Michigan Board of Cosmetology: Licensing, Contacts, Meetings & Official Help
The Michigan Board of Cosmetology operates within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Use this guide to understand what the Board regulates, which Bureau of Professional Licensing service handles your task, where to verify a license, how to renew or apply, and when the next public Board meeting is scheduled.
Michigan Board of Cosmetology: Quick Answer
The Michigan Board of Cosmetology is the state board responsible for the regulation of cosmetology under Michigan’s Occupational Code. The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL), within LARA, handles the practical licensing work such as applications, renewals, license verification, record changes, complaints and customer-service support.
What the Michigan Board of Cosmetology Actually Does
Michigan’s cosmetology profession is regulated under Article 12 of Public Act 299 of 1980, as amended. The Board works within LARA’s professional-licensing structure on matters affecting cosmetology occupations, establishments and schools.
Licensing standards
The state establishes qualification, training, examination and licensing requirements for cosmetology credentials and facilities.
Complaints and discipline
BPL’s enforcement and complaint functions handle allegations involving regulated licensees and businesses.
Board meetings
LARA publishes Board meeting notices, agendas, cancellations and minutes.
Michigan Cosmetology Licenses and Facilities Covered by the State System
Michigan regulates several separate cosmetology credentials. A broad cosmetologist license should not be confused with a specialty license, instructor credential, shop license or school license.
| Credential | What it represents | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | Full cosmetology credential. | Uses Michigan’s broader cosmetology training and examination pathway. |
| Esthetician | Skin-care specialty credential. | Do not assume the same scope as a full cosmetologist license. |
| Manicurist | Nail-services credential. | Search and renew under the correct credential type. |
| Natural Hair Culturist | Natural-hair specialty credential. | Has its own licensing pathway and record. |
| Electrologist | Separate electrology credential. | Verify separately from a cosmetologist license. |
| Instructor | Teaching credential. | Instructor status is a separate license record. |
| Cosmetology Shop | License for the establishment. | An individual license does not replace the establishment license. |
| Cosmetology School | License for a training school. | Schools have separate licensing, inspection and renewal rules. |
How to Apply, Renew or Manage a Michigan Cosmetology License
Michigan directs cosmetology applicants and licensees to its online professional-licensing system. The correct route depends on whether you are applying for the first time, renewing an active credential, changing information or returning after a lapse.
First-time or reciprocity application
Use the official cosmetology licensing guide for your exact credential and complete the required MiPLUS application. The currently posted cosmetologist guide lists a $63 application plus two-year license fee for licensure by examination or reciprocity.
Renewal or modification
Use MiPLUS for renewal and many record changes. If an existing license does not appear in your account, contact BPL rather than automatically creating a duplicate first-time application.
How to Verify a Michigan Cosmetology License
Michigan provides a free public license search for ordinary checks. Use the state record to confirm the correct person or business, exact credential type, current status, issue or expiration information and available public disciplinary information.
Free public verification
Best for normal consumer, employer, salon-owner or personal-status checks.
Certified verification
Michigan currently charges $15 per license verified when an official certification is required.
Michigan Cosmetology Renewal Fees
Michigan’s current occupational-license renewal table lists a two-year cycle for cosmetology credentials. Expiration dates vary, so use the date printed on the license or shown in the current state record.
| License type | Cycle | Renewal fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetologist | 2 years | $48 |
| Esthetician | 2 years | $48 |
| Manicurist | 2 years | $48 |
| Natural Hair Culturist | 2 years | $48 |
| Electrologist | 2 years | $48 |
| Listed instructor credentials | 2 years | $48 |
| Cosmetology Shop / Limited Shop | 2 years | $50 |
| Listed cosmetology schools | 2 years | $200 |
Michigan Board of Cosmetology 2026 Meetings
LARA’s amended 2026 public notice shows that the February 2 and August 3 meetings were cancelled. As of September 29, 2026, the remaining scheduled regular meeting is November 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Ottawa Building in Lansing.
| Date | Status | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2, 2026 | Cancelled | 10:00 a.m. | Ottawa Building, Lansing |
| May 4, 2026 | Scheduled | 10:00 a.m. | Ottawa Building, Lansing |
| August 3, 2026 | Cancelled | 10:00 a.m. | Ottawa Building, Lansing |
| November 2, 2026 | Scheduled | 10:00 a.m. | 611 W. Ottawa Street, Lansing, MI |
Michigan Board of Cosmetology Phone, Email and Mailing Information
517-241-0199
Choose option 3 for barbers or cosmetology.
BPLHelp@michigan.gov
Use for licensing questions such as application status and licensure requirements.
517-241-7500
Use for Board or committee matters rather than routine license-account troubleshooting.
517-241-0205
Use for complaints involving regulated professionals or businesses.
Mailing addresses
| Delivery method | Address |
|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Mail | Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Professional Licensing PO Box 30670 Lansing, MI 48909 |
| UPS / FedEx / DHL | Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Mail Services Attn: Bureau of Professional Licensing 2407 N. Grand River Avenue Lansing, MI 48906 |
Complaints, Discipline and Public Records
A licensing question and a complaint are different tasks. Use BPL licensing support when you need help with an application, renewal, status or account. Use complaint intake when you are reporting potentially regulated conduct by a licensed professional or business.
Michigan Board of Cosmetology FAQs
What is the Michigan Board of Cosmetology?
It is the state board created under Michigan’s Occupational Code to regulate cosmetology. Licensing administration and customer-service functions are handled through LARA’s Bureau of Professional Licensing.
What is the Michigan cosmetology licensing phone number?
For cosmetology licensing questions, call the Bureau of Professional Licensing at 517-241-0199 and choose option 3.
How much is a Michigan cosmetologist renewal?
The current Michigan renewal table lists $48 for a cosmetologist, with a two-year renewal cycle.
How do I verify a Michigan cosmetology license?
Use Michigan’s free public license search for ordinary verification. Certified License Verification is a separate paid service and currently costs $15 per license verified.
When is the next Michigan Board of Cosmetology meeting?
As of September 29, 2026, LARA’s amended notice lists the next regular meeting for November 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ottawa Building in Lansing. Recheck LARA before attending.
Use the State Service That Matches Your Task
For licensing or MiPLUS help, start with BPL at 517-241-0199, option 3, or BPLHelp@michigan.gov. For credential checks, use Michigan’s public verification system. For Board business, use the official LARA cosmetology meeting pages.