Apply, Renew or Verify a Washington Cosmetology License
Use this guide to check a practitioner or salon license, choose the correct hair or beauty credential, complete approved training, prepare for Prov examinations, renew through SAW or transfer an out-of-state license.
The Washington State Department of Licensing controls applications, status, fees and renewals. This independent page explains the process, but DOL, Washington law and the current examination provider make final licensing decisions.
Washington License Route Finder
Choose the situation that applies. This helper does not access a government record, collect personal information or submit an application.
Washington Cosmetology Licensing Agency and Contact Help
Washington licenses are administered by the Department of Licensing Cosmetology Program. The advisory board provides industry recommendations but is not the application or renewal portal.
| Contact route | Official information | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing agency | Washington State Department of Licensing Cosmetology Program | Applications, renewals, reciprocity, license status and business licenses. |
| Licensing phone | 360-664-6626 | Individual and salon license questions. |
| Licensing email | DOLCosmo@dol.wa.gov | Written licensing, renewal and record questions. |
| Education phone | 360-664-6651 | Schools, apprenticeship and training-hour issues. |
| Education email | csap@dol.wa.gov | Curriculum and education-program questions. |
| TTY | 711 | Washington Relay assistance. |
| Call-center hours | Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Planning live telephone assistance. |
| Forms with payment | Cosmetology Program, Department of Licensing, PO Box 3856, Seattle, WA 98124-3856 | Use when the current form directs the applicant to mail payment and documents. |
Washington Cosmetology License Lookup
Use DOL’s public lookup before booking a service, hiring a worker, accepting renewal proof, renting a chair or filing a complaint.
Open the official DOL lookup
A social-media profile, photograph of a wall license or private directory may be outdated.
Choose the person or business record
Search a practitioner by legal name or license number. Search the salon, shop or mobile operation separately.
Start with one reliable field
Use the license number when available. Otherwise, begin with the legal surname and add location details only when needed.
Open the complete record
Confirm the name, license category, status, issue information, expiration and any disciplinary information shown.
Compare the license with the service
A Hair Designer, Cosmetologist, Manicurist and Esthetician license each has a different legal scope.
Save a dated result
Keep a screenshot or printout when employment, booth rental, insurance or customer safety depends on the record.
No-result troubleshooting
- Search the legal surname rather than a nickname or social-media name.
- Try a former surname after marriage, divorce or another legal change.
- Remove city, ZIP code and unnecessary filters.
- Ask for the exact Washington license number.
- Search Hair Designer and Cosmetologist separately.
- Search the practitioner and salon as separate records.
- Confirm that exam completion has actually become an issued license.
Which Washington Hair or Beauty License Do You Need?
“Hair license” is not one official Washington credential. Choose the license according to the services being performed.
| License type | School minimum | Main scope | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 1,600 hours | Broad hair services plus limited natural-nail and esthetic services defined by Washington law. | Does not include applying or removing sculptured or other artificial nails. |
| Hair Designer | 1,400 hours | Cutting, styling, shampooing, waving, relaxing, straightening, coloring and facial-hair design. | Does not create a general nail or esthetics license. |
| Barber | 1,000 hours | Cutting, arranging, curling, shampooing, shaving and beard or mustache design. | A barber is not automatically licensed as a cosmetologist. |
| Manicurist | 600 hours | Natural and artificial nail services within the manicuring definition. | Does not authorize hair or skin services outside that scope. |
| Esthetician | 750 hours | Skin care, superficial peels, hair removal and covered brow or lash services. | Does not include laser use or injections. |
| Master Esthetician | 450 additional or 1,200 combined | Advanced esthetics and specified medical devices under applicable supervision and delegation laws. | The 450 hours are an advanced addition, not a complete first-license esthetics program by themselves. |
Washington Cosmetology License Requirements
At least 17
The individual applicant must meet Washington’s minimum age requirement.
1,600 school hours
The licensed school may require more than the state minimum.
Written and practical
Both current state-approved NIC examinations must be passed.
$35 license fee
The DOL fee is separate from school tuition and Prov examination charges.
First-license sequence
Confirm the program is approved
Verify the school or apprenticeship before paying tuition or counting hours.
Complete the required curriculum
Use the 1,600-hour school route or an approved apprenticeship route.
Become eligible to test
Students and apprentices may become eligible when they are within 100 hours of completing the required instruction.
Pass the written and practical exams
Use Prov for current Washington examinations and retakes.
Finish every required hour
Testing near completion does not remove the obligation to complete the full program.
Submit the DOL application
The general application cannot be processed until all hours and both examinations are complete.
Wait for issuance before working
Paid cosmetology work may begin after the appropriate license is issued and posted as required.
Washington Cosmetology Apprenticeship Route
An approved registered apprenticeship is an alternative to traditional school. Informal salon employment does not automatically count.
| Apprenticeship | On-the-job training | Related instruction | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 3,000 hours | 244 hours | Approved salon and direct journey-level supervision. |
| Hair Design | 2,000 hours | 144 hours | Approved registered program. |
| Barber | 2,000 hours | 144 hours | Approved registered program. |
| Esthetics | 2,000 hours | 144 hours | Approved registered program. |
| Manicuring | 2,000 hours | 144 hours | Approved registered program. |
Protect your apprenticeship hours
- Confirm the program appears in Washington Labor & Industries records.
- Confirm the salon is approved as a training location or training agent.
- Do not count hours earned before required approvals are complete.
- Know who records on-the-job and related-instruction hours.
- Keep copies of monthly reports, leave notices and completion records.
- Confirm exam eligibility with the program before scheduling.
Washington’s 2026 Textured-Hair Training Requirements
The statutory training requirement took effect March 1, 2026. DOL adopted related curriculum-rule updates on July 2, 2026 for cosmetology, barbering, esthetics and hair-design education.
Cutting and styling
Programs must address techniques appropriate for textured hair.
Treatment and safety
Training includes chemical treatment of textured hair within the applicable license scope.
Tools, products and scalp health
Programs must cover suitable tools, products and best practices for hair and scalp care.
Culture and history
Curriculum includes cultural competency and historical education about textured hair.
Washington Cosmetology Application Form Explained
Form BC-638-040 combines general applications, renewals, canceled-license reinstatement and reciprocity. Select only the route and licenses that apply.
Application type and fee choices
- General application: $35 per license after completing all required hours and both exams.
- Renewal: $66 per Washington license or $131 when late.
- Canceled-license reinstatement: reapplication plus written and practical examinations.
- Reciprocity: $60 per license with current-license and examination proof.
- Online self-printing: $0.
- DOL printing and mailing: $5 per requested copy.
What to enter
- Select each requested license type.
- Select general application, renewal, reinstatement or reciprocity.
- Enter the name as it should appear on the license.
- Enter the complete legal first, middle and last name.
- Provide the date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format.
- Provide the mailing address, email and 10-digit telephone number.
- Enter a current or previous Washington license number when applicable.
- Enter the out-of-jurisdiction license number for reciprocity.
- Identify applicable military-member or military-spouse status.
- Attach explanations for required “Yes” legal-background answers.
- Sign the declaration under penalty of perjury.
SSN, ITIN or TIN rule
Legal-background questions
License or permit action
Disclose covered professional or occupational licensing actions from the previous five years and attach a detailed explanation.
Gross misdemeanor or felony
Disclose a covered default, conviction or no-contest plea from the previous five years. The form excludes traffic convictions from this question.
Washington Cosmetology Written and Practical Exams
Prov administers Washington’s current NIC examinations. Exam fees are paid to Prov and are separate from the DOL licensing fee.
$169
The fee applies to each scheduled written attempt.
$119
The fee applies to each scheduled practical attempt.
75%
Washington lists 75% for the current NIC written and practical exams.
Another day
A failed section may be rescheduled for another day with a new exam fee.
2026 vendor-change checklist
- Create a new Prov login for examinations scheduled through the current vendor.
- Use the old Prometric account only to view previous Prometric results.
- Schedule a failed retake through Prov rather than the former vendor.
- Confirm that the school or apprenticeship reported eligibility.
- Select the exact examination for the license being pursued.
- Make the legal name match identification and education records.
- Save all score reports and payment confirmations.
Washington Cosmetology License Fees
| License or transaction | Initial | Reciprocity | Renewal | Late renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | $35 | $60 | $66 | $131 |
| Hair Designer | $35 | $60 | $66 | $131 |
| Barber | $35 | $60 | $66 | $131 |
| Manicurist | $35 | $60 | $66 | $131 |
| Esthetician | $35 | $60 | $66 | $131 |
| Master Esthetician | $35 | $60 | $66 | $131 |
| Instructor | $35 | $60 | $66 | $131 |
| Salon/shop, mobile unit or personal service | $121 | Not applicable | $121 | $181 |
| Cosmetology school | $330 | Not applicable | $330 | $523 |
Payment and printing rules
- Online licensing payments accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
- Gift cards are not accepted for the online license payment.
- DOL does not accept payments by telephone.
- Mailed checks or money orders must be payable to the Department of Licensing.
- Prov examination fees are paid separately.
- Self-printing an available license online is free.
- DOL printing and mailing a license costs $5 per copy.
Renew a Washington Cosmetology License Online
Every two years
Use the exact expiration date in DOL records.
Up to 120 days
Begin before expiration to reduce payment and processing risk.
$66
Applies to the listed individual cosmetology-related licenses.
$131
Applies while the license remains eligible for late renewal.
Online renewal steps
Check the license record
Copy the exact license number, category, status and expiration.
Update contact information first
Correct the name, mailing address, email or telephone details before renewal when needed.
Sign in through SecureAccess Washington
Use an existing SAW account when you already conduct online business with another participating Washington agency.
Open Professional and Business Licensing
Add the service, complete multifactor authentication and link the existing license.
Select the exact license
Do not confuse an individual Cosmetologist license with Hair Designer, Instructor or salon renewal.
Answer the background questions
Upload supporting records when a “Yes” response requires documentation.
Pay and save confirmation
Keep the receipt, transaction number and confirmation email.
Print and verify
Self-print the license when available and check that the public record shows the updated expiration.
SAW Login, License Linking and Payment Troubleshooting
SecureAccess Washington is the sign-in layer. The professional-license transaction happens inside the Professional and Business Licensing service.
| Problem | Likely cause | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Unsure whether a SAW account already exists | You previously used License Express, Revenue, Labor & Industries or Employment Security. | Try account recovery before creating a duplicate account. |
| Professional license does not appear | Professional and Business Licensing was not added or the license was not linked. | Add the service, complete MFA and use the existing-license linking option. |
| Payment window does not open | Browser pop-ups or redirects are blocked. | Use Chrome and allow pop-ups for the official DOL portal. |
| Verification code is missing | Email delay, spam filtering or outdated SAW contact information. | Check spam, verify the email account and request another code only when necessary. |
| License name differs from SAW name | Legal-name change or an older licensing record. | Update the DOL record and retain proof of the legal name change. |
| Renewal is complete but status is unchanged | Processing, document review or public-record update delay. | Save proof, recheck the lookup and contact the Cosmetology Program when unresolved. |
First-time portal setup
- Use Chrome and allow required pop-ups.
- Create or recover the SAW login.
- Add the Professional and Business Licensing service.
- Enroll in multifactor authentication.
- Link the existing professional or business license.
- Confirm that the correct credential appears before paying.
- Do not create multiple applications to fix a linking problem.
Expired, Canceled or Inactive Washington Licenses
| License condition | What it means | Required route | May the person work? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | The license is within its current term. | Renew up to 120 days before expiration. | Yes, when otherwise unrestricted and the service is within scope. |
| Expired under one year | The license may remain eligible for the late-renewal or reinstatement transaction. | Complete the official late process and pay the displayed fee. | No, until the license returns to active status. |
| Expired over one year | DOL cancels the license. | Reapply and pass the written and practical examinations. | No, until a new license is issued. |
| Inactive by request | A current license was placed into the separate inactive status process. | Use the inactive-license request or extension instructions. | Inactive status is not active authority to practise. |
Canceled-license checklist
- Use the combined application and select canceled-license reinstatement.
- Provide a copy of the prior Washington license or renewal notice.
- Wait for DOL’s examination-scheduling instructions.
- Create or use the current Prov account.
- Pass the required written and practical examinations.
- Pay the current testing and licensing charges.
- Verify issuance before returning to paid work.
Transfer an Out-of-State Cosmetology License to Washington
Washington calls the route reciprocity. It is not automatic permission to work while DOL reviews the application.
At least 17
The normal individual age requirement applies.
Active and in good standing
Provide proof from the licensing jurisdiction.
$60 per license
Prov charges are separate when Washington testing is required.
Reciprocity document checklist
- Complete the combined application.
- Select the precise Washington license requested.
- Provide a copy of the current valid out-of-state license.
- Request verification that the license is in good standing.
- Provide proof of the approved examinations used for licensure.
- Provide alternative official documentation when the jurisdiction cannot issue ordinary verification.
- Pay $60 for each license requested.
| Exam history | Washington treatment | Best action |
|---|---|---|
| Approved written and practical exams completed | DOL reviews the current license, good-standing verification and exam proof. | Request official records before filing. |
| No licensing exams completed | Written and practical Washington examinations are required. | Submit the application and wait for scheduling information. |
| Partial or unclear exam evidence | DOL determines whether additional testing or documentation is required. | Gather score reports and licensing-board verification. |
Washington Hair Designer, Cosmetologist and Braiding Rules
Hair-focused credential
Covers arranging, cutting, styling, shampooing, waving, relaxing, straightening, coloring and facial-hair design.
Broader combined scope
Includes covered hair services plus the limited nail and esthetic activities defined in Washington law.
Specific exemption
Natural braiding is exempt only while the work remains within the statutory and regulatory exemption.
| Activity | Braiding exemption | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Natural braiding | Covered | Washington does not restrict natural hair braiding within the exemption. |
| Naturally attached extensions | Covered | The exemption includes extensions attached by natural means. |
| Haircutting | Not covered | Cutting is excluded from the exemption. |
| Hair dye | Not covered | Applying dyes falls outside natural braiding. |
| Chemical straightening or curling | Not covered | Reactive chemical services require the appropriate license. |
Washington Salon, Personal Service and Mobile Unit Licenses
A practitioner’s individual license does not automatically license the salon, suite, mobile unit or off-site business arrangement.
| Business credential | When it applies | Renewal cycle | Current renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salon/Shop | A building, structure, suite or leased space where covered services are performed for a fee. | Every year or when liability insurance expires, whichever occurs first. | $121; $181 late. |
| Personal Service | Covered services performed at a client’s home, office, event venue or another convenient location. | Every year or when liability insurance expires, whichever occurs first. | $121; $181 late. |
| Mobile Unit | Covered services operated from a properly licensed mobile unit. | Every year or when liability insurance expires, whichever occurs first. | $121; $181 late. |
Business-license checklist
- Verify each practitioner’s individual license.
- Verify the operating location or mobile record separately.
- Confirm the Department of Revenue business-license requirements.
- Provide current business liability insurance.
- Renew up to 120 days before expiration.
- Do not operate after the business license expires.
- Reapply when the business credential has been expired for more than one year.
Washington Safety and Sanitation Rules
Hands, skin and client protection
- Wash hands before each client.
- Prepare the service area on the client as required.
- Use a neck strip or towel beneath a reusable cape.
- Do not provide services where visible sores, rash or infestation create a prohibited condition.
Prevent cross-contamination
- Clean and disinfect reusable tools after each client.
- Discard single-use items after use.
- Keep products in clean, closed and correctly labeled containers.
- Do not redip a contaminated applicator into shared product.
After-client and nightly cleaning
- Drain and remove visible debris after each client.
- Clean, rinse and disinfect for the product’s required contact time.
- Complete the nightly circulating-system process.
- Maintain date-and-time cleaning records for inspection or client review.
Stop the service
- Put on gloves.
- Clean and bandage the wound.
- Double-bag contaminated disposable objects.
- Clean, disinfect or discard affected equipment.
- Remove gloves and wash hands.
Use once before laundering
- Do not reuse towels, capes or robes without proper laundering.
- Store clean linens in a closed dustproof cabinet.
- Keep soiled linens in the required receptacle.
Unsafe tools and products
- Razor-edged callus-removal tools.
- 100% liquid methyl methacrylate monomer.
- Methylene chloride products.
- Reuse of contaminated wax or single-use implements.
- Bar soap or shared hand-drying towels.
File a Washington Cosmetology Complaint
DOL accepts complaints about licensed professionals or businesses and reports of unlicensed activity. Build the evidence file before submitting it.
Include these records
- Practitioner’s legal name and license number.
- Salon or business name, address and license record.
- Date and exact service performed.
- Receipt, contract, invoice or payment evidence.
- Messages, emails and advertisements.
- Photographs or medical documentation when relevant.
- A chronological explanation of what happened.
- Steps already taken to resolve the problem.
Understand DOL’s authority
- DOL first decides whether the complaint falls within its laws.
- The investigator is an impartial fact finder.
- The respondent may receive a copy and be asked to answer.
- DOL may dismiss the case or recommend discipline.
- DOL cannot recover money, award damages or make a civil legal decision for the complainant.
Washington State and Washington, D.C. Are Different
| Topic | Washington State | Washington, D.C. |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | State of Washington, abbreviation WA. | District of Columbia, abbreviation DC. |
| Licensing authority | Washington State Department of Licensing. | D.C. Board of Barber and Cosmetology within DLCP. |
| Online account | SecureAccess Washington and Professional and Business Licensing. | Access DC and the D.C. occupational licensing system. |
| Renewal rules | Washington DOL fees, dates and requirements. | Separate D.C. fees, CE and renewal requirements. |
Official Washington Cosmetology Action Links
Use the guide above to identify the correct route. Use these government and examination-provider pages for final status, applications, payments and legal requirements.
Renewal Instructions
Check the two-year cycle, late rules and cancellation process.
Open Renewal HelpWashington Rules
Read curriculum, examination, sanitation and business rules.
Open Chapter 308-20 WACRelated guides on this website
For broader planning, read the U.S. cosmetology license, exam, renewal and lookup guide and the state barbering and cosmetology board guide. Washington DOL records and Washington law control Washington licensing decisions.
Washington Cosmetology License FAQs
How do I look up a Washington cosmetology license?
Use the Washington DOL professional-license lookup and search by legal name, license number or business information. Open the full result and verify the practitioner and salon separately.
How many hours are required for a Washington cosmetology license?
The approved school route requires at least 1,600 cosmetology hours. The approved apprenticeship route requires 3,000 on-the-job hours plus 244 hours of related instruction.
How old must I be to get a Washington cosmetology license?
An individual applicant must be at least 17 years old.
Which exams are required?
Washington requires the current state-approved NIC written and practical examinations administered by Prov. The minimum score listed for current examinations is 75%.
How much do the Washington cosmetology exams cost?
Prov currently charges $169 for the written examination and $119 for the practical examination. Retakes require another section fee.
How do I renew a Washington cosmetology license online?
Sign in through SecureAccess Washington, add the Professional and Business Licensing service, link the license, complete the renewal questions, pay and verify the updated public record.
How much is Washington cosmetology renewal?
The current standard individual renewal fee is $66. The late-renewal total is $131.
What happens after a Washington license has been expired for more than one year?
DOL cancels the license. The former license holder must reapply and pass the required written and practical examinations before a new license can be issued.
Does Washington offer cosmetology reciprocity?
Yes. Submit a current out-of-state license in good standing, proof of approved examinations, the combined application and the $60-per-license reciprocity fee.
Is a Hair Designer license the same as a Cosmetologist license?
No. Hair Designer is a separate 1,400-hour hair-focused credential. Cosmetology requires 1,600 school hours and includes a broader combination of covered services.
Final Washington Cosmetology License Checklist
- Use Washington DOL for final license status and payments.
- Verify the practitioner and business as separate records.
- Choose the license according to the exact services.
- Confirm that the school or apprenticeship is approved.
- Complete 1,600 school hours or the approved apprenticeship route.
- Use Prov for examinations scheduled after May 1, 2026.
- Budget $169 for written and $119 for practical testing.
- Complete every hour and both exams before the general application.
- Keep the legal name consistent across school, Prov, ID and DOL records.
- Use the correct application type on Form BC-638-040.
- Renew every two years and begin up to 120 days early.
- Pay $66 on time or $131 for an eligible late renewal.
- Do not work while the individual or business license is expired.
- Reapply and retest after more than one year without renewal.
- Confirm that braiding stays inside the exemption before adding cutting or chemicals.
- Do not confuse Washington State with Washington, D.C.
Independent-site notice: board-of-cosmetology.org is not affiliated with Washington DOL, the Cosmetology Advisory Board, Prov, NIC or the District of Columbia. Official records, current forms, statutes, rules and agency decisions control.