Get the latest news about cosmetologists.
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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