GetReinstated.com
Professional Licenses & Certifications/Personal Services Licenses

Get Your Cosmetology or Barber License Reinstated

High UrgencyStatus: lapsed

Working with a lapsed cosmetology or barber license exposes you to fines up to $1,000+ per day and can result in salon closure. Reinstatement is usually straightforward but must be done before you touch another client.

Best Case
1-3 business days (online, CE complete, within grace period)
Typical
1-2 weeks
Worst Case
30-60 days (long lapse, re-examination required, mail-in application)
Est. Cost
$75–$400
DifficultyStraightforward

Cosmetology and barber license reinstatements are well-defined processes. Complete CE online, pay the fee, and submit. Most stylists are reinstated within a week.

⚠Why This Happens

Missed the biennial renewal deadline

Very Common

Most states require cosmetology and barber licenses to be renewed every 1-2 years. Busy stylists often miss the renewal window, especially when renewal notices go to old addresses.

Failed to complete continuing education hours

Very Common

States typically require 4-8 hours of CE per renewal cycle covering sanitation, safety, and technique updates. Working full-time makes it easy to delay these until after the deadline.

Forgot to update address with the board

Common

Renewal notices sent to outdated addresses result in stylists being unaware their license is about to lapse or has already lapsed.

License placed on inactive status

Common

Some stylists voluntarily place licenses on inactive status during maternity leave, illness, or career breaks and forget to reactivate before returning to work.

Salon ownership gap — assumed employer handled renewal

Less Common

Booth renters and employees sometimes assume the salon owner is managing their license renewal. Licenses are individual — each stylist is responsible for their own.

🎯What To Do Right Now

  1. 1

    Stop taking clients immediately

    Working with a lapsed license is illegal in all states. A single complaint from a client or competitor can trigger a state inspection with significant fines.

    ~Immediate
  2. 2

    Check your license status on the state board website

    Visit your state cosmetology or barbering board website and look up your license by name or number. Confirm the expiration date and what's required for reinstatement.

    ~15 minutes
  3. 3

    Determine if you're in the grace period or full reinstatement

    Most states have a grace period (30-90 days after expiration) with only a late fee. After that, you may need CE hours. After 2+ years lapsed, many states require a full reinstatement application or re-examination.

    ~15 minutes
  4. 4

    Complete required continuing education hours online

    If CE hours are required, enroll in a state-approved online provider. Many cosmetology CE courses can be completed in a single day. Popular providers include Milady, Pivot Point, and state-approved online platforms.

    ~1-2 days
  5. 5

    Submit reinstatement application and pay all fees

    Complete the reinstatement application through your state board portal or by mail. Pay the reinstatement fee plus any late penalties.

    ~1 hour to submit
  6. 6

    Notify your salon or booth rental owner

    Inform your employer or salon owner of the lapse and your reinstatement timeline. A responsible owner will support you; do not hide the issue.

    ~Same day

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