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How to Get a Texas Manicurist License

April 26, 2022 by Ivy Hultquist

Interested in becoming a nail technician or obtaining a Texas manicurist license? If so, you’ll need to obtain a manicurist license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, also called the TDLR.

In this post, we will walk you through the process of obtaining your license, whether that be finding a school or transferring your nail license to Texas from another state. We will provide all the information you need to get licensed and ready for those Instagram-worthy nails.

Texas manicurist license
Spilled glitter nail polish with the article title.

Step One: Complete a TDLR-Approved Manicurist Course

Before you can apply for your license, you must first complete an approved manicurist course. This will ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your job safely and effectively.

This is where you will learn how to offer your clients the perfect manicure, pedicure, or acrylic nails.

Finding the right school can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s important to do your research to find the right fit for you. Consider things like cost, location, and curriculum when making your decision. Talk to students and graduates and see if they recommend the school. Once you’ve chosen a school, enroll and complete the required coursework.

And just a heads up, according to Texas Manicurist Rules (83.20. License Requirements–Individuals (d)) you must:

  • (3) be at least 17 years of age;
  • (4) have obtained a high school diploma, or the equivalent of a high school diploma, or have passed a valid examination administered by a certified testing agency that measures the person’s ability to benefit from training;

Manicurist programs typically take about 4-6 months to complete and cost accredited programs between $5000 and $10000.

How many hours do you need to complete in order to get a Texas manicurist license?

You must complete a minimum of 600 hours at an accredited school in order to be eligible for licensure.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation Approved Nail Technician Course List

Once you have completed your nail technician course, you are ready to apply for your license!

I already have a nail license in another state. How do I transfer my nail license to Texas?

If you are already licensed as a nail technician in another state, you may be eligible to transfer your license to Texas.

In order to transfer your out-of-state nail license to Texas, you must meet all the TDLR requirements for reciprocity. Here is where to find more about the requirements based on your current license status in another state: Transfer nail license to Texas.

Step Two: Submit Your Application and Fees

The next step is to submit your application along with the required fees. The application can be found on the TDLRwebsite. Be sure to fill out the form completely and accurately. Incomplete applications will delay the processing of your license.

The application fee for a Texas manicurist license is $50. This fee is non-refundable and must be submitted with your application.

Here are the paper application and online applications for manicurists.

Once you’ve completed your course, you’ll need to submit a transcript or certificate of completion to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Step Three: Pass the Texas Manicurist License Exam

In order to obtain your Texas manicurist license, you must pass a written and skills-based examination. The written portion of the exam will test your knowledge of topics such as safety, sanitation, and basic anatomy.

You’ll need to pass both parts of the exam in order to receive your license.

The cost of the exam is $115. This fee covers both the written and practical portions of the test.

More information can be found in the TDLR Exam Bulletin. Just select the language next to your profession.

Step Four: Start Your Texas Manicurist Career!

Once you’ve officially obtained your Texas manicurist license, you’re ready to start your career! You can look for job openings at salons, spas, or resorts. Or, you could even start your own nail business!

Easy enough, right?

Now for some questions, you have about nail tech careers in Texas.

What is the difference between a manicurist and a nail technician?

The names are interchangeably used by the public. Officially, the state issues manicurist licenses to those that can offer nail services.

In Texas, a manicurist is someone who only provides basic nail care services, such as polish changes pedicures, and manicures, They will also offer advanced nail care services, such as acrylics, gel nails, and nail art.

How much do Texas manicurists make?

Salaries drastically vary depending on experience, location, and other factors. You will see figures of anywhere from $15,000 to $100,000. Some work only part-time or as a side-hustle, while others have built large businesses with several other therapists working in their salon.

Do I need a Texas salon license for my nail business?

Yes, a Texas salon license is required for any business that offers nail services. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) regulates the licensing of salons in Texas.

Texas has a few specific laws that all salon professionals must follow. For example, manicurists must follow specific rules for cleaning and disposing of certain tools, as well as sanitizing foot whirlpools used for pedicures.

Are there any other requirements for Texas manicurists?

Once you obtain your Texas manicurist license, you will need to complete a 4-hour Texas cosmetology board-approved continuing education for manicurists every two years in order to renew your license. Required courses include sanitation and human trafficking awareness.

Ready to begin your manicurist career journey?

We hope this guide was helpful in explaining the process of how to get your Texas manicurist license. If you have any questions, you can ask them below or contact a manicurist program in Texas or the TDLR for licensing questions.

Category: Uncategorized

About Ivy Hultquist

Ivy Hultquist is continuing education and reciprocity expert in the massage and cosmetology fields. She has helped thousands of massage therapists and cosmetology professionals transfer their licenses to other states and renew their licenses.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda C. Cole

    October 31, 2022 at 3:20 am

    I am a past Nail Tech and my license is expired and I need to go to a School to get my licensed
    I’m in Georgetown ,Tx however I know I will go to an Austin School to get my license and would like to get started? Please Advise.

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      October 31, 2022 at 9:46 am

      Hi!
      I would first contact the TDLR to make sure going back to school is what is needed of you for your expired license. If you do need to or want to go back to school, I would start researching schools in the Austin area and inquiring about their nail programs.

      Reply
      • Ashakia Meeks

        August 6, 2024 at 8:33 am

        Ready to start my own business and follow my dream

        Reply
  2. Stassney

    October 31, 2022 at 2:19 pm

    Hi I am wanting to offer nail services in my home. To do this do I need both a manicurist license and a salon license?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      October 31, 2022 at 2:29 pm

      I would assume so. Here is my article on salons. There is a some information in the comments about home salons.

      https://cosmocredits.com/open-texas-salon/

      Reply
  3. Ha Thao

    July 6, 2023 at 1:40 am

    Dear TDLR,
    I need your help about the information that: May I transfer the manicurist license in Vietnam to Texas? If not, which condition I need to complete to get by Texas license.
    Thank you for your support so much

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      July 6, 2023 at 11:15 am

      Hi! Here is the contact for the TDLR – https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/help/

      They should be able to help you with information about international transfers. Some states allow them, others do not. Best wishes.

      Reply
  4. JENNIFFER Peroso

    July 29, 2023 at 9:20 pm

    Le agradecería de ante mano su orientación. Soy manicurista certificada en otro país (Venezuela). Como hago para validar mis certificado acá ??? Como hago para obtener mi licencia para desempeñarme en mi rubro

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      July 31, 2023 at 12:48 pm

      (Translation – I would appreciate your guidance in advance. I am a certified manicurist in another country (Venezuela). How do I validate my certificate here??? How do I get my license to work in my field?)

      On this page – https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/barbering-and-cosmetology/individuals/out-of-state.htm you can put information about your current license status. You would go all the way down on the first drop down menu to “foreign education”. Based on what you put, it will tell you what you need to do. Most likely it will recommend getting your education evaluated by a a foreign credential evaluator that is a member of the National Association of Credit Evaluation Service.

      Reply
  5. Vienna Griffin

    October 4, 2023 at 9:32 pm

    I finished manicuring school in Michigan and graduated 3/2020. Things happened and I didn’t take my state boards. I am now in Texas and want to know my next steps to obtain my license

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      October 7, 2023 at 11:26 am

      March 2020 was a crazy time! This is a good question. They do not have a lot of information for those that never got a license, so I would contact their customer service here to put you in contact with the board office – https://ga.tdlr.texas.gov:1443/form/csgeneralinquiry?_ga=2.44109476.164716106.1696695944-1672726334.1679415950

      Reply
  6. Drew

    December 4, 2023 at 10:53 pm

    Ive been a nail tech for 7 years. The last renewal date i accidentally let it go and didnt renew it. That was for illinois, i am now living in texas. Im just curious what is the next step on figuring out how i can get licensed again. Will i have to go back and redo school all over again?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      December 5, 2023 at 9:04 am

      Hi Drew! I do not anticipate that you would need to go back to school at all. That is EXTREMELY rare, but it is a common worry. Do you want a Texas license or an Illinois license?

      Reply
  7. Samantha Rivera

    January 10, 2024 at 1:26 pm

    I took my writing exam and practical exam when I was a junior in high school but I never applied or went to get my license. How do I get my license?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      January 10, 2024 at 2:37 pm

      Excellent question! You may just need to apply and complete some paperwork. Or you may have some extra work to do. I am just not sure since I do not know how long it has been since you were a junior :). I would contact the TDLR with your graduation date and ask them for some suggestions on how to proceed. Best wishes!

      Reply
  8. Samantha Rivera

    January 10, 2024 at 5:46 pm

    I did my written and practical exam when I was in high school and passed but I never ended up activating my license. Can I still pay and activate that same license even though it’s been about 2 years?

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      January 11, 2024 at 2:27 pm

      You may need a new application. Some applications only are open for a year. You will need to check with the board office.

      Reply
  9. Anna M. Reakes

    April 8, 2024 at 4:48 pm

    I can’t afford $6,000 for a Manicurist license for my granddaughter, and saw the Courses for Success website, which are online courses. Do these supply or I should say accepted under the TDLR guidelines.

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      April 9, 2024 at 10:12 am

      I would be VERY leery of an online program. I have not heard of any online programs that are TDLR approved.

      Reply
  10. Imane Alaoui

    September 14, 2024 at 4:24 pm

    What is the good schools to get my license in Houston Texas

    Reply
    • Ivy Hultquist

      September 17, 2024 at 2:32 pm

      I would find a list of cosmetology schools online and look over reviews. Visit schools, ask questions of graduates, and see which one fits your needs best.

      Reply

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