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• What are the requirements to obtain a license for Esthetics?

• What are the fees, terms of licensure?

• What forms of payment does the Department of State accept?

• What does the practice of Esthetics cover?

• Who must apply for an Esthetics license?

• Do I need a physical to be licensed?

• Is there reciprocity?

What are the requirements to obtain a license for Esthetics?

If you are at least 17 years old, you may apply for an Esthetics license based on:

1) New York State Education and Examinations (eligible for temporary license)
You must complete a 600-hour, New York State approved course of study and pass both the New York State written and practical examinations to get a license to operate in New York state. As proof of successful completion of schooling the Affirmation of New York State Approved Schooling section of the esthetics application must be completed by your school director.

After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive information that explains the exam process in detail.

2) Education Outside of New York State (eligible for temporary license)
The Department of State may waive the New York State schooling requirement if you can document an equivalent level of schooling from another state or country. You must submit all three of the following documents (foreign language documents must be accompanied by an English translation certified true and accurate by the translator):

(1) a school certificate;

(2) a school transcript listing subjects and hours completed;

AND

(3) a current, original Certification of Licensure from your state board or, if not licensed, a current Certification from your state's board verifying the hours claimed.

After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will also be required to pass both the New York State written and practical examinations to obtain an Esthetics license in this state. You will receive information that explains the exam process in detail.

3) Experience: 5 Years Outside of New York State Any individual having five years of legal experience in an occupation equivalent to Esthetics may apply for a New York State license by submitting satisfactory evidence of education and experience. Evidence may include but is not limited to:

(1) original certifications from licensing agencies and two experience statements;

(2) copies of passports which indicate occupation of individual;

(3) tax returns which indicate occupation;

(4) letters from employers;

(5) practical and written examination results; and

(6) course curricula

Such evidence must be presented in legible form and in English. If a translation is provided, it must be certified as true and accurate by the translator. After your application is reviewed and accepted, you may obtain an Esthetics license in New York State without examination or further education.

(4) Endorsement An applicant who holds an Esthetics license in another jurisdiction may obtain an Esthetics license in New York through endorsement without examination or further education. Refer to our website http://www.dos.ny.gov/licensing/endorsment.html#esthetics for an Esthetics endorsement list to determine if you qualify for licensure based on endorsement. An applicant must submit an original certification from the jurisdiction where s/he holds an equivalent license.

(5) Previous New York State Licensure An individual who fails to file an application and fee for renewal within five years of the expiration date cited on the individual’s license shall be ineligible for such license until he/she passes a written exam. Proof of previous licensure may be required.

What are the fees, terms of licensure?

What forms of payment does the Department of State accept?

You may pay by check or money order made payable to the Department of State or by MasterCard or Visa using a credit card authorization form. DO NOT SEND CASH. Application fees are nonrefundable. A $20 fee will be charged for any check returned by your bank.

What does the practice of Esthetics cover?

The practice of Esthetics means providing services for a fee or any other consideration to enhance the appearance of the face, neck, arms, legs, or shoulders of a human being by the use of compounds or procedures including makeup, eyelashes, depilatories, tonics, lotions, waxes, or sanding and tweezing. They may be performed by manual, mechanical, chemical or electrical means and instruments, but shall not include the practice of electrology.

Who must apply for an Esthetics license?

Any person practicing Esthetics is required by law to have an Esthetics license. An Esthetics license will not permit you to operate a business; a separate business application must be completed and a separate business license obtained.

Do I need a physical to be licensed?

Yes. You need to be examined by a physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner to apply for a license in Esthetics. The physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner must complete and date the Health Certification section of the application. You must submit your application within 30 days after the health certification is signed and dated.

Is there reciprocity?

No.  However we do hold endorsement agreements with other states.  Please click here to obtain the current list of endorsement agreements held with other states.