South Carolina Cosmetology Board: Renewal, License Lookup & Licensing Help
Use this guide to verify a South Carolina cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, instructor, salon, booth renter or school; prepare for the March 10, 2027 individual-license renewal; check continuing education; apply by examination or endorsement; reinstate a lapsed credential; or file a licensing complaint.
What Does the SC Board of Cosmetology Do?
The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology is part of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. It regulates individual cosmetology credentials and also licenses salons, booth renters, schools and related establishments. The Board handles applications, examinations, license maintenance, continuing education oversight, complaints and disciplinary matters within its jurisdiction.
For a live status check, use SC LLR’s public license database. For renewal, reinstatement, address or email changes, document submission and formal verification requests, use the appropriate SC LLR E-Service or Board form.
SC LLR’s current cosmetology renewal page still shows the previous individual renewal period as closed rather than presenting an open 2027 renewal transaction. The official renewal-date schedule nevertheless lists March 10, 2027 as the next deadline for registered cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians and instructors. Prepare your CE and account access now, but do not file a reinstatement application merely because a 2027 renewal button is not yet visible.
Choose the Right South Carolina Licensing Task
SC LLR uses different systems for public verification, account transactions, applications and complaints. Starting in the wrong system can make a simple task look like an eligibility problem.
SC Board of Cosmetology Phone, Email and Address
803-896-4588
Use the Board number for licensing, renewal, continuing education, reinstatement, examination, endorsement, salon, booth-renter and Board-rule questions.
Call 803-896-4588BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov
When asking about your own license, include enough information to identify the record and explain the exact problem. Do not send account passwords or full Social Security numbers by ordinary email.
Email the BoardSC LLR
110 Centerview Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
Use the mailing destination printed on the specific form when mailing an application or document.
SC Cosmetology License Lookup
SC LLR maintains a public cosmetology search that is separate from the password-protected licensee account system. The public search can be used for cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians, instructors and other cosmetology records. LLR says the database is updated nightly.
| Search problem | Try this | Avoid this mistake |
|---|---|---|
| No matching person | Remove unnecessary fields and retry with the license number or legal last name. | Searching only a nickname, old surname or social-media name. |
| Too many results | Add a first-name initial, full first name or known license number. | Selecting a similar name without checking the credential type. |
| Business cannot be found | Check whether you need a salon, booth-renter or school record rather than the worker’s license. | Assuming an individual’s active license covers the workplace. |
| Another state needs proof | Request formal verification through the licensee account. | Sending a public-search screenshot when official board-to-board verification is required. |
SC LLR Public Lookup and E-Service Are Different
Use public lookup when
- You only need to check a license status.
- You are verifying a practitioner or establishment.
- You are a consumer, employer or salon owner checking a record.
- You do not need to change the record or submit a transaction.
Use E-Service when
- You need to renew during an open renewal period.
- You need to update contact information.
- You need to submit documents.
- You are requesting formal verification.
- You need to manage your own license record.
| Account problem | Possible reason | First step |
|---|---|---|
| Forgotten username | Older account or long period between transactions | Use SC LLR’s username-recovery option before creating another profile. |
| Password reset does not arrive | Old email address or filtering | Check spam and confirm the email associated with the account. |
| License does not appear in account | Profile-linking or identity mismatch | Verify the record publicly, then contact the Board before filing a new license application. |
| No renewal button | Renewal may not be open yet, the wrong record is selected, or the status needs attention | Check the Board’s live renewal page before choosing reinstatement. |
South Carolina Cosmetology Renewal for the 2027 Cycle
Individual cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician and instructor licenses renew on an odd-year cycle ending March 10. The current SC LLR renewal-date schedule lists the next individual deadline as March 10, 2027.
Every odd-numbered year
Individual cosmetology credentials use the Board’s biennial odd-year renewal cycle.
March 10, 2027
The Board’s published renewal-date schedule lists this as the next deadline for individual cosmetology credentials.
Check CE before renewal
The licensee is responsible for confirming that required continuing-education information is in order.
Prepare before the renewal portal opens
- Confirm the exact license number and credential type.
- Check the public record for current status.
- Complete Board-approved CE if you are required to do so.
- Verify that CE has been reported correctly.
- Recover E-Service username and password before the deadline.
- Make sure the Board has a usable email address.
- Review the live renewal page before paying anything.
- Check the public record again after processing.
As of September 28, 2026, the Board’s public renewal page still references the previous renewal period as closed. Prepare for the March 2027 cycle, but use your actual public license status and the Board’s current instructions to decide whether renewal, reinstatement or another transaction applies.
SC Cosmetology Continuing Education
South Carolina generally requires cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians to complete four contact hours of Board-approved continuing education during the licensing period when the CE rule applies. The approved subject areas include Board laws and regulations, client safety and infection-control topics such as sanitation and disinfection. Approved online courses may be used as well as qualifying in-person classes.
Instructors also complete four Board-approved hours, but their continuing education is geared toward teaching rather than ordinary practitioner CE.
Typical repeat renewal
Four Board-approved contact hours during the licensing period.
First SC renewal
The Board’s current CE guidance states that the four-hour requirement does not apply when it is the licensee’s first South Carolina renewal.
Instructor license
Four Board-approved hours focused on teaching requirements.
Age and long-service CE exemption
A licensee may qualify for a statutory CE exemption if the person has held a license for at least 15 consecutive years and is at least 60 years old, or has held continuous licensure for at least 30 years and is at least 50 years old, provided the person has not been disciplined by the Board. Do not assume the exemption applies automatically; use the Board’s exemption process.
South Carolina Cosmetology Fees
The current Board fee schedule separates examination applications, endorsement, renewal, reinstatement and establishment transactions. Examination candidates also pay the testing provider’s charge separately.
| Credential | Examination 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 |
| Establishment / service | Initial / request fee | Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Salon | $100 | $72 |
| Booth Renter | $100 | $72 |
| Cosmetology School | $300 | $122 |
| Duplicate License | $10 | Not applicable |
| Formal License Verification | $5 each | Not applicable |
| Licensee List Request | $10 per license type | Not applicable |
| Reactivation from inactive status | $100 | Not ordinary renewal |
The live SC LLR fee table currently renders the salon and booth-renter reinstatement amount incorrectly as “#122.” Because the displayed value is malformed, confirm the exact charge in the current application or directly with the Board before submitting payment.
Expired or Lapsed SC Cosmetology License
Renewal, reinstatement, reactivation and reexamination are different transactions. Start with the license’s actual public status and expiration date before selecting a form.
| Situation | Likely route | Key issue |
|---|---|---|
| Current license during open renewal | Ordinary renewal | Complete applicable CE and the renewal transaction before the deadline. |
| Individual license expired less than three years | Reinstatement | Use the current reinstatement application with required fee, CE and supporting documents. |
| Individual license expired three years or more | Reexamination | Theory and practical examinations may need to be passed again. |
| Inactive individual credential | Reactivation | Inactive status does not authorize regulated practice. |
| Lapsed salon | Salon reinstatement | A reinstated salon requires the Board’s establishment process and inspection. |
| Lapsed booth-renter license | Booth-renter reinstatement | Use the booth-renter process rather than an individual practitioner form. |
If an individual license expired March 10, 2025
The Board’s current CE page says a license with a March 10, 2025 expiration requires one four-hour Board-approved safety and sanitation course for reinstatement at this stage. If it remains unreinstated as of March 10, 2027, the Board’s current guidance increases the requirement to two four-hour courses. If it remains unreinstated as of March 10, 2028, the Board states that both NIC theory and practical examinations must be passed again.
- Verify the public license status first.
- Download the current reinstatement application.
- Complete the applicable Board-approved CE.
- Prepare the current passport-style photo where required.
- Include supporting identity or lawful-presence documents when requested.
- Pay the correct reinstatement fee.
- Keep document-submission confirmation.
- Wait for active status before returning to regulated practice.
South Carolina Initial Cosmetology License and Exams
South Carolina requires a current state license before a person performs regulated cosmetology or cosmetology-related services. Applicants qualifying by examination must satisfy the applicable education route and pass the required NIC examinations administered through the Board’s testing provider.
| Credential | Training benchmark | Examination | Passing score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Cosmetologist | 1,500 hours | NIC theory + practical | 75% |
| Esthetician | 450 hours | NIC theory + practical | 75% |
| Nail Technician | 300 hours | NIC theory + practical | 75% |
| Instructor | Applicable instructor education / experience route | Instructor examination | 80% |
Registered cosmetologist examination route
The Board’s current cosmetologist requirements include being at least 16 years old, having at least a tenth-grade education or accepted equivalent, completing the qualifying education or experience route, and passing the required NIC theory and practical examinations.
Transfer an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to South Carolina
South Carolina calls the out-of-state route licensure by endorsement. An applicant must hold an active license in good standing and qualify under one of the Board’s accepted routes.
Active license + NIC exams
An actively licensed applicant may qualify through acceptable NIC theory and practical examination history.
Two years active + SC CE
An applicant actively licensed for at least two years may qualify by completing four hours of South Carolina Board-approved continuing education when the endorsement rule applies.
Common endorsement documents
- Active out-of-state license in good standing.
- Official license verification sent from the licensing jurisdiction.
- NIC examination history when using the exam route.
- Evidence of qualifying active licensure when using the two-year route.
- Four hours of SC Board-approved CE when required.
- Lawful-presence and identification documents required by the application.
- Legal name-change documentation when records do not match.
- Applicable endorsement fee.
If the applicant does not satisfy an endorsement route, the Board may require licensure by examination instead. Do not assume another state’s active credential automatically grants South Carolina authority to practice.
Review official endorsement and CE rulesSouth Carolina Salon, Booth-Renter and School Licenses
Individual practitioner credentials and establishment credentials are separate. A current cosmetologist or esthetician license does not replace a required salon or booth-renter license.
The Board’s current application instructions state that a person or business planning to open a salon should apply at least 10 working days before the proposed opening date. New and reinstated salons require an inspection before regulated services may lawfully begin.
New salon preparation
- Submit the correct salon application and $100 initial fee.
- Complete the required self-inspection report.
- Provide federal tax-ID documentation when applicable.
- Provide South Carolina Secretary of State registration when applicable to the business structure.
- List the correct physical address and suite.
- Use a qualified current SC licensee as salon manager.
- Prepare the salon for Board inspection.
- Do not treat an old salon license as transferable to a new location.
Salon location and ownership changes
South Carolina salon licenses are tied to the licensed establishment. A move to another location or suite requires the applicable Board process rather than simply changing the address on the old license. Ownership and other material establishment changes may also require a new application.
Booth renter
A booth-renter license is separate from both the practitioner’s personal credential and the salon license. SC LLR’s current FAQ states that a booth-renter license cannot be transferred to a different salon; a new booth-renter application is needed for the new location.
The Board’s published renewal-date schedule lists June 30, 2026 as the renewal date for salon, booth-renter and school licenses in that cycle. Because that date has passed, anyone who did not complete the required establishment renewal should verify the live record and use the appropriate reinstatement route rather than assuming ordinary renewal is still available.
How to File a Cosmetology Complaint in South Carolina
SC LLR accepts complaints about licensed professionals and businesses and can also investigate allegations of unlicensed practice when the activity falls within its jurisdiction. The recommended option is the state’s online complaint system.
SC LLR’s complaint information also lists 803-896-4470 for complaint-form assistance.
Open SC LLR complaint filingSC Cosmetology Licensing Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible explanation | Best first action |
|---|---|---|
| No lookup result | Too many filters, wrong spelling, wrong credential type or record not yet issued | Search with fewer fields and verify the legal name or license number. |
| 2027 renewal button is missing | The individual renewal cycle may not yet be open | Check the official renewal page rather than filing reinstatement automatically. |
| CE is missing | Provider reporting issue, identity mismatch or course not approved for the purpose | Check the Board CE record and course provider details before renewal. |
| License expired March 10, 2025 | Ordinary renewal is no longer the correct transaction | Use the reinstatement process and current CE requirement. |
| Out-of-state endorsement stalls | Official verification or another required document may not have arrived | Confirm what the issuing state sent directly to SC LLR. |
| Salon license lapsed after June 2026 | Establishment renewal was not completed | Verify the establishment record and use the salon reinstatement process. |
| Formal verification needed by another state | Public lookup is not the same service | Order verification through the licensee account and pay the applicable fee. |
| Complaint concerns a refund only | LLR cannot award private monetary compensation | Use LLR for licensing violations and consider separate legal advice for private monetary claims. |
Official South Carolina Cosmetology Resources
Board home, notices, meetings, licensing, complaints and official navigation.
Public SC LLR license-status search.
Account transactions, license management and applicable online services.
Current renewal status and Board instructions.
CE rules, exemptions, approved courses and reinstatement guidance.
Current examination, endorsement, renewal and miscellaneous Board fees.
NIC examination requirements and testing-provider information.
Examination, endorsement, reinstatement, salon, booth-renter and school forms.
Official online complaint route and complaint instructions.
Internal help for searching and interpreting SC cosmetology records.
South Carolina Cosmetology Board FAQ
What is the SC Board of Cosmetology phone number?
The South Carolina Board of Cosmetology phone number is 803-896-4588. The Board email is BoardInfo@llr.sc.gov, and the SC 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 Licensee Lookup. Search with the license number when available or start with limited legal-name information. Check the license type and current status, and verify a salon, booth-renter or school separately when the establishment credential matters.
When is the next South Carolina cosmetology license renewal?
The Board’s current renewal-date schedule lists March 10, 2027 as the next renewal deadline for registered cosmetologists, estheticians, nail technicians and instructors.
Is the 2027 SC cosmetology renewal portal open?
As of September 28, 2026, the Board’s public cosmetology renewal page still shows the prior cycle as closed rather than displaying an open 2027 renewal transaction. Prepare CE and account access, then follow the official page when the new renewal action becomes available.
How many continuing education hours are required?
Most repeat-renewal cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians need four hours of Board-approved continuing education during the licensing period. Instructors need four Board-approved hours geared toward teaching. First-time SC renewal and statutory exemption rules can change whether CE is required.
Can South Carolina cosmetology CE be completed online?
Yes. The Board’s current guidance allows required CE through qualifying Board-approved in-person or online courses.
What is the South Carolina cosmetology renewal fee?
The current Board fee schedule lists $52 for registered cosmetologist, esthetician and nail-technician renewal, and $82 for instructor renewal.
What happens when an SC cosmetology license lapses?
The correct route depends on the credential, expiration date and current status. Individual licenses lapsed less than three years generally use the reinstatement process. After the applicable three-year point, the Board’s current rules and guidance require theory and practical examinations to be passed again.
How many hours are required for a South Carolina cosmetology license?
The standard registered-cosmetologist school route requires 1,500 hours. The current Board examination information lists 450 hours for esthetics and 300 hours for nail technology.
Can I transfer a booth-renter license to another salon?
No. The Board’s current FAQ states that the booth-renter license is not transferable. A licensee moving to another salon must apply for a new booth-renter license and follow the Board’s instructions for the prior credential.
Can SC LLR award me a refund through a complaint?
No. SC LLR can investigate licensing-law violations and take administrative enforcement action when appropriate, but it does not award private monetary restitution.
Is board-of-cosmetology.org the South Carolina licensing agency?
No. Board-of-Cosmetology.org is an independent informational website. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology and their official records control license status, eligibility and enforcement decisions.
South Carolina Cosmetology License Checklist
- Verify the exact practitioner or establishment record.
- Use public lookup for status and E-Service for account transactions.
- Prepare for the March 10, 2027 individual renewal deadline.
- Do not assume the 2027 renewal transaction is open before SC LLR activates it.
- Complete four Board-approved CE hours when the requirement applies.
- Check your CE status rather than relying only on a course receipt.
- Use reinstatement after a license lapses instead of ordinary renewal.
- Confirm salon and booth-renter credentials separately from the practitioner.
- Use formal verification when another state board requires official proof.
- Verify active status after licensing, reinstatement or renewal processing.
Independent-site notice: Board-of-Cosmetology.org is not affiliated with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or the South Carolina Board of Cosmetology. This page explains official processes in plain language. Current state records, statutes, regulations, Board instructions and written licensing decisions control.