To receive a cosmetology license in Michigan or a license in one of the other beauty practitioner disciplines in this state you have to either attend a licensed school and complete the minimum required training hours or complete an apprenticeship in a licensed establishment before you can take the exams. The license fee is $15, The minimum hours and duration of apprenticeship are specified by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The exams are conducted by PSI.
Minimum Required Training Hours
- Cosmetologist license: 1500 hours or 2-years apprenticeship
- Electrologist license: 400 hours or 6-month apprenticeship
- Natural Hair Cultivation license: 400 hours or 6-month apprenticeship
- Manicurist license: 400 hours or 6-month apprenticeship
Examinations are already stressful, but a lack of information or misinformation only adds unnecessary stress. Therefore, we advise every applicant to talk to their beauty school teachers to clear all questions. It is also recommended to contact PSI via A) internet www.psiexams.com, B) touch phone (800) 733-9267, or a PSI registrar at (800) 733-9267 (Mo-Fr 7.30 AM – 8.00 PM EST and Sa 11.00 AM – 5.00 PM EST)
Contact Information Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Main: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
P.O. Box 30004
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-373-1820
Fax: 517-373-2129
Licensing Division
P.O. Box 30018
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: 517-373-9288
Fax: 517-373-3085
Email:bcslic@michigan.gov
Cosmetology License Renewal
Cosmetology licenses in Michigan expire on August 31 of every second year. The fee for renewal of individual licenses is $24. Michigan does not require continued education (CE) for license renewal.
Out-of-state License – Out-of-Country License
An out-of-state license does not automatically qualify you for a cosmetology license in Michigan. But you may qualify for what is called “reciprocity”if you can demonstrate that your experience and training is comparable to that required in Michigan. Licensed work experience can substitute for training hours in a ratio of 100 hours for each 6 months of experience.
Individuals licensed in another state or US territory may be granted a license upon the successful demonstration that his/her license requirements, including training hours and examination, are equivalent to those in Michigan.
Individuals licensed in another country must submit an application and provide certification of education, experience or both. The department will determine whether or not the applicant is qualified to be licensed without examination.
The fees to transfer a license are currently $38.
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Disclaimer: We do not guarantee the accuracy of the above information. Ultimately the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs determines license requirements and will provide you with all needed information. We are not affiliated with the Department in any way. The information on this page was last updated on 9/23/2017.