Learn the requirements and how to renew, reinstate, or update your license to operate a salon or shop that offers cosmetology services.
Renew your license
- You must review your license every year or your business liability insurance expires, whichever comes first.
- 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)
- Updated business liability insurance
Renew your license online
Get your license faster by renewing 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 Salon/Shop, Personal Services, or Mobile Unit License Application.
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 unlicensed activity.
If your license has been expired for more than a year, we will cancel it and you must reapply.
Reinstate your license
If your license lapsed or expired, you must reinstate it. We may fine you if you engage in unlicensed activity.
You'll pay the license reinstatement fee when you request reinstatement.
Request reinstatement
Choose the method that works best for you.
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 Salon/Shop, Personal Services, or Mobile Unit License Application. 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
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.
How to update your license
Update your name or contact information
There is no fee to update your name or contact information. You can make these updates by email, mail, or online.
Update your license online
You can update your license online at any time by logging into SAW.
Update your license by mail
Send a letter with your changes to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3401
Update your license by email
Send an email with your changes to dolcosmo@dol.wa.gov.
Update your physical address
There is a fee to update the physical location for your salon or shop.
Update your location online
You can update your physical address by logging into SAW and paying the application fee.
Update your location by mail
Complete a new Salon/Shop, Personal Services, or Mobile Unit License Application. Mail your form and a check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Cosmetology Program
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
Update your insurance online
Follow these step-by-step instructions to update your insurance information.
Email updates
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest rule changes, licensing updates, and board notices by email.