Already licensed? If you hold a cosmetology license in another state, see our guide to transferring your cosmetology license to Texas. If you already hold a Texas license, see our Texas cosmetology license renewal guide.
Getting your first Texas cosmetology license takes three things: training at a licensed school, submitting an application, and passing two exams. You can apply to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before you finish school. This guide walks you through each step, with the current hours, fees, and forms.
In Texas, the cosmetology license is officially called a Cosmetology Operator license. Most other states call it a cosmetologist license. You will see the word “Operator” on the TDLR website and on your application. It is the same license.
This guide covers every Texas barbering and cosmetology license. The basic steps to licensing are the same for all of them. We use the cosmetology license as the main example, and the other license types section explains what changes for eyelash extension specialists, hair weaving specialists, and combination licenses.
Getting a barber, esthetician, or manicurist license? See our Texas barber license guide, Texas esthetician license guide, or Texas manicurist license guide for scope of practice (what services you are allowed to perform) and other details specific to those licenses.
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Training required | 1,000 hours at a TDLR-licensed school |
| Exams | Written and practical, both through PSI |
| Exam fees | $55 written, $76 practical |
| Passing score | 70 |
| Minimum age | 17 |
| Application fee | $50, non-refundable |
| Temporary license | 60 days, if you apply before your written exam |
| License term | 2 years from the date of issue |
| Where to apply | TDLR cosmetology license page |
Step 1: Complete Your Training
Before you can apply, you must complete a cosmetology course of 1,000 hours at a barbering and cosmetology school licensed in Texas. Texas no longer offers a shorter path through high school coursework, so all applicants complete the full 1,000 hours.
When you enroll, the TDLR issues you a student permit. The permit allows you to work on clients under supervision as part of your training. Your school reports your hours to the TDLR, so you do not need to submit them yourself.
Not every beauty school in Texas is licensed to teach the cosmetology course. Before you pay tuition, confirm the school and program with the TDLR school and curriculum search.
Some schools teach part of the theory hours online. Texas limits this to no more than 50% of a course’s total hours. The rest of your training happens in person at the school.
Already a Texas barber?
The Class A barber and cosmetology licenses cover many of the same services. Because of that overlap, the TDLR lets a licensed barber add a cosmetology license with much less training. This is often called a crossover license, and it lets you offer both barbering and cosmetology services as long as you hold both licenses.
To cross over, your Class A barber license must be current, active, and in good standing. You then complete 300 hours of cosmetology instruction at a licensed school and pass the written and practical exams. The TDLR explains this path on its barber to cosmetologist page and in a short explainer video.
Step 2: Submit Your License Application
You can apply for your license as soon as the TDLR notifies you that you are eligible for the written exam. You can also wait until after you pass both exams, but applying early is the better choice for most students. If you apply before your written exam, you can receive a temporary license the same day you pass the practical exam (see Step 3).
The application fee is $50 and is non-refundable. You must be at least 17 years old to apply.
- Go to the TDLR cosmetology license page and select “Apply Online.”
- Follow the prompts to enter your personal information and answer the background questions.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
- Check your license status with the TDLR License Search.
The TDLR recommends applying online for faster service. If you prefer paper, you can apply by mail with the License by Examination Application (PDF).
The TDLR does not publish processing times. Applications that include a criminal history take longer to review, so apply early if this applies to you.
Step 3: Pass the Written and Practical Exams
Texas requires two exams, taken in order. Both are given by PSI, the TDLR’s testing company. You must pass the written exam before you can take the practical exam.
Written exam
You do not have to wait until you finish all 1,000 hours. After you complete 900 hours, your school notifies the TDLR that you are eligible. Once the TDLR verifies your eligibility, PSI emails you instructions for scheduling your exam. This exam can be completed at a PSI testing center, or via online proctoring.
The written exam is the harder of the two. In fiscal year 2025, only 49% of cosmetology written exams resulted in a pass, compared to 89% for the practical exam. Plan your study time with that in mind. Retakes are allowed; we cover that below.
Practical exam
After you finish all 1,000 hours and pass the written exam, the TDLR notifies you that you are eligible for the practical exam. The practical is a hands-on skills test offered in Austin, San Antonio, the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Houston area, McAllen, El Paso, Midland, and Amarillo.
Getting a temporary license
If you plan ahead, you can start working the same day you pass the practical exam. A temporary license prints with your practical exam score report and is valid for 60 days while the TDLR mails your 2-year license. To qualify, you must:
- Apply for your license and pay the $50 fee after you are notified that you are eligible for the written exam, but before you take it.
- Complete all 1,000 hours and pass the TDLR background check before the TDLR sends your practical exam eligibility to PSI.
- Pass the practical exam.
If you apply after passing both exams, you will not receive a temporary license. You must wait for the TDLR to issue your license before you can work.
Exam day and retakes
The written exam costs $55 and the practical exam costs $76, both paid to PSI. You need a score of 70 to pass either one. If you do not pass, you must wait 24 hours before you can schedule again. You cannot retake an exam on the same day, and you pay the exam fee again for each attempt.
On exam day, your name and ID must match the information the TDLR has on file exactly. You can schedule exams and check testing details through PSI or by calling (833) 333-4741. The TDLR’s exam information page has more detail, and you can look up your exam eligibility and results with the TDLR exam data search.
Your full license is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued.
Other Texas License Types
If you want to focus on one area of beauty services, a specialty license takes less training than a cosmetology license. Here is how the training requirements compare:
| License type | Training hours |
|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 1,000 |
| Class A barber | 1,000 |
| Esthetician | 750 |
| Manicurist | 600 |
| Eyelash extension specialist | 320 |
| Hair weaving specialist | 300 |
| Manicurist/esthetician | 800 |
| Hair weaving specialist/esthetician | 800 |
Every license type requires a written exam, a practical exam, the $50 application fee, and a minimum age of 17. All licenses are valid for 2 years.
Esthetician
An esthetician license requires 750 hours of training. See our Texas esthetician license guide for the full process.
Manicurist
A manicurist license requires 600 hours of training. See our Texas manicurist license guide for the full process.
Class A barber
A Class A barber license requires 1,000 hours of training, the same as a cosmetology license, and covers nearly the same services. The application process is different: barbers apply after passing both exams, and the TDLR’s barber page does not offer a temporary license. See our Texas barber license guide for the full process, including how a licensed cosmetologist can add a barber license.
Eyelash extension specialist
An eyelash extension specialist license requires 320 hours of training at a licensed school. The application and temporary license steps are the same as for a cosmetology license. Apply through the TDLR eyelash extension specialist license page.
Hair weaving specialist
A hair weaving specialist license requires 300 hours of training at a licensed school. The application and temporary license steps are the same as for a cosmetology license. Apply through the TDLR hair weaving specialist license page.
Combination licenses
Texas offers two combination licenses: manicurist/esthetician and hair weaving specialist/esthetician. You can qualify for either one in two ways:
- Complete the 800-hour combined course.
- Complete both full courses separately (for example, 600 manicurist hours and 750 esthetician hours).
If you already hold both active licenses, you can upgrade to the combined license by mailing a completed application with the $50 non-refundable fee. Online upgrades are not available yet. The esthetician license page on the TDLR website has the upgrade forms.
Applying With a Criminal History
The TDLR runs a criminal history background check on every applicant. A conviction does not automatically disqualify you. The TDLR reviews each case using its published guidelines for applicants with criminal convictions.
If you have a criminal history, include a completed Criminal History Questionnaire (PDF) with your application. The TDLR’s review of a criminal history can take one to six weeks, so apply early if you want a temporary license.
You can also ask the TDLR to review your record before you enroll in school. This pre-application review uses the same process as a real application, so you can find out where you stand before you pay tuition. Start with the TDLR criminal history evaluation letter page.
After You Are Licensed
Your Texas cosmetology license expires 2 years from the date it was issued. To renew it, you must complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education (also called continuing education units, or CEUs) and pay a $50 renewal fee. The 4 hours must include 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking prevention.
Texas does not exempt new licensees from this requirement. You need CE hours before your first renewal, too.
Our Texas cosmetology license renewal guide covers the full renewal process, including what to do if your license expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to get a cosmetology license in Texas?
You must complete 1,000 hours of training at a TDLR-licensed school, pass a written exam and a practical exam, be at least 17 years old, and pay a $50 application fee.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Texas?
The TDLR and exam fees total $181: a $50 application fee, a $55 written exam fee, and a $76 practical exam fee. School tuition is separate and varies by school. If you need to retake an exam, you pay that exam’s fee again.
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Texas?
Most of the time is spent in school. How long 1,000 hours takes depends on whether you attend full time or part time, so ask your school for its program schedule. If you apply for your license before your written exam, you can start working with a temporary license the day you pass the practical exam.
Can I work right after I pass the practical exam?
Yes, if you applied for your license before taking the written exam and met all other requirements. A temporary license prints with your practical exam score report and is valid for 60 days. If you applied after passing both exams, you must wait for the TDLR to issue your license.
Can I take the written exam before I finish my hours?
Yes. Once you complete 900 hours, your school notifies the TDLR that you are eligible for the written exam. You must finish all 1,000 hours before you can take the practical exam.
Can I get a Texas cosmetology license online?
Partly. You can submit your application online, and some schools teach theory hours online. Texas limits online theory to no more than 50% of a course’s total hours, so at least half of your training happens in person. The practical exam is also given in person.
What is the difference between an Operator license and a cosmetologist license?
There is no difference. “Cosmetology Operator” is the official Texas name for what most states call a cosmetologist license.
Can I use my Texas cosmetology license in another state?
That depends on the state you are moving to. Each state sets its own rules for accepting out-of-state licenses. Check with the licensing board in your new state before you move.
How do I check if someone has a Texas cosmetology license?
Use the TDLR License Search. You can search for individual licenses and salon licenses.
My Texas cosmetology license expired. Do I have to go back to school?
No. Going back to school is very rare. For a Texas license, what you need to do depends on how long it has been expired. See our Texas cosmetology license renewal guide for details.
TDLR Contact Information
| Agency | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation |
| Mailing address | P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711 |
| Physical address | 920 Colorado St., Austin, Texas 78701 |
| Phone | (512) 463-6599 |
| Toll-free (in Texas) | (800) 803-9202 |
| Relay Texas-TDD | (800) 735-2989 |
| Phone hours | 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) |
| Website | tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology |
| License lookup | TDLR License Search |