New York Cosmetology — Requirements & Free Practice
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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements
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Area Renter License
Independent-contractor business authorization at a licensed appearance enhancement establishment; the individual cosmetology operator license is separately required.
Licensing authority: New York State Department of State Division of Licensing Services · Application information
Area renter at a licensed appearance enhancement business
- Affirmations
- Prescribed applicant affirmation, applicable child-support statement, tax identification or explanation, and business-owner affirmation including applicable workers compensation/disability insurance.
- Fee
- $60 application fee; four-year term.
- Financial Security
- Provide proof of bond or accidental/professional liability or general liability coverage of at least $25,000 per occurrence and $75,000 aggregate; keep proof on the premises. If nail services employees trigger the statutory wage-bond schedule, submit the additional required wage coverage.
- Independent Contractor
- Work as an independent contractor rather than as the business owner’s employee; the area-renter license alone does not authorize customer services.
- Licensed Business
- Record the license unique identification number of the business where space is rented; the business owner must sign the required affirmation.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years old.
- Premises
- Operate at the licensed fixed location, comply with applicable federal, state and local health and safety rules, and provide the business location and ownership information.
- Professional Services
- Each cosmetology service provider must separately hold a cosmetology operator license.
- Qualifying Operator
- Existing cosmetology operator license; record its unique license identification number.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(3)(a), page 5 / business application
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / general business and area renter requirements
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 5 / business application requirement categories
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / business authorization versus individual services
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / area renter authorization
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 5 / operator and business license identifiers
New area renter application following shop closure
- Affirmations
- Prescribed applicant affirmation, applicable child-support statement, tax identification or explanation, and business-owner affirmation including applicable workers compensation/disability insurance.
- Fee
- $60 application fee; four-year term.
- Financial Security
- Provide proof of bond or accidental/professional liability or general liability coverage of at least $25,000 per occurrence and $75,000 aggregate; keep proof on the premises. If nail services employees trigger the statutory wage-bond schedule, submit the additional required wage coverage.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years old, or a firm, partnership, corporation or limited liability company with a member at least 18 as General Business Law 406(3)(a) permits.
- Operator And Owner
- Maintain the cosmetology operator license, identify the new business license, and obtain the new business owner’s affirmation.
- Premises
- Operate at the licensed fixed location, comply with applicable federal, state and local health and safety rules, and provide the business location and ownership information.
- Professional Services
- Each cosmetology service provider must separately hold a cosmetology operator license.
- Shop Closure
- Closure of the licensed business cancels the associated area-renter license; file a new application to associate with a new licensed business.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(3)(a), page 5 / business application
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / general business and area renter requirements
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 5 / business application requirement categories
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / business authorization versus individual services
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / area renter authorization
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 5 / operator and business license identifiers
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 2 / shop closure / replacement area-renter license
Renewal within five years of expiration
- Continuing Compliance
- Continue the applicable business or area-renter premises, financial-security and licensed-provider requirements.
- Late Fee
- Additional $10 if renewal is more than one year after expiration.
- License Status
- License has not been suspended or revoked; renew within five years of expiration with the prescribed application and renewal fee.
- Term
- Four-year renewal; no further examination under General Business Law 408(6).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(6), page 5 / eligible license
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(6), page 5 / express exemption
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(7), page 5 / five-year boundary
Appearance Enhancement Business License
Business authorization for an establishment offering cosmetology; it does not authorize the holder to perform customer services.
Licensing authority: nys department of state division of licensing services · Application information
Appearance enhancement business: corporate ownership
- Affirmations
- Prescribed applicant affirmation, applicable child-support statement, tax identification or explanation, and business-owner affirmation including applicable workers compensation/disability insurance.
- Fee
- $60 application fee; four-year term.
- Financial Security
- Provide proof of bond or accidental/professional liability or general liability coverage of at least $25,000 per occurrence and $75,000 aggregate; keep proof on the premises. If nail services employees trigger the statutory wage-bond schedule, submit the additional required wage coverage.
- Legal Form
- Corporation with Department of State incorporation filing; a foreign corporation supplies authority to do business; an assumed name requires the appropriate Department filing. An officer signs.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years old, or a firm, partnership, corporation or limited liability company with a member at least 18 as General Business Law 406(3)(a) permits.
- Premises
- Operate at the licensed fixed location, comply with applicable federal, state and local health and safety rules, and provide the business location and ownership information.
- Professional Services
- Each cosmetology service provider must separately hold a cosmetology operator license.
- Remote Services
- Remote practice requires a fixed-location business license or direct active employment by such a licensee; maintain remote service records at the licensed location for at least three years under 19 NYCRR 160.8.
- Residential Premises
- For a residential business, licensed rooms must be separate from residential or other nonbusiness use, equipped as Part 160 requires and open to reasonable-time inspection under 19 NYCRR 160.7.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(3)(a), page 5 / business application
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / general business and area renter requirements
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 5 / business application requirement categories
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / business authorization versus individual services
Continuation and renewal of a business license after owner or partner death
- Endorsement
- Endorse the license with deceased status, date of death and the authorized next-of-kin/administrator/executor name.
- Intervening Expiration
- If the license expires during that period or its extension, it may be renewed only for the balance of that authorized period.
- Prior Business
- An individual or partnership appearance enhancement business license; continuation by next of kin or duly appointed estate administrator or executor in the estate’s name.
- Professional Services
- Customer cosmetology services remain limited to appropriately licensed individual providers.
- Time Limit
- Up to 120 days from death; on application and good cause the Secretary may extend for no more than another 120 days.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(4), page 5 / estate continuation
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(4), page 5 / extension maximum
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(4), page 5 / renewal authority
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(4), page 5 / estate renewal
Appearance enhancement business: individual ownership
- Affirmations
- Prescribed applicant affirmation, applicable child-support statement, tax identification or explanation, and business-owner affirmation including applicable workers compensation/disability insurance.
- Fee
- $60 application fee; four-year term.
- Financial Security
- Provide proof of bond or accidental/professional liability or general liability coverage of at least $25,000 per occurrence and $75,000 aggregate; keep proof on the premises. If nail services employees trigger the statutory wage-bond schedule, submit the additional required wage coverage.
- Legal Form
- Individual owner, using the personal name or an assumed name; an assumed-name certificate must be filed with the county clerk, including successor-in-interest filing when required.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years old, or a firm, partnership, corporation or limited liability company with a member at least 18 as General Business Law 406(3)(a) permits.
- Premises
- Operate at the licensed fixed location, comply with applicable federal, state and local health and safety rules, and provide the business location and ownership information.
- Professional Services
- Each cosmetology service provider must separately hold a cosmetology operator license.
- Remote Services
- Remote practice requires a fixed-location business license or direct active employment by such a licensee; maintain remote service records at the licensed location for at least three years under 19 NYCRR 160.8.
- Residential Premises
- For a residential business, licensed rooms must be separate from residential or other nonbusiness use, equipped as Part 160 requires and open to reasonable-time inspection under 19 NYCRR 160.7.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(3)(a), page 5 / business application
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / general business and area renter requirements
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 5 / business application requirement categories
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / business authorization versus individual services
Appearance enhancement business: limited liability company ownership
- Affirmations
- Prescribed applicant affirmation, applicable child-support statement, tax identification or explanation, and business-owner affirmation including applicable workers compensation/disability insurance.
- Fee
- $60 application fee; four-year term.
- Financial Security
- Provide proof of bond or accidental/professional liability or general liability coverage of at least $25,000 per occurrence and $75,000 aggregate; keep proof on the premises. If nail services employees trigger the statutory wage-bond schedule, submit the additional required wage coverage.
- Legal Form
- Limited liability company with Department of State organization filing and its filing receipt; a member or manager signs.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years old, or a firm, partnership, corporation or limited liability company with a member at least 18 as General Business Law 406(3)(a) permits.
- Premises
- Operate at the licensed fixed location, comply with applicable federal, state and local health and safety rules, and provide the business location and ownership information.
- Professional Services
- Each cosmetology service provider must separately hold a cosmetology operator license.
- Remote Services
- Remote practice requires a fixed-location business license or direct active employment by such a licensee; maintain remote service records at the licensed location for at least three years under 19 NYCRR 160.8.
- Residential Premises
- For a residential business, licensed rooms must be separate from residential or other nonbusiness use, equipped as Part 160 requires and open to reasonable-time inspection under 19 NYCRR 160.7.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(3)(a), page 5 / business application
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / general business and area renter requirements
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 5 / business application requirement categories
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / business authorization versus individual services
Appearance enhancement business: partnership ownership
- Affirmations
- Prescribed applicant affirmation, applicable child-support statement, tax identification or explanation, and business-owner affirmation including applicable workers compensation/disability insurance.
- Fee
- $60 application fee; four-year term.
- Financial Security
- Provide proof of bond or accidental/professional liability or general liability coverage of at least $25,000 per occurrence and $75,000 aggregate; keep proof on the premises. If nail services employees trigger the statutory wage-bond schedule, submit the additional required wage coverage.
- Legal Form
- Partnership with a county-filed partnership certificate; a limited partnership files its certificate with the Department of State. A partner signs the application.
- Minimum Age
- At least 18 years old, or a firm, partnership, corporation or limited liability company with a member at least 18 as General Business Law 406(3)(a) permits.
- Premises
- Operate at the licensed fixed location, comply with applicable federal, state and local health and safety rules, and provide the business location and ownership information.
- Professional Services
- Each cosmetology service provider must separately hold a cosmetology operator license.
- Remote Services
- Remote practice requires a fixed-location business license or direct active employment by such a licensee; maintain remote service records at the licensed location for at least three years under 19 NYCRR 160.8.
- Residential Premises
- For a residential business, licensed rooms must be separate from residential or other nonbusiness use, equipped as Part 160 requires and open to reasonable-time inspection under 19 NYCRR 160.7.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(3)(a), page 5 / business application
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / general business and area renter requirements
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 5 / business application requirement categories
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 1 / business authorization versus individual services
Renewal within five years of expiration
- Continuing Compliance
- Continue the applicable business or area-renter premises, financial-security and licensed-provider requirements.
- Late Fee
- Additional $10 if renewal is more than one year after expiration.
- License Status
- License has not been suspended or revoked; renew within five years of expiration with the prescribed application and renewal fee.
- Term
- Four-year renewal; no further examination under General Business Law 408(6).
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(6), page 5 / eligible license
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(6), page 5 / express exemption
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(7), page 5 / five-year boundary
Assignment or transfer of an appearance enhancement business license
- Bona Fide Purchase
- A bona fide purchaser may use the seller’s license for 30 days with the parties’ signatures, purchaser name and sale date endorsed; submit a business-license application within five working days.
- Department Approval
- Provide satisfactory proof of compliance; assignment is effective only after Department endorsement and return of the endorsed license.
- Fee
- $5 endorsement fee.
- Ongoing Requirements
- Meet the business premises, financial-security and licensed-provider requirements; this business authorization does not authorize personal cosmetology practice.
- Qualifying Transfer
- For partnerships, consent of all members; for a limited liability company or corporation, the applicable majority voting-member or shareholder consent.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(3), page 5 / assignment authority
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(3), page 5 / transfer application
- Appearance Enhancement Business or Area Renter Application DOS 0035-f-a
Page 3 / individual purchase with same assumed business name
Cosmetology License
License to practice cosmetology in New York State.
Licensing authority: Department of State · Application information
Licensure by endorsement
- Application
- Complete the application, affirmation under penalty of perjury, required identification information and child-support statement, and pay the applicable fee.
- Certification
- Submit the original certification or copy prescribed by the current application, dated within six months; current good standing must be shown.
- Exam Result Validity
- When an examination is involved, its passing result may be applied towards licensure for five years.
- Health Certification
- Examination by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner; submit the application within 30 days of the signed and dated certification.
- Listed Jurisdictions
- The Department’s cosmetology endorsement list names New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming, with current licensure. This is a New York adoption list, not an assessment of any other state’s licensing law.
- Minimum Age
- At least 17 years old.
- Qualifying License
- Hold a current equivalent cosmetology license from a jurisdiction on the Department’s cosmetology endorsement list; standards and any required experience are subject to Department acceptance.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(2)(c), page 4 / substitution for examinations
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(2)(c), page 4 / equivalent license
- Cosmetology Application DOS 0034-f-a
Page 2 / Fees / reciprocal applicant exemption
- Cosmetology Application DOS 0034-f-a
Page 2 / Fees / reciprocal applicant example
- Endorsement States
Overview / certification recency
Five years of legal experience outside New York: a foreign country
- Application
- Complete the application, affirmation under penalty of perjury, required identification information and child-support statement, and pay the applicable fee.
- Exam Result Validity
- When an examination is involved, its passing result may be applied towards licensure for five years.
- Experience
- At least five years of legal experience in an occupation equivalent to cosmetology in a foreign country.
- Experience Documents
- Satisfactory evidence may include licensing-authority certification or consular verification that a license is unnecessary, employer/client/co-worker letters with exact dates and services, occupation identity documents, course curricula and diplomas/certificates, and occupation tax returns; the application and page differ on whether tax returns are optional.
- Health Certification
- Examination by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner; submit the application within 30 days of the signed and dated certification.
- Minimum Age
- At least 17 years old.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Become a Cosmetologist
Requirements / Experience: 5 Years Outside of New York State / result
- Become a Cosmetologist
Requirements / five-year experience / qualifying occupation
Five years of legal experience outside New York: United States
- Application
- Complete the application, affirmation under penalty of perjury, required identification information and child-support statement, and pay the applicable fee.
- Exam Result Validity
- When an examination is involved, its passing result may be applied towards licensure for five years.
- Experience
- At least five years of legal experience in an occupation equivalent to cosmetology in United States.
- Experience Documents
- Original licensing-agency certification and two statements by former employers, co-workers or clients identifying exact month/year dates, location and services for at least five years. The Department page labels tax returns optional; the January 2026 application also lists copies of occupation tax returns.
- Health Certification
- Examination by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner; submit the application within 30 days of the signed and dated certification.
- Minimum Age
- At least 17 years old.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Become a Cosmetologist
Requirements / Experience: 5 Years Outside of New York State / result
- Become a Cosmetologist
Requirements / five-year experience / qualifying occupation
Military household member waiver
- Application
- Complete the application, affirmation under penalty of perjury, required identification information and child-support statement, and pay the applicable fee.
- Exam Result Validity
- When an examination is involved, its passing result may be applied towards licensure for five years.
- Health Certification
- Examination by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner; submit the application within 30 days of the signed and dated certification.
- Household
- Be a household member of a United States armed forces, National Guard or Reserves member before that member relocates to New York.
- Implementation Documents
- The August 2023 waiver form requests the dependent or uniformed-services identification, orders moving the service member to New York, and current license certification; the license must be effective within one year of the application.
- Implementation Experience
- The waiver form states active license use during the two years preceding the move and good standing with each authority issuing a similar-scope license. It separately permits Appearance Enhancement applicants licensed less than two years to prove their prior household membership.
- Minimum Age
- At least 17 years old.
- Qualifying License
- Hold an equivalent occupational license issued under standards not lower than New York’s, subject to the Secretary’s judgment.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(2)(c), page 4 / schooling and examination substitution
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(2)(c), page 4 / household alternative
- Military Spouse Waiver Application DOS 2006-f-a
Opening qualification criteria
- Military Spouse Waiver Application DOS 2006-f-a
Appearance Enhancement household members licensed less than two years
New York State education and examinations
All of the following:
- cosmetology written exam
- cosmetology practical examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Complete the application, affirmation under penalty of perjury, required identification information and child-support statement, and pay the applicable fee.
- Domestic Violence Awareness
- Applicants qualifying through New York education must complete the one-hour Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness course before applying; the Department states this requirement effective June 17, 2020.
- Education
- Complete a 1,000-hour approved cosmetology course; obtain the school director or principal affirmation or the prescribed online school certification.
- Exam Result Validity
- When an examination is involved, its passing result may be applied towards licensure for five years.
- Health Certification
- Examination by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner; submit the application within 30 days of the signed and dated certification.
- Minimum Age
- At least 17 years old.
Renewal within five years of expiration
- Existing License
- Previously issued license has not been suspended or revoked.
- Late Fee
- If renewal is more than one year after expiration, pay the additional $10 fee.
- Military Extension
- General Business Law 406(4)(a) extends the application/fee filing period until three months after termination of active military service when the license filing obligation occurs during that service.
- Renewal Application
- Submit the renewal application and fee within five years of expiration; no further examination.
- Term
- Renewed four-year term.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(6), page 5 / eligible license
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(6), page 5 / express exemption
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 408(7), page 5 / five-year boundary
Previous New York licensure: application more than five years after expiration
- Expiration
- Failure to apply and pay for renewal within five years after expiration requires passage of the New York cosmetology written examination.
- Health And Application
- Complete the current cosmetology application, health certification, child-support statement, identity information and fee as prescribed.
- Previous License
- Previous New York cosmetology licensure; proof may be required.
Equivalent education outside New York State
All of the following:
- cosmetology written exam
- cosmetology practical examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Application
- Complete the application, affirmation under penalty of perjury, required identification information and child-support statement, and pay the applicable fee.
- Education Documents
- Provide the school certificate, transcript listing subjects and completed hours, and current licensing-board certification of licensure or, if unlicensed, certification verifying the claimed schooling hours.
- Education Equivalency
- The Department may waive New York schooling upon proof of an equivalent level of schooling from another jurisdiction.
- Exam Result Validity
- When an examination is involved, its passing result may be applied towards licensure for five years.
- Health Certification
- Examination by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner; submit the application within 30 days of the signed and dated certification.
- Minimum Age
- At least 17 years old.
Licensure by reciprocity
- Application
- Complete the application, affirmation under penalty of perjury, required identification information and child-support statement, and pay the applicable fee.
- Documents
- Submit certification from the issuing board, the completed cosmetology application and $40 fee; certification must be dated within six months under the January 2026 application.
- Exam Result Validity
- When an examination is involved, its passing result may be applied towards licensure for five years.
- Experience
- The Department’s reciprocity table includes current licensure alone and one-, two-, three-, four- or five-year minimums depending on the issuing jurisdiction; Massachusetts and Pennsylvania require two separate experience statements attesting to the required two years of work.
- Health Certification
- Examination by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner; submit the application within 30 days of the signed and dated certification.
- Minimum Age
- At least 17 years old.
- Published Minimums
- {"Alaska":"Current licensure","Arizona":"1 year (current)","Colorado":"5 years and current licensure","District of Columbia":"5 years and current licensure","Idaho":"3 years and current licensure","Louisiana":"Current licensure","Maine":"Current licensure","Massachusetts":"2 years and current licensure; two experience statements","Minnesota":"2 years and current licensure","Mississippi":"Current licensure","Missouri":"5 years and current licensure","Montana":"4 years and current licensure","Nevada":"Current licensure","North Carolina":"Current licensure","North Dakota":"1 year and current licensure","Oklahoma":"Current licensure","Pennsylvania":"2 years and current licensure; two experience statements","South Dakota":"Current licensure","Tennessee":"2 years and current licensure","Vermont":"2 years and current licensure","Virginia":"Current licensure"}
- Qualifying License
- Current equivalent license from a jurisdiction sharing reciprocity with New York, meeting the Department’s published license/experience minimum for that jurisdiction.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(2)(c), page 4 / substitution for examinations
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
General Business Law 406(2)(c), page 4 / equivalent license
- Cosmetology Application DOS 0034-f-a
Page 2 / Fees / reciprocal applicant exemption
- Cosmetology Application DOS 0034-f-a
Page 2 / Fees / reciprocal applicant example
- Cosmetology Reciprocity
Overview / currently licensed eligibility
Temporary Cosmetology Operator License
Six-month temporary authorization while the examination process is completed; one additional six-month period is possible.
Licensing authority: NYS Department of State Division of Licensing Services · Application information
Initial six month temporary operator license
- Application
- Complete the application, affirmation under penalty of perjury, required identification information and child-support statement, and pay the applicable fee.
- Education
- The January 2026 application narrative limits temporary eligibility to education obtained in New York or the United States. Its application page also offers temporary licensure for qualifying choices 1, 2 and 3, including previous licensure and outside education. The higher-ranked 19 NYCRR 160.5 permits applicants meeting all requirements except written and/or practical passage; applicants should note the Department’s narrower narrative.
- Exam Result Validity
- When an examination is involved, its passing result may be applied towards licensure for five years.
- Fee
- Additional $10 temporary-license fee with the original cosmetology application.
- Health Certification
- Examination by a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner; submit the application within 30 days of the signed and dated certification.
- License Purpose
- A six-month permit to work before passing the examinations for ordinary licensure; all other applicable licensing requirements must be met.
- Minimum Age
- At least 17 years old.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-22.
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
19 NYCRR 160.5, page 8 / eligible applicant exception
- Appearance Enhancement Law and Regulations
19 NYCRR 160.5, page 8 / temporary application
- Cosmetology Application DOS 0034-f-a
Page 2 / work pending examinations
Second six month temporary operator license
At least one of the following alternatives:
- cosmetology written exam
- cosmetology practical examination (assessment without a question bank)
- Good Cause And Fee
- Good cause, renewal application and $10 fee under General Business Law 406(2)(e).
- Ordinary License
- Passing both examinations leads to the ordinary four-year license.
- Passed Examination
- Provide proof of passage of either the New York cosmetology written examination or the practical examination; either alone suffices for temporary renewal.
- Prior Temporary License
- A first six-month temporary cosmetology operator license; only one additional six-month period is available.
cosmetology practical examination
This assessment does not have a question bank.
- Provider
- New York State Department of State
- Format
- Practical demonstrations on a mannequin, with simulated chemical services
- Time limit
- Approximately 3 1/2 hours in the task list; general information describes approximately 3 hours
- Passing score
- Reported as passed or failed; numerical scores are not provided
- Exam fee
- $15
Examination sources
- Cosmetology Practical Examination Information
Practical Examination Procedures, page 2
- Cosmetology Practical Examination Task List
Task list introduction, page 1
- Cosmetology Practical Examination Task List
Task list introduction / mannequin demonstrations
- Cosmetology Practical Examination Task List
Professional Appearance, Preparation of Work Area and Client Preparation / evaluated tasks
- Cosmetology Practical Examination Information
Requesting an Analysis / evaluation of practical scores, page 3
- Cosmetology Practical Examination Information
Practical Examination Scheduling, page 1
cosmetology written exam
- Provider
- New York State Department of State
- Format
- Multiple-choice written examination
- Exam questions
- 100 questions
- Time limit
- 2 1/2 hours
- Passing score
- Reported as passed or failed; numerical scores are not provided
- Exam fee
- $15
Examination outline
Professional Requirements
- New York State License Requirements
- State and Federal Payroll Requirements
- New York State Sales Tax Requirements
- Career Opportunities and Placement
- Professional Ethics, Conduct and Attitude
- Professional Organizations, Trade Shows and Publications
- View and discuss the mandatory Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness online course
Safety And Health
- New York State Laws, Rules and Regulations
- OSHA Regulations Concerning Hazardous Materials Communications
- Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms
- Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms — Bacteria
- Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms — Viruses
- Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms — Molds
- Types and Classification of Infectious Organisms — Fungus
- Growth and Reproduction of Infectious Organisms
- Infections and Their Prevention
- Immunity and Body Defenses
- Decontamination and Infection Control
- Physical and Chemical Agents
Anatomy And Physiology
- Cells, Tissues and Organs
- Body Systems
- Basic Principles of Nutrition
- Overview of Bones and Muscles of the Head, Arms, Hands, Legs and Feet
Hair Analysis
- Structure
- Growth Patterns
- Hair Types and Textures
- Hair Types and Textures — Hair Types – Fine, Medium, Thick
- Hair Types and Textures — Hair Textures – Straight, Wavy, Curly, Wiry, Coily and Afro Textures
- Porosity
- Elasticity
- Density
Hair And Scalp Disorders And Diseases
- Dandruff
- Alopecia
- Fungal Infections
- Infestations
- Infections
Chemistry As Applied To Cosmetology
- Forms and Properties of Matter
- Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
- Chemical Reactions and Solutions
- The pH Scale
- FDA Laws Governing Hair Care Products and Product Safety
Shampoos, Rinses, Conditioners And Treatments
- Client Preparation, Analysis and Consultation for all hair types and textures
- Hair Analysis Instruments and Equipment
- Shampooing Products, Composition and Procedures for all hair types and textures
- Detangling and Treating for Coily and Curly Textures
- Rinsing Products, Composition and Procedures for all hair types and textures
- Conditioning Products, Composition and Procedures for all hair types and textures
- Procedures for Hair and Scalp Disorders
- Scalp Manipulations
Hair Cutting And Shaping
- Fundamentals, Principles and Concepts of Design
- Scissor Haircutting
- Scissor Haircutting — Nomenclature and Care of Scissors
- Scissor Haircutting — Techniques and Procedures
- Razor Haircutting
- Razor Haircutting — Nomenclature and Care of Razor
- Razor Haircutting — Techniques and Procedures
- Clipper Haircutting
- Clipper Haircutting — Nomenclature and Care of Tools
- Clipper Haircutting — Techniques and Procedures
- Removal/Trim of Superfluous Hair
- Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting
- Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting — Curly and Coily Styles
- Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting — Female Styles
- Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting — Male Styles
- Contemporary and Specialized Haircutting — Children Styles
- Mustache and Beard Shaping
- Shaving
- Shaving — Dexterity of the Hands and Razor
- Shaving — Preparation and Procedures
Hair Styling
- Fingerwaving
- Pincurling
- Skipwaving
- Roller Styling
- Curly and Coily Styling
- Patterns in Hairstyling
- Patterns in Hairstyling — Waves, Pin Curls, Rollers and Combinations
- Finishing Techniques
- Finishing Techniques — Twisting, Wrapping, Weaving, Extending, Locking and Braiding
- Traditional Weaving and Styling
- Services in Hairstyling
- Services in Hairstyling — Tools and Implements
- Services in Hairstyling — Blowdrying/Diffusing
- Services in Hairstyling — Blowdrying/Diffusing — Blowdrying with Controlled Tension
- Services in Hairstyling — Blowdrying/Diffusing — Diffusing Curly and Coily Hair
- Services in Hairstyling — Flatiron and Thermal Iron
- Services in Hairstyling — Flatiron and Thermal Iron — Preventing Heat Damage
- Services in Hairstyling — Thermal Curling
- Services in Hairstyling — Hair Pressing and Silk Press on Natural Hair
- Hair Pieces
Chemical Restructuring
- Chemistry
- Chemical Restructuring Products
- Client Consultation and Texture Hair Integrity
- Hair Loss and Potential Health Risks Associated with Chemical Restructuring
- Preliminary Procedure of Chemical Restructuring
- Procedure of Chemical Restructuring
- Corrective Chemical Restructuring
Hair Coloring And Lightening
- Color Theory
- Chemistry
- Preliminary Procedures of Hair Coloring
- Client Consultation
- Hair Coloring Procedures
- Hair Lightening and Texture Hair Integrity
- Special Effects
- Corrective Procedures
Nail Care And Procedures
- Nail Structure
- Nail Disorders and Diseases
- Nail Shape and Color Analysis
- Basic Manicuring and Pedicuring
- Manipulations of the Hand, Arm, Leg and Foot
- Nail Tip Application
- Nail Tip Application — Adhesives
- Nail Tip Application — Fitting, Design and Application
- Nail Wrap Application
- Nail Wrap Application — Silk, Fiberglass and Linen Procedures
- Nail Wrap Application — Surface Wrapping Natural Nail and Mending
- Nail Wrap Application — Tip Overlay Wrapping
- Nail Wrap Application — Repair, Maintenance and Removal
- Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions
- Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions — Application Procedures for Tips with Overlays, Natural Nails and Sculptured Nails
- Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions — Repair, Maintenance and Removal
- Liquid and Powder Nail Extensions — Chemical Reactions to Liquid and Powder
Skin Care And Procedures
- Structure and Function of the Skin
- Skin Conditions and Disorders
- Facial and Body Procedures
- Facial and Body Procedures — Client Preparation
- Facial and Body Procedures — Skin Analysis and Consultation
- Wet and Dry Exfoliations and Applications
- Use of Various Products to Enhance the Appearance of the Skin:
- Use of Various Products to Enhance the Appearance of the Skin: — Seaweed, salt, paraffin, mud, ampules, creams, etc.
- Discussion for Further Training Required for Advanced Techniques Such as Aromatherapy and Water Therapies
- Temporary Methods of Hair Removal
- Temporary Methods of Hair Removal — Manual Tweezing
- Temporary Methods of Hair Removal — Depilatory Lotion
- Temporary Methods of Hair Removal — Waxing
- Temporary Methods of Hair Removal — Bleaching
- Make-Up Application
- Make-Up Application — Color Analysis
- Make-Up Application — Morphology of the Face
- Make-Up Application — Product Knowledge, Chemistry and Related Composition
- Make-Up Application — Eyebrow Contouring
- Make-Up Application — Corrections and Contouring
- Make-Up Application — False Eyelashes
- Make-Up Application — Further Training Required for Advanced Techniques
Examination sources
- Become a Cosmetologist
Exams / Written Exam / About the Exam / curriculum
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(a) / defined cosmetology curriculum
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b) / subject matter
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
Adoption notice / commencement
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 1, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 2, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 2, passage 2
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 3, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 4, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 5, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 6, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 7, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 7, passage 2
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 8, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 9, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 10, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 10, passage 2
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 11, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 12, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 13, passage 1
- Adopted amendments to 19 NYCRR 162.3 and 162.4
19 NYCRR 162.4(b), Subject 13, passage 2
- Become a Cosmetologist
Exams / Written Exam / About the Exam
- Become a Cosmetologist
Exams / Written Exam / Score Reporting
- Department of State Computer-Based Testing Questions and Answers
Question 5 / Answer 5 / cosmetology question count
- Become a Cosmetologist
Fees / separate examination fee
- Become a Cosmetologist
Exams / Written Exam / examination confirmation