Cosmetology and salon license basics by state
Training hours, exams and the salon or shop license each state requires, summarized from the official boards with a link to every source.
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Check before you file. We summarized these rules from each state’s official licensing board in October 2026 and link every source. Requirements, fees and forms change, and cities and counties often add their own license or registration. This is general information, not legal advice.
At a glance
| State | Board | Training hours |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Florida DBPR Board of Cosmetology | At least 1,200 hours at a Florida cosmetology school. |
| Texas | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), Barbering and Cosmetology program | 1,000 hours at a licensed school. |
| Georgia | Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers | School: at least 1,500 credit hours over at least 9 months. Apprenticeship: at least 3,000 hours over 18 months. |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners | 1,500 hours in an approved cosmetic art school curriculum, or 1,200 school hours followed by an apprenticeship. |
| Arizona | Arizona Barbering and Cosmetology Board | 1,500 hours (hairstyling 1,000; aesthetics and nail technology 600). |
| California | California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology | 1,000 hours. |
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Questions people ask
Does every state require a salon license as well as a cosmetology license?
All six states here require a license for the salon or shop in addition to licensing the people doing the work. Check your own state board for the details.
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