In a rush and just need your credits? You can skip the reading and get your 4-hour Texas barber CE course here.
This guide walks you through the complete process for renewing your Texas barber license, from completing your continuing education to submitting your renewal application. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees all barber licensing in Texas, and the renewal process is straightforward once you know the steps.
This guide is specifically for Texas barber license holders. If you hold a different Texas license type, select your license below:
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A note for long-time Texas barbers
If you held a barber license before the state consolidated the barbering and cosmetology programs, you may have noticed some changes. In 2021, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1560, which combined the previously separate barbering and cosmetology licensing programs under the TDLR. The new rules took effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
One of the biggest changes for barbers: continuing education is now required for license renewal. Before the consolidation, barbers in Texas did not have CE requirements. Starting with renewals on or after Sept. 1, 2025, all barbers must complete approved CE hours before renewing. If this is your first time completing CE as a barber, this guide covers exactly what you need.
You may also have received a new license number when you renewed. Beginning in March 2024, the TDLR began issuing updated license numbers to barber licensees upon renewal as part of the program consolidation. If your license still shows an older number, you will receive your updated number the next time you renew. You can look up your current license information using the TDLR License Search.
Table of Contents
Renewal Requirements
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Renewal deadline | 2 years from your license issuance date |
| Renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
| CE hours required | 4 hours (or 2 hours if licensed 15+ years) |
| Renewal fee | $50 |
| Late renewal fee | $75 (expired 90 days or less) or $100 (expired 91 days to 18 months) |
| Earliest you can renew | 60 days before your license expiration date |
| Where to renew | TDLR Renewal Portal |
Step 1: Understand Your CE Requirements
Every Texas barber must complete 4 hours of approved continuing education before renewing their license. These hours must be completed during the 2-year period before your license expires.
The 4 CE hours break down as follows:
| Subject | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Sanitation, health, and safety | 1 hour |
| Human trafficking prevention | 1 hour |
| Cosmetology or barber-related topics | 2 hours |
The 2-hour elective block can cover any topic listed in Section 83.202 of the TDLR rules, including Texas barbering and cosmetology law and rules, sanitation beyond the required hour, or mental health awareness.
There is no first-renewal exemption. Continuing education is required before every renewal, including your first.
Licensed for 15+ years? If you have held a Texas barber license for at least 15 years, you only need 2 CE hours: 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking prevention. The 2-hour elective requirement is waived. Only years licensed in Texas count toward the 15-year threshold. Our 2-Hour Texas Sanitation and Trafficking Course covers both required topics for senior licensees.
Step 2: Complete Your Continuing Education
The fastest way to complete your 4 CE hours is with an online, TDLR-approved course. Our 4-Hour Texas CE renewal course covers all required topics and can be completed on any device. The course is self-paced, and your progress is saved if you need to take a break.
How does the TDLR know I completed my CE? Once you finish, your certificate is available immediately as a download. We report your completed hours to the TDLR within one business day (TDLR requires providers to report within 7 days).
Keep your certificate of completion for 2 years after you finish the course in case of an audit. You do not need to submit proof of CE with your renewal application, but the TDLR may request your certificate as part of an inspection or investigation.
If you earned continuing education through another TDLR-approved provider, you can verify that your hours have been reported using the TDLR Continuing Education Course Lookup.
Complete your Texas barber CE hours here →
Step 3: Submit Your Renewal Application
Once your CE hours are complete and reported, you can renew your barber license online through the TDLR portal.
Your license is eligible for renewal 60 days before your expiration date. The TDLR sends renewal notices at least 30 days before expiration, but you don’t need to wait for the notice to submit your renewal.
- Go to the TDLR barber and cosmetology renewal page. The site will ask a few verifying questions and direct you to the correct renewal application. You can also go directly to the renewal portal.
- Select “Class A Barber” as your license type.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your information and complete the application.
- Pay the renewal fee. There are no additional processing fees.
- After submitting, allow 3-10 business days for processing. You can check the status of your renewal through the TDLR License Search.
It is your responsibility to renew on time. Not receiving a renewal notice does not excuse late renewal or waive late fees.
What if My License Is Expired?
If your barber license has expired, you can still renew in most cases. The process and fees depend on how long your license has been expired. During any gap between your expiration date and your late renewal, you are legally not allowed to practice.
| Timeframe | Fee | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Expired 90 days or less | $75 | Renew online, same process as a standard renewal. |
| Expired 91 days–18 months | $100 | Renew online, same process as a standard renewal. |
| Expired 18 months–3 years | $100 | Must petition TDLR’s Executive Director. Submit the Request to Executive Director form. |
| Expired more than 3 years | N/A | Renewal is not possible. You must apply for a new license and retake the required exams. |
Expired 90 days or less
Renew online using the same process as a standard renewal. The late renewal fee is $75 (1.5 times the standard $50 fee).
The process is the same as a standard renewal. Go to the TDLR cosmetology renewal page and follow the steps. You must have your CE hours completed before renewing.
Expired 91 days to 18 months
Renew online using the same process as a standard renewal. The late renewal fee is $100 (2 times the standard fee). You must have your CE hours completed before renewing.
Expired 18 months to 3 years
You must petition the TDLR’s Executive Director for approval to renew. Download the Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal form, complete it, and attach it to your online renewal application.
The late renewal fee is $100. You will need to complete your current cycle’s CE hours (4 hours, or 2 hours if licensed 15+ years) before renewing.
Expired 3 years or more
A barber license that has been expired for more than 3 years cannot be renewed. You must apply for a new license and retake the required exams.
Applications for expired licenses must be submitted by mail using the Expired License Application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew my barber license in Texas?
The standard renewal fee is $50. There are no additional processing fees. If your license is expired, the late fee ranges from $75 to $100 depending on how long it has been expired.
How many CE hours do I need to renew my Texas barber license?
You need 4 hours of approved continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle. If you have held your license for 15 or more years, you only need 2 hours.
Did barbers always need CE in Texas?
No. Before the barbering and cosmetology programs were consolidated under House Bill 1560, Texas barbers were not required to complete continuing education. The CE requirement applies to barber license renewals on or after Sept. 1, 2025.
How early can I renew my Texas barber license?
Your license is eligible for renewal 60 days before your expiration date. The TDLR sends renewal notices at least 30 days before expiration, but you don’t need to wait for the notice to submit your renewal. You can complete your CE hours at any point during your 2-year renewal cycle.
Can I renew my Texas barber license online?
Yes. The TDLR offers online renewal through their license renewal page. Most licensees can complete the entire process online.
What happens if I don’t renew my barber license?
If your license expires, you are legally not allowed to practice barbering in Texas until you renew. Late renewals carry additional fees, and licenses expired for more than 3 years cannot be renewed at all.
Do I need CE for my first license renewal?
Yes. There is no first-renewal exemption. Continuing education is required before every renewal, including the first.
What if I hold multiple Texas licenses?
If you hold both a barber and a cosmetology license (or another combination), you need to renew each license separately. However, the same CE course can apply to all Texas barbering and cosmetology license types. Our 4-Hour Texas CE renewal course covers barbers, cosmetologists (operators), estheticians, manicurists, eyelash extension specialists, hair weaving specialists, and manicurist/esthetician license holders.
How long does a barber license last in Texas?
A Texas barber license is valid for 2 years from the date it was issued or last renewed.
Will I get a new license number when I renew?
Beginning in March 2024, the TDLR began issuing updated license numbers to barber licensees as part of the program consolidation. If you have not yet renewed since then, you will receive a new license number the next time you renew. You can find your new license number using the TDLR new license ID search tool.
TDLR Contact Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Agency | Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) |
| 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 |
| Fax | (512) 463-9468 |
| 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 |