To receive a cosmetology license in Washington or a license in one of the other beauty practitioner disciplines in this state you have to attend a licensed school or a licensed apprenticeship program and complete the minimum required training hours as specified by the Washington Department of Licensing before you can take the state’s board exams. After you pass the exam you can apply and pay the fee online at www.cosmetologywashington.com.
Minimum required training hours
School training hours
- Cosmetologist license: 1600 hours
- Barber license: 1000 hours
- Manicurist license: 600 hours
- Esthetician license: 750 hours
Apprenticeship program hours
- Cosmetologist license: 2000 hours
- Barber license: 1200 hours
- Manicurist license: 800 hours
- Esthetician license: 800 hours
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 ahead of time. We also highly recommend reading the Exam Preparation guides and Practical Test Scripts provided by the Washington Department of Licensing. Fees are as follows: $50 for written exams, $110 for practical exams, as well as $25 licensing and $5 processing fees after passing the exams. Also, see the Cosmetology student FAQs
Contact Information Washington Department of Licensing
Physical location
Cosmetology Program
Business and Professions Division
Department of Licensing
405 Black Lake Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98502
Mailing addresses
Forms with payments:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
Mail with no payments:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9026
Olympia, WA 98507
Phone: 360-664-6626
Phone: 360-664-2550
Fax: 866-245-9693
E-mail: plssunit@dol.wa.gov
Cosmetology License Renewal
Washington cosmetology licenses in must be renewed every two years. No continuing education are required for renewal. The fees are $55 for the renewal of all beauty practitioner license types.
Out-of-state license / Out-of-country license
The initial to transfer your current license to a cosmetology license in Washington you must hold a valid and current license in good standing in another state. Then you must complete an application form (Barber, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, or Manicurist License – Renewal, Reinstatement, Out-of-State, or Reciprocity Application), provide proof you have a current license in good standing in another state or foreign country. If you are licensed in the United States, provide proof you have passed your state-approved written and practical examinations. However, you must take the Washington State exams if you’re licensed outside the United States.
Mail your completed application, supporting documents, and a check for $45 application fee to:
Department of Licensing
PO Box 3856
Seattle, WA 98124-3856
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Disclaimer: We don’t guarantee the accuracy of the above information. Ultimately the Washington Department of Licensing determines license requirements and will provide you with all needed information. We are not affiliated with the Board in any way. The information on this page was last updated on 9/18/2017.