Step-by-Step Guide to Renewing Your Texas Cosmetology License
Maintaining your Texas cosmetology license is essential to avoid interruptions in your business and income. A lapsed license can halt your ability to work, serve clients, and progress in your career. This guide will walk you through the steps for Texas cosmetology license renewal, address frequently asked questions about deadlines, state requirements, and CE courses, and explain the consequences of missing your renewal date. Don’t let an expired license put your business at risk—stay compliant with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
Renewing your cosmetology license in Texas is simple! If you fall into one of the license types below, you’ll need to complete a 4-hour Texas Continuing Education course to renew your license:
- Operator License — Cosmetologists or Hairstylists
- Specialty Licenses — Estheticians, Manicurists, Esthetician/Manicurists, Eyelash Extensions
- Specialty Certificates —Hair Weaving
Now let’s go over FOUR EASY steps to renew your license.
Step 1: Complete a TDLR-Approved 4-Hour CE Course
- Choose a TDLR-approved course and provider.
- Ensure the course includes the mandatory 1-hour sanitation requirement.
- Keep the course completion certificate provided by your CE provider. It recommended to save the certificate for two years after the date of completion. TDLR may request to see your records to determine compliance as part of an inspection or investigation.
Step 2: CE Provider Reports Your CE Hours to TDLR
- Upon course completion, your CE provider will report completed hours to the TDLR, confirming you have successfully fulfilled your CE requirements to renew your cosmetology license.
Step 3: Renew Your License on the TDLR License Renewal Portal
- Log in to your TDLR account by visiting the Barbering and Cosmetology Online Licensing Services Portal.
- Pay the renewal fee and submit your renewal application. See renewal fee section below. 👇👇
- Verify your renewed license with TDLR, by clicking HERE. Please allow up to 7 business days for your course completion to be posted.
- Once you receive your renewed license, it’s time to display it in your salon.
Step 4: Relax!
You’ve completed all the steps. Now grow your business and see you in your next renewal in 2 years.
Understanding CE Requirements for Texas Cosmetologists
Before September 1, 2025
- Total Hours Required: 4 hours
- Mandatory Course Hours: 1 hour (Sanitation)
- Elective Course Hours: 3 hours
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
After September 1, 2025
- Total Hours Required: 4 hours
- Mandatory Course Hours: 2 hours (Sanitation and Human Trafficking Prevention)
- Elective Course Hours: 2 hours
- Renewal Cycle: Every 2 years
Time Requirements
TDLR requires 50 minutes of seat-time per 1 CE hour. A 4-hour CE course requires 3 hours and 20 minutes of seat time. You can pause and resume the course as needed if you take your course online.
Renewal Requirements for Licenses Held for 15+ Years
Cosmetologists who have held their licenses for at least 15 years may meet the continuing education requirements by completing:
Before September 1, 2025
- 1 hour of sanitation.
On or After September 1, 2025
- 1 hour of sanitation.
- 1 hour of human trafficking prevention.
Online Continuing Education Courses
- Courses must be department-approved.
- TDLR-approved courses, like those offered by Coursemax, are valid.
Exams or Quizzes
- No exams or quizzes are required.
Roster Process
- Your CE provider must report your credits to TDLR within 7 days of completion.
Did You Know? Coursemax reports your completed CE hours to TDLR within 24 hours of your course completion. 
Cosmetology License Renewal Fees in Texas
For licenses expiring on or after September 1, 2023:
- Class A Barbers, Cosmetology Operators & Specialty license holders:
- $50 for On-time Renewals
- $75 for Late Renewals (expired less than 18 months)
- $100 for Late Renewals (expired 18 months to 3 years)
- Mini-Establishment licenses:
- $70 for On-time Renewals
- $105 for Late Renewals (expired less than 18 months)
- $140 for Late Renewals (expired 18 months to 3 years)
- Barbering & Cosmetology Establishments, Mobile & Specialty Establishments:
- $78 for On-time Renewals
- $117 for Late Renewals (expired less than 18 months)
- $156 for Late Renewals (expired 18 months to 3 years)
- Barbering & Cosmetology Schools:
- $280 for On-time Renewals
- $420 for Late Renewals (expired less than 18 months)
- $560 for Late Renewals (expired 18 months to 3 years)
How Soon Can I Start to Renew My License in Texas?
In Texas, cosmetology licenses can be renewed up to 120 days before they expire. TDLR usually sends renewal notifications about 60 days before the expiration date. However, it’s still the licensee’s responsibility to renew their license before it expires, even if they don’t receive a notification.
Can I Take Online Cosmetology CE Courses Before My License Renewal Window?
Yes! Texas cosmetologists can take online cosmetology CE courses before the TDLR renewal window opens, as long as the course is from a registered TDLR provider and is department-approved. Unapproved courses will not count toward your required hours for license renewal.
What are the Renewal Deadline and Expiration Dates for Texas Cosmetologists?
- Each license has a different expiration date.
- Each license renews every 2 years.
- Check your active license status on the TDLR website.
What if my license is expired?
To practice cosmetology in the State of Texas, you must have a valid and current license. If you are found working with an expired license, you will be subject to enforcement actions by the TDLR, which could include administrative penalties and fines.
Don’t let an expired license disrupt your business. For detailed information on Texas Cosmetology License Renewal for expired licenses, click HERE. The renewal steps and requirements depend on how long your license has been expired.
Want to Reach TDLR?
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
PO Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711
512-463-6599 (phone)
512-463-1512 (fax)
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/
