Texas Cosmetology Board 2026: License, Exam & Renewal

Texas TDLR guide • verified August 3, 2026 • independent website

Complete the Right Texas License Step Without Using Outdated Exam Advice

Verify a Texas cosmetology license, renew through TDLR, fix missing continuing-education records, respond to a 2026 lawful-presence request, understand expired-license fees, transfer an out-of-state credential or prepare for the PSI written and practical exams.

Texas does not operate a separate licensing agency officially named the “Texas State Board of Cosmetology.” Barbering and cosmetology licensing is administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Outdated practical-exam warning: search results still surface a 2016 Texas PSI bulletin with old model, kit, timing, location and fee information. Do not use an old PDF, copied quiz or social-media checklist. Open the current Cosmetology Operator Candidate Information Bulletin through TDLR immediately before scheduling and again before packing.

Texas License Task Helper

Choose your current goal. This helper directs you to the correct section but does not search government records or submit information.

Select a task to see the safest starting route.

Who Regulates Cosmetology in Texas?

TDLR’s Barbering and Cosmetology program manages individual licenses, student records, examinations, establishments, schools, inspections, complaints and enforcement. The Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board supplies technical and industry advice but is not a separate licensing portal.

Licensing authority

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

Use TDLR for applications, license records, renewals, laws, inspections and complaints.

Testing vendor

PSI

PSI sends examination eligibility and scheduling instructions after TDLR receives the required reported hours or applicant approval.

Industry advice

Advisory Board

The advisory board gives technical input to TDLR and the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation.

TDLR mission statement

“To earn the trust of Texans every day by providing innovative regulatory solutions for our licensees and those they serve.”

Texas Cosmetology Phone Number and Contact Routes

Calling from Texas

TDLR customer service

Phone: 800-803-9202

Use for general application, renewal, license, school, establishment and program questions.

Local or outside Texas

Austin customer service

Phone: 512-463-6599

Relay Texas TDD: 800-735-2989

Mailing address

Barbering and Cosmetology

TDLR
PO Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711

Main office: 920 Colorado Street, Austin, Texas 78701. Confirm that your task is available in person before traveling. Do not mail original identity or lawful-presence documents unless TDLR explicitly directs you to do so.

Prepare this information before contacting TDLR

  • Legal name exactly as it appears in the TDLR record.
  • License, student permit, application or candidate number.
  • Date the school, CE provider or applicant submitted information.
  • Exact portal, email or PSI error message.
  • Receipt or confirmation number without sending full card information.
  • The specific result you need from TDLR.
“My legal name is [name]. My license, application, student permit or candidate number is [number]. I completed or submitted [action] on [date]. The exact status or error says [message]. Please identify which requirement is incomplete and which official process I should use to correct it.”

Texas Cosmetology License Lookup

Use the official TDLR search before hiring, leasing a chair, booking a regulated service, enrolling in a school or relying on a printed certificate.

Choose the correct record type

Search the individual, establishment and school separately when all three are relevant.

Start with the license number

If you do not have it, search the exact legal name or registered business name with minimal extra fields.

Confirm the license category

Operator, Esthetician, Manicurist, Eyelash Extension Specialist and establishment licenses have different scopes.

Read the status and expiration

A license appearing in the database does not automatically mean it is active.

Save dated proof

Keep the record when employment, insurance, booth rental, a complaint or a consumer decision depends on it.

Record field What to verify Common mistake
Name Match the legal or TDLR-recognized name. Searching only a nickname, social-media name or former surname.
License type Confirm that it covers the service being advertised. Treating a student permit or establishment license as an Operator license.
Status Check whether the record is active, expired or restricted. Assuming a payment receipt proves active status.
Expiration Record the date and set an earlier renewal reminder. Checking only that a license number exists.
Establishment Match the licensed business name and physical location. Assuming one establishment license covers another suite or address.
No search result? Remove the city and address, check spelling, try the complete number, search a former legal name and confirm that Texas issued the credential. A recently submitted application is not an active license until the official record says so.

How to Get a Texas Cosmetology Operator License

Enroll in a licensed school

Complete a Texas-approved Cosmetology Operator course containing 1,000 hours. Students receive a student permit while training.

Reach written-exam eligibility

After 900 hours, the school reports eligibility. Allow approximately 24–48 hours for the record to generate with TDLR and reach PSI.

Pass the written examination

Wait for the PSI eligibility email, then use the current TDLR-selected Candidate Information Bulletin.

Complete all 1,000 hours

Practical eligibility requires the full course and a passed written examination.

Pass the practical examination

Use the current bulletin for kit, identification, timing, scheduling and examination procedures.

Submit the TDLR license application

After passing both examinations, complete the official application and pay the nonrefundable $50 practitioner application fee.

Verify the issued license

An applicant must be at least 17. Verify the active two-year license before working independently.

Criminal-history planning: reportable convictions are evaluated individually. A prospective student can request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter before investing in training when licensing eligibility is uncertain.

Texas Cosmetology License Types and School Hours

Texas credential Minimum course What to confirm
Cosmetology Operator 1,000 hours Broad operator scope; written and practical exams required.
Esthetician 750 hours Skin-service scope and separate examination route.
Manicurist 600 hours Nail-service scope and separate examinations.
Eyelash Extension Specialist 320 hours Specialty lash-extension authorization only.
Hair Weaving Specialist 300 hours Specialty hair-weaving scope.
Manicurist / Esthetician 800-hour combined route TDLR also publishes qualifying separate-program alternatives.
Class A Barber to Operator 300-hour crossover Requires an active qualifying barber license and required examinations.
Before paying for more than 1,000 Operator hours: additional coursework after the required 1,000-hour curriculum is voluntary. TDLR approves the required curriculum but does not evaluate or approve excess hours offered beyond it.

Texas Operator Exam Eligibility Checker

This planner follows the standard TDLR sequence. Final eligibility depends on the hours and examination records officially reported to TDLR and PSI.

Enter completed hours and written-exam status.

Texas Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams

TDLR authorizes eligibility and PSI administers the examinations. Use TDLR’s current Candidate Information Bulletin selector because question totals, fees, testing locations, identification policies and practical procedures can change.

Written eligibility

After 900 reported hours

Your school reports eligibility. Allow 24–48 hours for the information to generate and reach PSI.

Practical eligibility

After 1,000 hours and written pass

The full course must be reported and the written result must be in the official record.

License issuance

After both exams and application

Passing examinations alone does not issue the $50 TDLR practitioner license.

Languages currently listed for the Operator bulletin

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Korean
  • Simplified Chinese
  • Vietnamese

Which organization should you contact?

Problem Start with Information to prepare
Hours are missing Your school Student permit, reported-hours date and attendance record.
No eligibility after 24–48 hours TDLR education/exam support Student permit, school name, course and completed hours.
Scheduling or PSI-account error PSI Eligibility email, candidate number and exact error message.
Name differs from ID TDLR record update Legal name-change evidence and current identification.
Passed both but no license TDLR application status Score records, application receipt and payment confirmation.

Official Texas Exam Results Show Where Candidates Struggle

TDLR’s fiscal-year 2025 statistics show that the Operator written examination had a much lower pass rate than the practical examination. These statewide totals do not predict an individual result, but they show why theory preparation should not be treated as a minor step.

FY2025 Operator Written 49.05%

10,463 passed and 10,868 failed from 21,331 completed examinations.

2,155 no-shows were also reported.

FY2025 Operator Practical 89.10%

9,471 passed and 1,159 failed from 10,630 completed examinations.

1,281 no-shows were also reported.

What these figures suggest for your study plan

  • Begin theory review before reaching 900 hours rather than waiting for the eligibility email.
  • Use the current CIB content outline to divide study time by tested subject.
  • Study Texas laws, sanitation and scope separately from general textbook theory.
  • Review every missed practice question and explain why the other choices are wrong.
  • Protect the appointment by checking identification, travel and cancellation rules early.

What to Extract From the Current PSI Candidate Bulletin

Do not copy one number from a third-party practice page. Read the complete current bulletin selected through TDLR.

Bulletin detail Why it matters What to record
Exam content Shows the current subjects and weighting. Topics needing the most study time.
Passing score and question count Old sites publish conflicting figures. Current written and practical requirements.
Exam fee Vendor fees are separate from the TDLR license fee. Cost per attempt and payment rules.
Identification policy A name mismatch can prevent admission. Accepted IDs and exact name requirements.
Cancellation and rescheduling A missed deadline can forfeit the fee. Deadline, method and confirmation number.
Practical supply list Kit and labeling rules can change. Every required, prohibited and unlabeled item.
Accommodation process Approval normally needs to occur before scheduling. Forms, documentation and submission route.

Texas Cosmetology Practical Exam Preparation

Build the kit from the current bulletin

  • Match the exact Cosmetology Operator bulletin and language.
  • Separate supplies by examination section.
  • Follow current labeling and prohibited-label rules.
  • Separate clean, used and contaminated items.
  • Pack current blood-exposure and disposal supplies.
  • Run a complete timed setup-to-cleanup simulation.

Do not use these as the final authority

  • The 2016 PSI live-model bulletin still found in search results.
  • A marketplace kit advertised for every state.
  • A class video without a bulletin revision date.
  • A barber, manicurist or esthetician packing list.
  • Recalled instructions from another candidate.
  • A private page claiming to guarantee passing.

Micro-practice routine

Map the official section order

Practice in the sequence shown in the current bulletin rather than a general salon-service order.

Mark every sanitation transition

Identify when hands, tools, products, surfaces and waste can become contaminated.

Complete a silent timed simulation

Practice without coaching, pausing or searching for supplies.

Audit the kit after the simulation

Replace missing, leaking, expired, contaminated or incorrectly labeled supplies.

Texas Cosmetology License Renewal Online

A Cosmetology Operator license is generally valid for two years. Complete CE and resolve record problems before submitting the renewal.

On time

Current practitioner renewal

$50

Complete the required CE and submit through the official TDLR service.

90 days or less late

One-and-one-half fee

$75

An expired license does not authorize continued practice.

More than 90 days late

Two-times fee

$100

Additional approval applies when the lapse reaches 18 months.

Renewal workflow

Verify the expiration

Use the public TDLR record rather than relying only on an email reminder.

Complete approved CE

Finish the correct number of hours and keep the completion certificate.

Confirm that CE was reported

Allow the provider’s reporting period before treating a missing record as a TDLR portal problem.

Update identity and contact details

Resolve a legal-name, mailing-address, email or Social Security number issue before payment when possible.

Use the official renewal route

Select the correct license and status. Review the total before paying.

Save confirmation

Keep the receipt, transaction number and any lawful-presence or deficiency request.

Verify renewed status

Confirm the new expiration in the public lookup before relying on the renewal for work.

Do not work on an expired license. Renewal eligibility and legal authority to practice are different. A submitted application or receipt does not itself make the credential active.

Texas Cosmetology Continuing Education

Texas license history Total CE Required subjects
Held a Texas license under 15 years 4 hours 1 sanitation hour, 1 human-trafficking-awareness hour and 2 approved elective hours.
Held a Texas license for at least 15 years 2 hours 1 sanitation hour and 1 human-trafficking-awareness hour.

CE reporting timeline

Within 7 days

Provider reports completion

The approved provider must electronically report your course completion to TDLR.

Within 15 days

Provider issues certificate

Keep the certificate even after the electronic record appears.

Keep for 2 years

Retain your proof

Save the certificate for two years after completing the course.

Course missing from the TDLR record

  1. Confirm that the course and provider were TDLR-approved.
  2. Check whether seven days have passed since the course ended.
  3. Contact the provider with your legal name, license number and completion date.
  4. Request confirmation that the correct license number was reported.
  5. Keep the completion certificate and provider response.
  6. Contact TDLR if the provider does not correct the record.
CE limits: one approved CE hour equals 50 minutes of instruction, and the same course cannot be counted more than once for renewal credit.

2026 Lawful-Presence Request: What Texas Applicants Should Do

TDLR’s lawful-presence documentation process has operated since January 26, 2026, and the related rule took effect May 1, 2026. Selected initial and renewal applicants may be asked for documentation; not every applicant receives a request.

Do not send documents only because you read about the rule. For a renewal, wait until TDLR requests documentation. Initial applicants should follow the instructions attached to their application process. Sending unrequested or original documents can create confusion and originals will not be returned.

When TDLR requests documents

  • Read the request and note which form or document option applies.
  • Submit a clear, legible copy or electronic image.
  • Use unexpired documents unless the official list permits otherwise.
  • Complete the Social Security Number Status Certification when required.
  • Monitor email in case additional documentation is requested.

Do not submit

  • Original identity or immigration documents.
  • Blurry, cropped, password-protected or unreadable files.
  • A document not listed as acceptable by TDLR.
  • An expired document unless the official list specifically allows it.
  • Another person’s document or an altered image.

What happens if documentation is delayed?

Application type TDLR timing User action
New license application The application can remain open for up to one year. Submit requested documents before the application expires.
License renewal The current license still expires on its existing date if documents are not received. Respond before expiration to avoid a late-renewal situation.
No Social Security number or correction needed Additional certification and supporting documentation may be required. Use the official SSN-status form and acceptable-document list.
Citizenship is not the only qualifying status. TDLR’s official page explains that certain qualified aliens, nonimmigrants and people with other qualifying lawful-presence classifications may be eligible.

Renewal Blockers That Payment Alone Will Not Fix

Blocker What may be wrong Correct first action
Missing CE Provider did not report it or used the wrong license number. Contact the CE provider after the seven-day reporting period.
Lawful-presence request Required documentation remains incomplete. Use the upload or submission instructions in TDLR’s request.
Legal-name mismatch TDLR, PSI, ID and portal records use different names. Update the TDLR record and keep name-change evidence.
Child-support non-renewable status The Attorney General has not released the restriction. Resolve the matter with the Attorney General’s Child Support Division.
Expired over 18 months Executive-director approval is required. Use the expired-license application and approval form.
Expired over three years The license is no longer renewable. Review current initial-license requirements before paying.
Child-support notice deadline: a person seeking a formal hearing must follow the Attorney General notice and timing instructions. TDLR cannot renew until it receives release of the non-renewable status.

Texas Expired-License Route Checker

Choose the length of time since expiration. This shows the standard practitioner route and does not include another account restriction or unpaid penalty.

Select the time expired to see the standard route.

Texas Cosmetology Fees for 2026

Transaction Current amount Important detail
Operator initial application $50 Nonrefundable TDLR practitioner application fee; PSI examination fees are separate.
Operator on-time renewal $50 CE and other eligibility requirements still apply.
Expired 90 days or less $75 One-and-one-half times the normal practitioner renewal fee.
Expired over 90 days but under 18 months $100 Two times the normal renewal fee.
Expired 18 months but under 3 years $100 Executive-director approval and expired-license forms apply.
License by substantial equivalence $50 Verification, transcript or examination requirements can still apply.
Inactive to active status $25 Use the official license-status-change process.
Duplicate or revised license $25 Available for replacement or qualifying record changes.
Full-service establishment renewal $78 Separate from every practitioner’s personal license.
Specialty establishment renewal $78 Services must match the establishment authorization.
Mini-establishment renewal $70 Location and gallery records must remain correct.
School renewal $280 Schools use a separate education and examination process.
Additional law and rules book $14 A current book is supplied with a new license or renewal.
Certification to another state $15 Use when another licensing agency requires official Texas verification.
Student transcript $5 Different from the school’s own academic or financial records.
Exam charges are separate. Use the current PSI Candidate Information Bulletin for current written and practical exam fees. Do not use the $52 and $74 figures still shown in the 2016 bulletin.

Texas Cosmetology Reciprocity Is License by Equivalence

An out-of-state or foreign license does not automatically transfer. TDLR evaluates whether the other jurisdiction’s requirements and your licensing history are substantially equivalent.

Prepare these answers before using the route selector

  • Which state, territory or country issued the credential?
  • What exact license category do you hold?
  • Is the license active, inactive, expired, suspended or restricted?
  • Did you qualify through school, apprenticeship, experience or another license?
  • How long have you held the credential?
  • Can the issuing agency send official certification?
  • Do your school records need a Texas transcript evaluation?
  • Do military service-member, veteran or spouse provisions apply?
Official form or process When it is used Common mistake
Online equivalence route Identify requirements based on jurisdiction, status and license type. Assuming every state receives the same result.
BAC-LIC-003 License by reciprocity or substantial-equivalence application. Submitting only a wall-license copy when official certification is required.
BAC-LIC-018 Evaluation of training completed outside Texas. Treating school hours and state licensure as the same evidence.
BAC-LIC-016 Request Texas certification or transcript for another state. Using it to apply for the Texas license itself.
Do not work while the equivalence application is pending. Wait until the official Texas lookup shows the required license as active.

Texas Cosmetology Rules and Regulations

Program law

Occupations Code Chapter 1603

Covers licensing authority, practitioners, establishments, schools and enforcement.

Detailed program rules

16 TAC Chapter 83

Covers education, examinations, fees, sanitation, responsibilities and operations.

TDLR procedures

16 TAC Chapter 60

Includes agency procedures and expired-license fee calculations.

Current printed publication: TDLR identifies the 2025 Texas Barbers and Cosmetologists Laws and Rules Book as the current issue. Practitioners, establishments and schools must have access to the current book as required.
2026 rule review: TDLR began its required review of Chapter 83 in June 2026. A review does not automatically cancel the existing rules. Continue using the current published law and administrative code unless an amendment is formally adopted.

Texas Operator Scope and Medical-Spa Boundaries

A Cosmetology Operator may perform broad hair, nail, facial, temporary-hair-removal and related services, but the credential does not authorize every beauty or medical procedure.

Examples within Operator scope

  • Hair cutting, coloring, styling, waving and straightening.
  • Facial treatments that remain within cosmetology scope.
  • Nail and pedicure services.
  • Temporary hair removal permitted by law.
  • Eyelash-extension services.
  • Mustache or beard treatment and safety-razor shaving.

Not automatically authorized

  • Straight-razor shaving.
  • Botox, fillers or other injections.
  • Laser skin or hair-removal services without the required licensing.
  • Deep or medium peels that reach living dermal tissue.
  • Deep microdermabrasion that contacts or penetrates the dermis.
  • Another medical act solely because a physician is present.
Medical-spa facility rule: a business called a medical office, medspa or medispa still needs the appropriate TDLR establishment license when cosmetology or esthetic services are being offered by licensed practitioners.

Before Enrolling in a Texas Cosmetology School

A licensed school is still a major financial decision. Verify the school and obtain written answers before paying a deposit or signing a contract.

Request these disclosures in writing

  • Exact TDLR-approved program and required curriculum hours.
  • Tuition, registration, kit, books, uniform, supplies and testing costs.
  • Refund, withdrawal, termination and incomplete-grade policies.
  • Attendance rules and how clock or credit hours are calculated.
  • Transfer-hour policy and treatment of prior training.
  • Current job-placement and employment-rate information.
  • Who reports hours and examination eligibility to TDLR.
  • What happens if the school closes or the student transfers.

The required Operator curriculum

TDLR requires 1,000 Operator hours and approves the required curriculum.

Hours beyond 1,000

Additional hours are voluntary after the required curriculum. TDLR does not evaluate or approve those excess hours.

Do not rely on advertising language. Confirm the school’s current license, program and address in TDLR’s official search. A cosmetology school listing does not mean every advertised specialty or extra course is approved.

Texas Salon and Establishment License Help

The establishment and each practitioner need separate licenses. The business license is connected to a specific location.

Business change Required action What not to do
Ordinary renewal Renew the full-service, specialty or mini-establishment before expiration. Continue offering services after the business license expires.
Move to another address Apply for a new establishment license and wait for issuance. Transfer the old license or operate from the new address early.
Change of ownership The new owner must apply for a new license within the required period. Continue indefinitely under the former owner’s record.
Mini-establishment suite change in same gallery Submit the required written request and update the record. Assume every suite change is automatically updated.
Move to a different gallery or address Submit a new mini-establishment application. Treat it as only a suite-number edit.

On-time establishment renewal fees

Full service $78

Separate from every worker’s practitioner renewal.

Specialty $78

The authorized business scope must match the services offered.

Mini-establishment $70

Confirm both gallery and mini-establishment records when applicable.

Inspection-readiness checklist

  • Display the current establishment license and required notices.
  • Verify every employee, renter and independent contractor.
  • Keep the current laws and rules book accessible.
  • Maintain clean and used-linen storage separately.
  • Provide required running water, restroom and sanitation equipment.
  • Keep disinfectants, labels, Safety Data Sheets and waste containers ready.
  • Make the latest inspection report available as required.

Texas Cosmetology Complaints and Disciplinary Records

Use TDLR’s complaint process for alleged unlicensed practice, sanitation failures, expired practice, scope violations, school issues or establishment violations within TDLR’s jurisdiction.

Prepare a useful complaint file

  • Individual, school or establishment name and license number.
  • Dated license-search result.
  • Date, time, address and exact service or conduct.
  • Receipts, agreements, advertisements and messages.
  • Original photographs or videos with context.
  • A factual chronological statement and witness details.

Use another route for

  • PSI scheduling or candidate-account problems.
  • TDLR password or user-ID recovery.
  • A medical emergency.
  • A procedure regulated by another Texas agency.
  • A refund dispute with no alleged licensing violation.
  • An unsupported anonymous review.
Check formal records: use the TDLR administrative-order search rather than relying only on review websites, social-media posts or an unverified accusation.

Texas State Board of Cosmetology FAQs

What is the official Texas State Board of Cosmetology?

Texas cosmetology licensing is managed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation’s Barbering and Cosmetology program. Texas does not use a separate stand-alone cosmetology-board licensing portal.

What is the Texas cosmetology phone number?

Call TDLR at 800-803-9202 from within Texas or 512-463-6599. Relay Texas TDD is 800-735-2989.

How do I look up a Texas cosmetology license?

Use the official TDLR license search. Verify the legal name, credential category, status and expiration. Search the establishment or school separately when relevant.

How many hours are required for a Texas Operator license?

A Texas Cosmetology Operator course requires 1,000 hours at a licensed school. The school can report written-exam eligibility after 900 completed hours.

Does Texas require written and practical cosmetology exams?

Yes. Operator applicants must pass both. Practical eligibility normally requires all 1,000 hours and a passed written examination.

How many questions are on the Texas cosmetology examination?

Use the current Cosmetology Operator Candidate Information Bulletin selected through TDLR. Older and third-party pages publish conflicting counts, times, fees and practical requirements.

How much is Texas cosmetology license renewal?

The on-time practitioner renewal fee is $50. A license expired 90 days or less generally costs $75; more than 90 days but under three years generally costs $100, with executive-director approval required from 18 months to under three years.

How many CE hours are required?

Most covered licensees need four hours: one sanitation hour, one human-trafficking-awareness hour and two approved elective hours. A person who has held a Texas license for at least 15 years needs two hours covering sanitation and human trafficking awareness.

Does every 2026 renewal require lawful-presence documents?

No. TDLR states that selected applicants may be asked. Renewal applicants should not submit documents unless TDLR requests them. Never send original documents because they will not be returned.

How does Texas cosmetology reciprocity work?

Texas calls the process license by equivalence. TDLR evaluates the issuing jurisdiction, license type and status, training route and license history before identifying the required form, certification or transcript evaluation.

Final Texas License Checklist

  • Use TDLR rather than searching for a separate Texas cosmetology-board portal.
  • Verify individual, establishment and school records separately.
  • Complete the 1,000-hour Operator curriculum.
  • Confirm the school reported written eligibility after 900 hours.
  • Use the current TDLR-selected PSI Candidate Information Bulletin.
  • Pass the written exam before practical eligibility.
  • Complete all 1,000 hours before the practical exam.
  • Submit the $50 TDLR application after passing both exams.
  • Complete approved CE and confirm provider reporting before renewal.
  • Send lawful-presence documents only when instructed.
  • Use the correct 90-day, 18-month or three-year expired-license route.
  • Check scope before offering medical-spa or advanced services.
  • Do not pay for excess school hours without understanding that they are voluntary.
  • Apply for a new establishment license before moving to another address.
  • Verify active status before working or advertising regulated services.

Independent-site notice: board-of-cosmetology.org is not TDLR, PSI, the State of Texas or the Barbering and Cosmetology Advisory Board. Official records, current rules, Candidate Information Bulletins and TDLR decisions control.