Learn how to renew or reinstate your cosmetology license.
Renew your license
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- You can renew up to 120 days before your license expires.
- There will be a late fee if you don't renew before the expiration.
Renewal requirements
Be ready to answer legal background questions and provide supporting documents if needed.
Update your contact information online, if necessary, before you renew your license.
How to renew your license
Follow these steps to renew your license.
Gather the required documents
- Your license number
- Payment for the license renewal fee
- Documents for legal background questions (if needed)
Renew your license online
Get your license faster by renewing and paying online!
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Renew your license by mail
To renew your license by mail, follow the instructions on your renewal notice.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, complete a Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician License, Renewal, Reinstatement, or Reciprocity Application form.
Mail your form and a check or money order for the renewal fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
If your license expires or gets canceled
We consider you unlicensed if your license expires or gets canceled, and we may fine you if you engage in an unlicensed activity.
Note: Failure to get a renewal notice is not an acceptable reason to not renew your license on time. You must pay the late fee, even if you did not receive your renewal notice.
If your license expired over 1 year ago
If your license has expired for more than a year, we will cancel it and you must reapply.
Reinstate your license
Follow the steps below to request reinstatement of your cosmetology license.
1. Request reinstatement
Choose the method that works best for you. You'll pay the cosmetology licensing fee when you complete the licensing requirements.
Request to reinstate your license online
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW) or create an account to submit a reinstatement request.
Request to reinstate your license by mail
Complete a Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Barber, Manicurist, Esthetician, or Master Esthetician License, Renewal, Reinstatement, or Reciprocity Application form. Mail your form and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
2. Pass the exam
You will need to pass the state-approved practical and written exams, which D.L. Roope administers.
We'll contact you with exam scheduling information once we receive your completed application.
If you have a license in another state
We only renew Washington State licenses. To renew your license in another state, please contact the licensing board in that state for instructions. View a list of U.S. licensing boards.
Email updates
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest rule changes, licensing updates, and board notices by email.