at $5.
Open Direct Cosmetology Lookup

SC LLR Login: Public Lookup and E-Service Are Different

Use public lookup when

  • You only need to check whether a license is active.
  • You are checking a practitioner, salon, booth or school.
  • You do not need to change or submit anything.
  • You are a client, employer, landlord or consumer.

Use E-Service when

  • You need to renew during an open renewal period.
  • You need to update an address or email.
  • You need to submit documents or a reinstatement form.
  • You need formal verification or another account service.
Login issue Likely cause Best first action
Username forgotten Old account or a long period between transactions. Use the Retrieve Username tutorial before registering again.
Reset email missing Old email, spam filtering or incorrect username. Check spam and contact the Board when the email on file is no longer accessible.
License absent from account Duplicate profile, mismatched identity or record-linking issue. Verify the license publicly, then contact the Board before filing a new application.
Renewal button absent Renewal is not open, wrong record selected, CE problem or lapsed status. Check the official renewal page and exact public status.
Upload not visible Submission was not finalized or wrong service was selected. Keep the confirmation and check application status before uploading a duplicate.
Open SC LLR E-Service Open Account Help

SC Cosmetology License Renewal for the 2027 Cycle

Do not wait for the final day to solve CE reporting, forgotten login, name mismatches or payment problems. Prepare each part before SC LLR opens the online renewal.

Verify the exact record

Check credential type, license number, legal name, public status and expiration information.

Confirm whether CE applies

Most repeat renewers need four approved hours. First-renewal and approved age/experience exemptions can change that requirement.

Complete approved CE early

Use a provider approved for the relevant licensing period. Keep the certificate and correct any name or license-number mismatch.

Check reported CE hours

The licensee—not the course provider—is responsible for checking CE status before renewal.

Recover E-Service access

Make sure the username, password and email work before the renewal period becomes busy.

Renew only after the official action opens

Select the correct credential and review legal name, address, email, CE responses and fee before payment.

Save confirmation and verify status

Keep the receipt and confirmation, then check the nightly-updated public lookup for the renewed status.

A receipt is not enough: do not rely on a payment receipt when the public record still shows expired, lapsed, inactive, suspended or otherwise unauthorized.
Check Official Renewal Page Open Renewal Login

SC LLR Cosmetology Continuing Education

Practitioner renewal

Four approved contact hours

Cosmetologists, nail technicians and estheticians generally need four hours covering Board laws and regulations, client safety and/or infection control, including sanitation and disinfection.

Instructor renewal

Four teaching-focused hours

Instructor CE must be Board-approved and geared toward teaching. Do not assume an ordinary practitioner course satisfies the instructor requirement.

What “Board-approved” means

Official requirement Plain-English meaning Licensee action
Approved program Only programs accepted by the Board count for renewal. Confirm the course appears on the current approved list before paying.
In person or online The four-hour requirement may be completed through an approved in-person or online class. Choose the correct practitioner or instructor category.
Generic education The course cannot function mainly as product promotion or sales. Avoid classes whose main purpose is selling products or equipment.
Full contact time Breaks and lunch do not count, and early dismissal is not allowed except for emergencies. Complete the full monitored instructional period.
Four-year retention Licensees must keep proof of CE for four years and may be audited. Save digital and printed copies of every certificate.

First-renewal and age/experience exemptions

Possible exemption Basic requirement Important limitation
First licensing period CE is not required during the first licensing period. Renewal application and payment still apply.
15 consecutive years and age 60+ The licensee may qualify under Section 40-13-250. Submit the exemption form and wait for Board approval.
30 continuous years, age 50+ and no discipline All stated conditions must be satisfied. The licensee is not exempt until Board staff approves it.
  • Verify provider approval for the correct licensing period.
  • Use the correct practitioner or instructor course.
  • Enter the legal name and license number accurately.
  • Keep the certificate for at least four years.
  • Check the online CE record before renewal.
  • Contact the provider when completion is missing.
Replacement certificate: SC LLR directs licensees needing a replacement USC CE certificate to the University of South Carolina Continuing Education Programs or 803-777-9440.
Open Official CE Information

South Carolina Cosmetology Fees

Credential Exam application Endorsement Renewal Reinstatement
Registered Cosmetologist $45 $60 $52 $152
Esthetician $45 $60 $52 $152
Nail Technician $45 $60 $52 $152
Instructor $45 $80 $82 $182
Salon $100 Not applicable $72 Confirm with Board; fee page currently renders “#122”
Booth Renter $100 Not applicable $72 Confirm with Board; fee page currently renders “#122”
School $300 Not applicable $122 $172
Duplicate license

$10

Ordinary duplicate issuance is limited and may be reviewed.

Verification

$5 each

Used when another state board needs formal verification.

Reactivation

$100

Reactivation from inactive status differs from reinstatement.

Inactive status

$0

Inactive status does not authorize regulated practice.

Fee-page display issue: SC LLR’s current table displays “#122” for salon and booth-renter reinstatement. It likely represents an amount, but the page is malformed. Confirm the exact charge with the Board or live transaction before submitting payment.
Separate testing cost: candidates who require examinations pay Prov’s testing charge separately from the Board application fee.
Check Current Fee Schedule

Expired or Lapsed License: Reinstatement Timeline

Ordinary renewal, reinstatement, reactivation and reexamination are different actions. Start with the exact status and expiration date in the public lookup.

Situation Likely route Main requirement
Current and renewal is open Ordinary renewal Applicable CE, renewal answers and fee.
Expired three years or less Reinstatement Reinstatement fee and proof of required CE.
Expired more than three years Reexamination Retake and pass theory and practical examinations.
Inactive status Reactivation Reactivation application, fee and applicable CE.
Salon, booth renter or school lapsed Business-specific reinstatement Use the correct establishment form; new and reinstated salons require inspection.

Current Board timeline for a March 10, 2025 expiration

Before March 10, 2027

One four-hour course

The current CE page states that a license expired March 10, 2025 requires one four-hour safety and sanitation course for reinstatement.

After March 10, 2027

Two four-hour courses

If still not reinstated, the Board page states that two approved four-hour safety and sanitation courses are required.

After March 10, 2028

Theory and practical exams

The current CE page says both NIC portions must be passed again, consistent with the three-year rule in Chapter 35.

  • Use the current reinstatement application.
  • Pay the correct reinstatement fee.
  • Attach the required CE certificate or certificates.
  • Include a current passport-style photo where requested.
  • Include lawful-presence and identity documents if requested.
  • Save document-submission confirmation.
  • Wait for active status before resuming practice.
Stale-page warning: the general applications page still contains older wording saying retesting applied after March 10, 2026. The current CE page says March 10, 2028 for a license expired March 10, 2025, and Chapter 35 uses a three-year rule. Follow the current CE page and confirm the exact requirement with the Board before paying or testing.
Open Reinstatement Forms

SC Cosmetology Rules and Regulations PDF: What Each Section Does

South Carolina cosmetology law is split between Title 40, Chapter 13 and the 23-page Chapter 35 regulations PDF. The Legislature states that its regulations are current through State Register Volume 50, Issue 3, effective March 27, 2026.

Section Main subject Useful user question
35-1 and 35-2 School applications, space and equipment What does a new cosmetology, nail or esthetics school need?
35-3 Minimum curricula How are the 1,500, 300 and 450 training hours divided?
35-4 Instructor qualifications Do I need two years of practice or a 750-hour instructor program?
35-5 Exams and reexams What happens if I fail or wait more than 24 months?
35-13 Endorsement Can an active out-of-state license qualify without retesting?
35-15 and 35-16 Salon applications, inspections and equipment How early must I apply and what must the salon contain?
35-20 Sanitation and safety How must tools, wax, linens and pedicure tubs be handled?
35-23 and 35-24 CE, expired licenses and provider rules How many hours count, how long must proof be retained and when is retesting required?
35-26 Master Hair Care Specialist crossover How can an SC barbering professional qualify for crossover cosmetology?
Download Chapter 35 PDF Read Title 40, Chapter 13 Open Board Laws and Policies

Chapter 35 Salon Sanitation and Inspection Checklist

Regulation 35-20 makes the salon or school holder, person in charge and individual practitioners responsible for sanitation. These are practical rules to check before an inspection or each client.

Before every client

  • Clean hands with soap and water or effective sanitizer.
  • Use properly disinfected nonporous implements.
  • Discard porous single-use supplies after use.
  • Store clean implements in a dry covered container.
  • Place used items in a closed, labeled soiled receptacle.

Disinfectant rules

  • Use an EPA-registered hospital-level product with the required bactericidal, fungicidal, pseudomonacidal and virucidal claims.
  • Follow the label concentration and contact time.
  • Alcohol alone is not an acceptable disinfecting agent.
  • Change solution daily or sooner when cloudy or contaminated.
  • Use a container large enough for complete immersion.

High-risk inspection areas

Area Required practice Common failure
Waxing Use a single-use spatula without re-dipping either end. Double-dipping or leaving debris in the wax.
Pedicure tubs Drain, clean, rinse and disinfect after each client; perform the additional end-of-day process. Skipping removable parts, brush cleaning or contact time.
Electrical tools Remove debris, disinfect with an approved product and store cleanly. Wiping without observing the product contact time.
Towel warmers Disinfect daily and remove unused steamed towels at day’s end. Reusing towels prepared on a previous day.
Creams and cosmetics Keep products in clean labeled containers and remove portions with single-use tools. Contaminating the main container.
License display Display applicable licenses, sanitary rules and salon/school rating in public view. Keeping credentials out of sight or at another location.
Inspection access: Board representatives must be allowed access while cosmetology or related services or instruction are taking place. Refusing or interfering with an inspection can support disciplinary action.

South Carolina Initial License and NIC Examination Requirements

Credential Minimum training Exam requirement Passing score
Cosmetologist 1,500 hours NIC theory and practical 75%
Esthetician 450 hours NIC theory and practical 75%
Nail Technician 300 hours NIC theory and practical 75%
Instructor Qualifying experience or 750-hour instructor route plus approved teaching methods Instructor examination 80%

Basic applicant requirements

  • Be at least 16 years old.
  • Possess at least a tenth-grade education or accepted equivalency.
  • Complete the approved training route.
  • Apply to the Board and become exam eligible.
  • Pay the Board application and separate Prov examination fees.
  • Pass the required theory and practical portions.

The 24-month examination rule

After completing the required hours, the examination must ordinarily be attempted within 24 months or the hours become invalid. SC LLR’s current exam guidance states that a student who attempted theory or practical within that 24-month period may continue testing afterward. A person who made no attempt within the period cannot use those hours for testing.

After an unsuccessful attempt

  • Confirm the application still shows active and exam eligible.
  • Submit the Repeat Examination Request through Document Submission.
  • Pay the $45 repeat-exam application fee.
  • Do not use the repeat request when the initial application is expired or the license is lapsed.
  • Wait for the eligibility notice before scheduling with Prov.
Open Official Exam Information Check Application Status

Transfer an Out-of-State License by Endorsement

An applicant must hold an active license in good standing and satisfy one of South Carolina’s recognized examination or experience routes.

Route one

NIC theory and practical passed

Hold an active out-of-state license in good standing and provide qualifying NIC examination history.

Route two

Two years active plus four SC CE hours

Hold an active license for at least two years and complete four hours of South Carolina Board-approved CE in the required topics.

Endorsement document checklist

  • Active out-of-state license in good standing.
  • Official verification sent by the issuing board.
  • NIC theory and practical history when using the exam route.
  • Proof of two years of active practice when using experience.
  • SC-approved four-hour CE certificate when required.
  • Lawful-presence affidavit and supporting identity documents.
  • Notarized signature and passport-style photo form.
  • Legal name-change proof when records do not match.
Use examination instead when: the out-of-state license is inactive, the applicant lacks the qualifying NIC examination record, or fewer than two years of active licensure are available for the experience route.

Master Hair Care Specialist to Cosmetologist Crossover

Regulation 35-26 provides a crossover route for a person currently licensed by the South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners as a Master Hair Care Specialist.

Master Hair Care experience Additional approved cosmetology school Other requirements
Five years No additional amount listed in 35-26 Application, fee, current SC license, theory and practical requirements.
Four years 100 hours Current license plus required examinations.
Three years 200 hours Current license plus required examinations.
Less than three years 350 hours Current license plus required examinations.
A barber or Master Hair Care Specialist may perform only the services authorized by that credential while working in a cosmetology salon. Working in the salon does not automatically convert the license into a cosmetology credential.

SC Salon and Booth-Renter Licensing

New salon

Apply before opening

Regulation 35-15 says a salon application should be filed at least ten working days before the anticipated opening date.

Location change

File a new application

A salon license is valid only for the named location and is not transferable. Chapter 35 calls for a location-change application and fee before the proposed opening.

Booth renter

Separate record

The booth-renter license is separate from the practitioner and salon licenses and is not transferable to a different salon.

New-salon preparation

  • Complete the salon application.
  • Pay the $100 initial application fee.
  • Complete the self-inspection report.
  • Provide federal tax ID evidence where applicable.
  • Provide SC Secretary of State registration where the business type requires it.
  • Designate an appropriately licensed South Carolina salon manager.
  • Identify every suite or separate location accurately.
  • Do not begin operating without the required authorization.

Required basic salon equipment and access

Requirement Practical check
Hospital-level disinfectant container Large enough to immerse implements and used according to the EPA-registered product label.
Sharps container Properly located and disposed of under local biohazard rules.
Hot and cold running water Direct access is required.
Restroom facilities Direct access and sanitary condition.
Linen and waste storage Closed clean-linen cabinet, separate soiled-linen storage and covered trash containers.
Fire extinguisher and first-aid kit Present, accessible and maintained.
Temporary permit: when the application is approved but an inspection cannot be completed before the projected opening, Chapter 35 allows the Board to issue a temporary permit for up to 90 days. A possible extension of no more than 30 additional days is discretionary, not automatic.

Name, Address, Email and Duplicate-License Requests

Address or email update

  • Use E-Service for address changes.
  • Use E-Service to add or update an email.
  • Use Document Submission when the Board requires a signed form.
  • Save the confirmation after every update.

Legal name change

  • Complete the current name-change form.
  • Pay the applicable fee.
  • Include a copy of the driver’s license.
  • Include a marriage license, divorce decree or other legal proof.
  • Include a 2×2 passport-style photo where requested.

Duplicate-license policy effective May 5, 2025

Request What the Board says it will issue
Initial license or renewal One wall certificate and one pocket card.
First duplicate One wall certificate; no additional pocket card.
Second or later duplicate Reason and documentation may be reviewed, and the applicant may be required to appear before the Board.
Duplicate caused by legal name change Not counted as an ordinary duplicate when proper name-change documentation is supplied.

SC Barber Board Phone Number

The South Carolina Board of Barber Examiners is legally separate from the State Board of Cosmetology, although LLR currently lists the same main phone number and email for both.

Barber Examiners phone

803-896-4588

State clearly that the question concerns a barber, Master Hair Care Specialist, apprentice, barbershop or barber school.

Shared contact email

BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov

Include the exact Barber Examiners credential so the message is routed correctly.

Open SC Barber Examiners

Prepare an SC Cosmetology Complaint Before Filing

Verify the individual and business records first, then organize facts and evidence so the complaint identifies who, what, when and where.

Collect useful evidence

  • Legal or business name and license-search result.
  • Date, time and exact location.
  • Chronological description of what happened.
  • Receipts, photographs, messages and advertisements.
  • Names of witnesses.
  • Copies rather than irreplaceable originals.

Avoid weak complaint submissions

  • Using only opinions without dates or identifying facts.
  • Editing screenshots so context is removed.
  • Using a complaint to solve a password problem.
  • Assuming the Board can decide every private refund or contract dispute.
Open Board Complaint Options

South Carolina Licensing Mistakes to Avoid

Using lookup as renewal

The public search displays records but submits no transaction.

Filing reinstatement too early

A missing 2027 renewal button may simply mean the renewal has not opened.

Buying unapproved CE

A generic beauty course does not count unless approved for the applicable SC licensing period.

Discarding CE proof

Regulation 35-24 requires retention for four years.

Working from a receipt

Payment does not override an expired, inactive or restricted public status.

Renewing only the worker

Personal, salon, booth-renter and school records are separate.

Trusting stale reinstatement text

Use the current CE page, Chapter 35 and Board confirmation when official pages conflict.

Starting duplicate accounts

Recover the existing E-Service profile or contact the Board first.

Using barber rules for cosmetology

The boards share contact details but regulate different licenses.

Official South Carolina Action Links

Use this article to understand the process. Use the official pages below for live status, account access, payments, forms and final legal decisions.

Board home

Licensing, applications, news, meetings, complaints and official Board information.

Open SC Board

License lookup

Search a practitioner, salon, booth renter, school or other LLR record.

Open Lookup

Manage license

Access renewal, address/email changes, verification and document submission.

Open E-Service

Continuing education

Check approved providers, CE requirements, exemptions and reinstatement courses.

Open CE Page

Applications and forms

Examination, endorsement, reinstatement, salon, booth and school forms.

Open Forms

Chapter 35 PDF

Read the official regulations for curricula, CE, salons, sanitation and expired licenses.

Download Regulations

Helpful guides on this website

For the broader state application, examination and transfer process, read the U.S. cosmetology license guide . For help separating barbering and cosmetology agency names, use the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology guide .

South Carolina Cosmetology Board FAQs

What is the SC Board of Cosmetology phone number?

Call 803-896-4588. The Board email is BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov, and the physical LLR office is at 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210.

How do I perform an SC cosmetology license lookup?

Use SC LLR’s public cosmetology lookup. Start with the license number or legal last name, avoid filling every field, open the correct credential type and search the salon or school separately from the practitioner.

When is South Carolina cosmetology renewal due?

Individual cosmetology licenses renew in odd-numbered years and the regular deadline is March 10 at 11:59 p.m. The next regular cycle is expected to end March 10, 2027, but the online renewal must first be opened by SC LLR.

Is the 2027 South Carolina renewal portal open?

As of August 2, 2026, the public cosmetology renewal page still shows the previous cycle as closed and does not display an open 2027 renewal transaction. Prepare CE and account access, then monitor the official page.

How many continuing education hours are required?

Most repeat-renewal cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians need four hours of Board-approved CE. Instructors need four approved hours geared toward teaching.

Can South Carolina cosmetology CE be completed online?

Yes. Chapter 35 permits the four-hour requirement through a Board-approved in-person or online course. Keep proof for four years.

What is the SC cosmetology renewal fee?

The current renewal fee is $52 for a registered cosmetologist, esthetician or nail technician. Instructor renewal is $82. Salon and booth-renter renewal is $72, and school renewal is $122.

What happens when an SC cosmetology license expires?

A license expired three years or less may generally be reinstated with the fee and required CE proof. After three years, Chapter 35 requires theory and practical examinations to be retaken and passed.

Where is the SC cosmetology rules PDF?

The official document is South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 35. Title 40, Chapter 13 contains the related statutes.

What is the SC Barber Board phone number?

SC LLR lists 803-896-4588 for the Board of Barber Examiners. The Barber Examiners and Cosmetology boards are separate, so identify the exact barber credential when calling.

Final South Carolina License Checklist

  • Verify the exact practitioner or business record.
  • Use public lookup for status and E-Service for transactions.
  • Track the expected March 10, 2027 deadline.
  • Wait for SC LLR to open the 2027 renewal action.
  • Complete four approved CE hours when required.
  • Keep CE evidence for at least four years.
  • Use the correct personal, salon, booth or school fee.
  • Use reinstatement rather than renewal after expiration.
  • Follow Chapter 35 when older LLR text conflicts.
  • Verify active status after submission or payment.

Independent-site notice: Board-of-Cosmetology.org is not affiliated with SC LLR, the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology, the Board of Barber Examiners, the University of South Carolina, NIC or Prov. Official government records, regulations and Board decisions control.