Get the latest news about cosmetologists.
November 2025
Department of Licensing - Professional License Review Act
Cosmetology Listening Session
The Department of Licensing (DOL) would like to invite you to participate in virtual listening sessions to assist us with the 2026 Professional License Review Act (PLRA) and program review.
The Professional License Review Act requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to submit an annual report reviewing 10 percent of our professional and business licenses. The report will include a review of requirements, fees, training hours, barriers to licensure and comparisons to other states.
Why is DOL holding listening sessions?
The intent of the listening session will be to gather feedback on any barriers or concerns facing licensees when getting licensed.
These sessions will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. We have included the meeting date, time, and link information. We hope to see you there!
| Session 1 Date: December 1, 2025 Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Duration: 60 minutes |
Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 224 070 222 019 8 Passcode: Fa26mG2W Dial in by phone: +1 564-999-2000,,802382436# (United States, Olympia) or 833-322-1218,,802382436# (United States, Toll-free) Find a local number Phone conference ID: 802 382 436# |
| Session 2 Date: December 8, 2025 Time: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Duration: 60 minutes |
Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 226 084 384 819 9 Passcode: Gv2Cr344 Dial in by phone: +1 564-999-2000,,707374739# (United States, Olympia) or 833-322-1218,,707374739# (United States, Toll-free) Find a local number Phone conference ID: 707 374 739# |
| Session 3 Date: December 8, 2025 Time: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Duration: 60 minutes |
Microsoft Teams Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 249 098 462 876 9 Passcode: rA3p2En9 Dial in by phone: +1 564-999-2000,,820838137# (United States, Olympia) or 833-322-1218,,820838137# United States (Toll-free) Find a local number Phone conference ID: 820 838 137# |
Questions?
Please direct any questions or concerns to DOL-BPDPLRA@dol.wa.gov.
October 2025
What’s Happening?
In the 2023 Legislative Session, the Professional License Review Act passed, requiring the Department of Licensing (DOL) to: “annually review and analyze approximately 10 percent of the professional licenses regulated by the department and prepare and submit an annual report”. This process will provide a review of all business and professional licenses in 10-year cycles.
What is DOL doing?
For the 2026 reporting cycle, DOL will be reviewing the 2 following professions:
- Cosmetologists
- Notaries Public
We are beginning the review of the indicated professions, which includes stakeholder outreach. This notice is serving as a beginning awareness of the review. We will send further communications as needed.
How does this impact you?
Licensees should experience minimal to no impact with this review. The report is due to the legislature August 31, 2026. Once complete, the report will be made available to the public on the Department of Licensing Reports to the legislature webpage starting in late 2026.
For the detailed requirements of the review, please read HB 1301 “Professional License Review”.
Questions?
Direct your questions or concerns to DOL-BPDPLRA@dol.wa.gov.
October 2025
New School Curriculum Needed for Textured Hair
The Department of Licensing (DOL) is implementing House Bill 1874, for textured hair training. This bill goes into effect March 1, 2026. Textured hair is defined as hair that does not lie straight.
Schools will need to update their curriculum
Registered training schools must update their curriculum by March 1, 2026, to include textured hair training. Provide proof of the new curriculum at the first renewal after March 1, 2026. This training is part of the original hours required for students and apprentices relating to cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and hair designers.
The updated training must include:
- Techniques for cutting, styling, and chemically treating textured hair.
- All products and tools that are made for textured hair.
- Best practices for maintaining healthy hair texture and scalp.
- Cultural awareness, history, and significance in diverse communities.
DOL will do rulemaking to update the Washington Administrative codes (WACs) before March 2026.
May 2025
Updated video tutorials
We are pleased to announce that we have updated and added new video tutorials to our DOL YouTube playlist Tutorials for Business and Professions Licensees.
You can find links to these videos and other helpful information on our Set up SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account access page.
March 2025
Renew your cosmetology license now
If your cosmetology license expires on April 30, 2025, you need to renew now! You can renew up to 120 days before your license expires. There will be a late fee if you don’t renew before your license expires. There may be a delay in receiving your new license if you wait to renew.
What do I need to do?
Renew your license before April 30, 2025 to avoid delay. Renewing online is faster, and you can print your new license as soon as you complete the renewal. Learn how to log in or sign up.
To renew your license by mail, follow the instructions on the renewal form.
How will I get my license?
If you renew online, we’ll send you an email about how to print your license. If you want a copy of your paper license, you can request that online or when mailing your renewal form.
Please ensure you're prepared for the upcoming renewal. If you have questions or need help, please contact us at DOLCosmo@dol.wa.gov.
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