Learn the requirements and how to apply for a Cosmetologist, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, Master Esthetician, or Hair Designer license.
Who needs a license?
Anyone who provides cosmetology, barber, manicure, esthetician, master esthetician, or hair design services for a fee.
To get your Cosmetologist, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, Master Esthetician, or Hair Designer license, you must be at least 17 years old.
How to apply
Follow the steps below to apply for a cosmetology license:
1. Meet the education requirements
You must meet 1 of the following education requirements:
Education option 1: Graduate from an approved, licensed school
Minimum required school hours:
- Cosmetologist: 1,600 hours
- Barber: 1,000 hours
- Manicurist: 600 hours
- Esthetician: 750 hours
- Master Esthetician: 450 hours
- Combined Master Esthetician: 1,200 hours
- Hair Designer: 1,400 hours
Your school may require you to complete more than the minimum state-required hours.
You will be eligible to take your exams when you are within 100 hours of completing the required hours of instruction. Please work with your school to ensure you are prepared to take your exams. You must complete all required hours of course instruction and pass both exams before you can apply for your license.
Education option 2: Complete an approved apprenticeship program
Minimum required apprenticeship program hours:
- Cosmetologist: 3,000 hours
- Barber: 2,000 hours
- Manicurist: 2,000 hours
- Esthetician: 2,000 hours
- Master Esthetician: 2,000 hours
- Hair Designer: 2,000 hours
Your program may require you to complete more than the minimum state-required hours.
You will be eligible to take your exams when you are within 100 hours of completing the required hours of instruction. Please work with your apprenticeship program to ensure you are prepared to take your exams. You must complete all required hours of course instruction and pass both exams before you can apply for your license.
2. Pass the required exams
You must pass the state-approved practical and written exams. We have partnered with D.L. Roope to administer the exams.
If you fail an exam
You may take each exam once per day. If you fail an exam, you may apply to retake it on another day. You will need to schedule a re-exam and pay the re-exam fee.
3. Complete the application
4. Submit your application
You must pay the Cosmetology licensing fee when you submit your application. Choose the method that works best for you.
Apply for your license online
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Apply for your license by mail
Mail your form and a check or money order for the license fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
Get a license by reciprocity
If you are at least 17 years old and an active license from another state, you can apply for a reciprocity license.
1. Gather the required documents and forms
License by reciprocity applicants must provide all of the following:
Application form
Complete the Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician License, Renewal, Reinstatement, or Reciprocity Application form above.
Proof of a license in good standing
You must provide proof of an active license in good standing in another jurisdiction.
Proof you have passed an exam
You must provide proof you have passed that jurisdiction's approved exam(s).
2. Submit your application
Choose the method that works best for you. You must pay the Cosmetology licensing fee when you submit your application.
Apply for your license online
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW). Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Apply for your license by mail
Mail your form, all the required documentation, and a check or money order for the license fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
Estheticians, Master Estheticians, and using devices/lasers
There are different rules for devices that require a prescription (also known as prescriptive devices) and devices that are available over the counter (without a prescription).
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines medical devices as prescriptive or over-the-counter in their approved intended use statement. To verify if a medical device is prescriptive or over-the-counter, enter the product code on the FDA Product Classification website.
Devices that require a prescription
In Washington State, a licensed physician may delegate the use of medical devices that require a prescription to a trained and licensed professional whose license and scope of practice allow the use of medical prescriptive devices.
Master Estheticians may use medical devices listed with the FDA as prescriptive devices only under the authority of a licensed physician.
Laser technicians can get a master esthetics license or get a license under the Department of Health (DOH) that would allow them to use a medical prescriptive device.
For more information, visit the DOH website or call the DOH at 1-800-525-0127.
Over-the-counter devices
Estheticians and Master Estheticians may use medical devices that the FDA has approved as over-the-counter (without a prescription).
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