Apply, Renew or Verify a Massachusetts Cosmetology License
Massachusetts cosmetology licenses are regulated by the Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering within the Division of Occupational Licensure. New applications, renewals, reinstatements and license management now use the eLIPSE licensing platform.
For the standard school route, a cosmetology applicant completes a 1,000-hour program at a licensed school, submits the application and current fee, receives Board approval and passes the required written theory examination administered by PSI.
Massachusetts Cosmetology License: Quick 2026 Answer
Complete a 1,000-hour cosmetology program at a Massachusetts licensed school, apply through the current eLIPSE licensing system, pay the $68 cosmetologist application fee, submit the required documents, wait for Board approval and then complete the written theory examination through PSI.
Who Issues Massachusetts Cosmetology Licenses?
The official regulator is the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering. The Board regulates cosmetology, barbering and electrology and issues licenses to qualified individuals, businesses and schools.
Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
The Board controls licensing standards, professional requirements and disciplinary matters.
Division of Occupational Licensure
DOL provides the licensing infrastructure, eLIPSE access and customer-support services used for current transactions.
PSI
PSI administers the licensing examination after the applicant receives the required examination approval.
eLIPSE vs. ePLACE: Use the Current Massachusetts System
Cosmetology and Barbering moved to Massachusetts’ newer eLIPSE licensing platform on August 3, 2026. Current applications, renewals and reinstatements should follow the live eLIPSE instructions.
eLIPSE
Use eLIPSE for current applications, renewals, reinstatements, document submission, payments and license management.
MyMassGov
Your MyMassGov account is used to access eLIPSE. Existing license holders should carefully link the correct license to their account.
ePLACE
Do not start a new cosmetology transaction in ePLACE merely because an older search result or bookmarked page still references that system.
How to Get a Massachusetts Cosmetology License
For a first-time cosmetologist using the standard Massachusetts school route, the process starts with Board-approved education and ends only after the required licensing steps are completed and the state issues the credential.
Complete 1,000 hours of training
Finish a 1,000-hour cosmetology course in a Massachusetts licensed school. Do not rely on hours from an unapproved program as if they automatically qualify.
Create or use your MyMassGov account
Access the current eLIPSE licensing system through MyMassGov and start the cosmetology application.
Submit the current application
Complete all required fields, upload supporting documentation and submit the current DOL CORI form when required by the eLIPSE workflow.
Pay the $68 application fee
The Board’s current first-time licensing information lists a $68 cosmetologist application fee. Application fees are non-refundable.
Wait for application review
Resolve any deficiency notice promptly. An incomplete application remains open for 180 days before it is treated as abandoned.
Receive PSI scheduling instructions
After the application is processed and examination eligibility is approved, PSI sends the information needed to schedule the exam.
Pass the written theory examination
Complete the required licensing examination under the current PSI candidate instructions.
Verify your issued state license
Do not treat school completion, application submission or passing the exam alone as an active professional license. Confirm the issued credential in the official Massachusetts record.
What to Prepare Before Applying
The exact eLIPSE checklist depends on the type of application and information entered. Preparing identity, education and disclosure documents before starting can reduce avoidable delays.
Education records
Have the records needed to show completion of the required Board-approved cosmetology training.
Identity information
Use your legal name consistently across school records, MyMassGov, eLIPSE and examination records.
DOL CORI documentation
Current eLIPSE application instructions state that required documents can include the DOL CORI form.
Application disclosures
If the application asks for an explanation or supporting record, submit the requested documentation rather than leaving the application incomplete.
Massachusetts Cosmetology Exam
The current first-time-license guidance says cosmetology applicants must pass a written theory examination. PSI administers the examination, but the applicant must first complete the state application and receive approval before scheduling.
Apply to Massachusetts
Complete the licensing application before attempting to schedule independently with the testing vendor.
Receive exam eligibility
After the Board processes the application, PSI sends scheduling information to the approved applicant.
Take the PSI theory exam
Follow the current PSI instructions for identification, scheduling and examination rules.
Massachusetts Cosmetology Credential Names
Massachusetts records may use credential terminology that differs from the everyday phrase “cosmetology license.” This matters when you search, renew or transfer a license.
| Credential | How it may appear | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Registered Cosmetologist / Type 1 | Use the exact credential shown in your current state record when renewing or requesting verification. |
| Operator | Registered Operator / Type 2 | Older and current records can distinguish an operator credential from a cosmetologist credential. |
| Manicurist | Separate professional license | The standard program is 100 hours, not the 1,000-hour cosmetology program. |
| Aesthetician | Separate professional license | The current standard program is 600 hours. |
| Instructor | Registered Instructor | Instructor licensing has separate qualification and application rules. |
Massachusetts Cosmetology License Lookup
Members of the public can use Massachusetts’ free Check a License service to verify whether a person or business holds a DOL license or permit. Cosmetology has moved to eLIPSE, so use the current DOL lookup route rather than an old ePLACE bookmark.
Open DOL Check a License
Use the Massachusetts government licensing page and select the current eLIPSE route for cosmetology.
Search the correct credential
Choose the individual or business record that matches what you are trying to verify.
Use the strongest identifying information
A license number is useful when available. Otherwise use the legal name and compare records carefully.
Confirm current license information
Match the profession, credential and status rather than relying on a matching name alone.
Renew a Massachusetts Cosmetology License
Massachusetts lists Registered Cosmetologist and Registered Operator licenses on a birthday-based, two-year renewal cycle. The current cosmetologist renewal fee is $68.
Frequency
Every 2 years.
Renewal date
Based on the license holder’s birthday.
Renewal fee
$68 for a cosmetologist.
Late fee
$57 in addition to the renewal fee when applicable.
Current renewal workflow
Check your expiration date
Use the current Massachusetts license record rather than assuming everyone renews on the same statewide date.
Access eLIPSE
Sign in using MyMassGov and make sure the correct existing license is linked to your account.
Complete the renewal
Review your information, answer required questions and provide any documents requested by the system.
Pay the current fee
The current published cosmetologist renewal fee is $68.
Keep the confirmation
Save your transaction record until the updated license information is visible in the state system.
Massachusetts Cosmetology Fees
Fees differ by transaction. Use the live state fee schedule before making a payment, particularly for late renewal, reinstatement, duplicate credentials and out-of-state applications.
| Transaction | Current published fee | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| First-time cosmetologist application | $68 | Non-refundable application fee. |
| Cosmetologist renewal | $68 | Birthday-based two-year cycle. |
| Late renewal | $57 extra | Added to the regular renewal fee when applicable. |
| Certified Statement of Registration | $15 | Used when formal license verification is required. |
| Duplicate license | $17 | Duplicate credential with or without an address change. |
| Duplicate license with name change | $27 | Legal name documentation is required for a name change. |
| Name or address change without duplicate | $0 | No duplicate credential requested. |
Reinstate a Lapsed Massachusetts Cosmetology License
A license that has been expired for more than three years enters a more demanding reinstatement route. Massachusetts states that a cosmetology, barbering or electrology license expired for more than three years may be reinstated only after the licensee passes the required examination, subject to specific exceptions.
Examination can be required
The current reinstatement guidance requires the applicant to obtain Board approval and complete the required examination before the lapsed license can be restored.
Two renewal fees + late fee
For licenses expired more than three years, Massachusetts says the reinstatement fee consists of two renewal fees plus the applicable late fee.
Documents listed for reinstatement
- A 2-inch by 2-inch photo.
- A driver’s license or other government-issued photo identification.
- A notarized Criminal Offender Record Information form.
- Other documentation requested in the current eLIPSE workflow.
Transfer an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Massachusetts
Massachusetts provides an out-of-state application route, but whether an applicant must take the examination depends on licensing history, examination history, training and other circumstances.
No examination required
The current out-of-state cosmetologist, aesthetician or manicurist application fee is $204 when the applicant qualifies for the no-examination route.
Examination required
The current application fee is $136 when the applicant must complete the Massachusetts examination route.
An exam may be required when:
- You do not hold a current license in another state or jurisdiction.
- You completed substantially equivalent schooling but do not hold a license in another jurisdiction.
- You have not previously passed a licensing examination in a U.S. jurisdiction.
- Your other license was suspended or revoked.
- Your cosmetology education is below Massachusetts’ 1,000-hour requirement.
- Your training was completed through an apprenticeship rather than a school.
Supporting documents required from another jurisdiction must follow the current Board instructions. Documents requiring translation must be translated by an accredited agency.
Massachusetts Cosmetology Salon License
A cosmetologist’s personal license does not replace the license required for a salon. Massachusetts separately licenses aesthetics, cosmetology and manicuring salons.
Application fee
The current cosmetology/aesthetics/manicuring salon application fee is $136.
Inspection
After application processing, the state contacts the applicant to arrange the final salon inspection.
New owner or address
A salon with a new owner or new address requires a new license application rather than renewal of the previous salon license.
When a salon has been renovated or its floor plan has changed, Massachusetts directs the operator to use the Salon Expansion application process.
Common Massachusetts Cosmetology License Problems
| Problem | Likely issue | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Old instructions say ePLACE | Cosmetology moved to eLIPSE in August 2026. | Use the current Mass.gov/eLIPSE route for a new transaction. |
| Existing license will not link | Name, account or existing-license data may not match. | Review the eLIPSE license-linking guide and contact DOL rather than opening duplicate accounts. |
| PSI will not allow scheduling | Board exam approval may not have been issued yet. | Confirm the state application has been processed and that PSI eligibility has been sent. |
| Application is missing documents | The file remains incomplete. | Supply requested records before the 180-day abandonment point. |
| License expired more than three years ago | Ordinary renewal is no longer the correct route. | Use the current reinstatement process and follow the examination instructions. |
| Salon moved to a new address | The existing shop license cannot simply be renewed for the new address. | Submit a new salon application. |
Massachusetts Cosmetology Board Contact Information
Board of Registration of Cosmetology and Barbering
Division of Occupational Licensure
One Federal Street, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02110-2012
Board phone: 617-701-8792
DOL Welcome Center
Massachusetts also publishes its Welcome Center for applicants who need help completing eLIPSE transactions.
Welcome Center: 617-701-8895
Published service hours for the Welcome Center are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Have this ready when you contact the Board
- Your full legal name.
- License or application number.
- Exact license type.
- Email address connected to MyMassGov/eLIPSE.
- Date you submitted the application, renewal or reinstatement.
- Payment or confirmation information.
- The exact wording of any eLIPSE error or deficiency notice.
Official Massachusetts Cosmetology Resources
Current Massachusetts licensing hub for new applicants, renewals and Board services.
Official Licensing HubCurrent training, application, fee and PSI examination instructions.
First-Time License HelpCurrent eLIPSE renewal instructions and credential cycles.
Renew a LicenseVerify a Massachusetts DOL professional or business credential.
License LookupOut-of-state and out-of-country cosmetology application guidance.
Transfer to MassachusettsRequirements for lapsed cosmetology, barbering and electrology credentials.
Reinstatement HelpMassachusetts Cosmetology License FAQs
How many hours do you need for a Massachusetts cosmetology license?
The standard Massachusetts cosmetology school route requires 1,000 hours in a licensed school.
How much is the Massachusetts cosmetology application fee?
The current first-time cosmetologist application fee published by Massachusetts is $68.
Does Massachusetts cosmetology use eLIPSE or ePLACE?
Cosmetology and Barbering moved to eLIPSE on August 3, 2026. New applications, renewals and reinstatements should follow the current eLIPSE instructions.
What exam is required for a new Massachusetts cosmetologist?
The current first-time licensing guidance requires a written theory examination administered by PSI after the applicant receives exam approval.
How often does a Massachusetts cosmetology license renew?
A Registered Cosmetologist license renews every two years on the license holder’s birthday-based renewal schedule.
How much does Massachusetts cosmetology renewal cost?
The current published Registered Cosmetologist renewal fee is $68. A $57 late-renewal fee is added when applicable.
How do I look up a Massachusetts cosmetology license?
Use the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure Check a License service and follow the eLIPSE lookup route for cosmetology.
What happens if my Massachusetts cosmetology application is incomplete?
The Board currently holds an incomplete application open for 180 days. If the missing requirements are not completed within that period, the application is treated as abandoned and a new application and payment are required.
What if my Massachusetts cosmetology license expired more than three years ago?
Use the lapsed-license reinstatement process. Massachusetts states that a license expired for more than three years generally requires examination before reinstatement, subject to specific exceptions.
What is the Massachusetts Cosmetology Board phone number?
The Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Services Administration publishes 617-701-8792 as its contact number.
Best Next Step
If you are applying for your first Massachusetts cosmetology license, confirm that your school is licensed, complete the required 1,000 hours and then begin the current application through eLIPSE. Do not schedule a PSI examination until the required eligibility process has been completed.
If you already hold a license, use the official state record to confirm the exact credential and expiration date before renewing, requesting verification or starting a reinstatement application.