In a rush and just need your credits? You can skip the reading and get your 4-hour Texas Esthetician CE course here.
This guide covers everything you need to renew your Texas esthetician license, from continuing education requirements to submitting your renewal application with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The process is straightforward, and most licensees can complete it entirely online.
This guide is specifically for Texas-licensed estheticians. If you hold a different license type, select your guide below:
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Table of Contents
Renewal Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | Every 2 years from your license issuance date |
| CE hours required | 4 hours (2 hours if licensed 15+ years in Texas) |
| Renewal fee | $50 |
| Late renewal fee | $75–$100 (depending on how long the license has been expired) |
| Earliest you can renew | 60 days prior to your license expiration |
| Where to renew | TDLR online portal |
Step 1: Understand Your CE Requirements
Each renewal cycle, you must complete 4 hours of approved Texas esthetician continuing education before you can renew your license.
Your 4 CE hours must cover these topics:
| Subject | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Sanitation, health, and safety | 1 hour |
| Human trafficking prevention | 1 hour |
| Esthetician or cosmetology-related topics | 2 hours |
The 2-hour elective portion can cover any topic listed under Section 83.202 of the TDLR rules, including sanitation, Texas barbering and cosmetology law and rules, or mental health awareness.
You can complete your CE hours at any point during your 2-year renewal cycle. Just make sure they are done before you submit your renewal application.
There is no first-renewal exemption in Texas. You need CE hours before every renewal, even your first one.
Licensed in Texas for 15 or more years?
If you have held a Texas esthetician license for at least 15 years, your CE requirement drops to 2 hours: 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking prevention. No elective hours are required. Only years licensed in Texas count toward this threshold.
Our 2-Hour Texas Sanitation and Trafficking Course covers both required hours and created specifically for licensees who meet this requirement.
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 at your own pace.
Once you finish, your certificate is available immediately as a download. We report your completed hours to the TDLR within one business day. The TDLR requires providers to report within 7 days, so your hours will be on file well before you submit your renewal.
Keep your certificate of completion for at least 2 years after the date you completed the course. You do not need to submit CE proof with your renewal application, but the TDLR may request your certificate in the event of an audit.
Complete your Texas Esthetician CE hours here →
Step 3: Submit Your Renewal Application
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.
If you have completed your CE hours, you can proceed with your license renewal application.
- Go to the TDLR renewal page. The site will ask a few verifying questions and direct you to the renewal portal. You can also go directly to the TDLR online renewal portal.
- Select “Esthetician” as your license type.
- Log in with your TDLR account credentials. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one using the information tied to your license.
- Confirm your personal information and update anything that has changed (name, address, email).
- Pay the $50 renewal fee. There are no additional processing fees.
- After submitting, you can check your renewal status through the TDLR License Search. Allow 3–10 business days for processing.
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 esthetician license has passed its expiration date, you can still renew in most cases. The fee and process depend on how long it has been expired. During the time between your expiration date and when the TDLR processes your late renewal, you are legally not permitted 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. |
You must also complete your CE hours before renewing a late or expired license. Completing one cycle of CE (4 hours, or 2 hours if you qualify for the 15-year reduction) will bring your license back to active status. You will then need to complete CE again before your next renewal, which may be coming up soon depending on how long your license was expired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew my esthetician license in Texas?
The standard renewal fee is $50. If your license is expired, the fee increases to $75 (expired 90 days or less) or $100 (expired 91 days or more).
How many CE hours do I need to renew my Texas esthetician license?
You need 4 hours of approved continuing education per renewal cycle. If you have held your Texas esthetician license for 15 or more years, you only need 2 hours.
How early can I renew my Texas esthetician license?
Your license is eligible for renewal 60 days before your expiration date.
Can I renew my Texas esthetician license online?
Yes. Most renewals are completed through the TDLR online portal. The only exception is licenses expired for more than 3 years, which require a new application submitted by mail.
What happens if I don’t renew my esthetician license?
Your license expires, and you are legally not allowed to practice until it is renewed. Late renewal fees range from $75 to $100 depending on how long the license has been expired. If it has been expired for more than 3 years, you must apply for a new license and retake your exams.
What if my Texas esthetician license is expired?
You can still renew if it has been expired for less than 3 years. See the expired license section above for the full breakdown of fees and processes by timeframe.
Do I need CE for my first license renewal?
Yes. Texas does not offer a first-renewal exemption. You must complete 4 hours of approved CE before every renewal, including your first.
How long does an esthetician license last in Texas?
A Texas esthetician license is valid for 2 years from the date it was issued. Your renewal deadline is the same day of the month, 2 years later. This date is specific to your license, not a fixed calendar date that applies to all licensees.
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 |
| 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 |