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NYS Appearance Enhancement and Barber Licensing Services FAQ

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● Related Web Sites
● Complete Forms Listing
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Consumer Links
● Real Estate Commissions
● Consumer Publications & Information

Help Prevent Fraud
File a Consumer Complaint
(Report a licensee violation to the
Division of Licensing Services)

File a Do Not Call Complaint

The practice of "cosmetology" means providing service to the hair, head, face, neck or scalp of a human being, including but not limited to shaving, trimming, and cutting the hair or beard either by hand or mechanical appliances and the application of antiseptics, powders, oils, clays, lotions or applying tonics to the hair, head, or scalp, and in addition includes providing, for a fee or any consideration or exchange, whether direct or indirect, services for the application of dyes, reactive chemicals, or other preparations to alter the color or to straighten, curl, or alter the structure of the hair of a human being. It is the responsibility of licensees to understand the Appearance Enhancement Law.

“How do I renew my license?”
Appearance Enhancement and Barber licenses must be renewed online through the NY License Center.
Quick Online Renewal Instruction Flyer (pdf)

License Requirements

Fees and terms of licensure

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Training

Forms: (all forms are Adobe PDF Format)

• Cosmetology Application (English) (Bengali/বাঙালি) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文) (pdf)
• Appearance Enhancement Business/Area Renter Application (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文) (Vietnamese/Việt) (Nepali/नेपाली) (Tibetan/ ཊིབེཏན་) (French/Français)(pdf)
• Appearance Enhancement Temporary License Renewal Application (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文) (Bengali/বাঙালি) (pdf)
• Experience Statement (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文) (Bengali/বাঙালি) (pdf)
• Special Testing Arrangements Request (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文) (pdf)
• Health Certification Form (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文) (Bengali/বাঙালি)
• Credit Card Authorization Form (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文)
• Duplicate License/Registration Request (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文)
• Change Notice (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文) (Required when changing a name or address)
• Military Spouse Waiver Application (English) (Spanish/Español) (Haitian-Creole/Kreyòl Ayisyen) (Italian/Italiano) (Korean/한국어) (Russian/Pусский) (Chinese/中文)(pdf)
• Affirmation of New York State Approved School

Examination Information:

Examination Scheduling Policy

Written Exam:

Appearance Enhancement Written Examination Procedures

Written Exam Candidate COVID-19 Mandatory Checklist

Written Examination Sites

Practical Exam:

Practical Exam Candidate COVID-19 Mandatory Checklist

General Practical Exam Information (English)

Practical Exam Procedures (English)

Practical Exam Supply List (English)

List of Tasks Evaluated (English)

Images of Cosmetology Practical Exam Procedures

Cosmetology Practical Examination Sites

License Center Guides:

Quick Online Application Instruction Flyer (pdf) Quick Online Renewal Instruction Flyer (pdf) Applicant User Guide for the License Center (English), (Spanish/Español), (Korean/한국어), (Chinese/中文) (doc) License Center Amendments Guide (English), (Spanish/Español), (Korean/한국어), (Chinese/中文) (doc) NY Licensing Center Claiming Record(s) Guide (English), (Spanish/Español), (Korean/한국어), (Chinese/中文) (doc) NYS Licensing Center Renewal Guide(English), (Spanish/Español), (Korean/한국어), (Chinese/中文) (doc)

NYS Appearance Enhancement Advisory Committee

Cosmetology Reciprocity List States with which New York has reciprocity.

Cosmetology Endorsement List Under a policy of endorsement, a state with higher educational requirements can accept licensees from a state with lesser standards by mandating experience to make up for the education deficiencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the NYS License Center

LICENSE LAW —  pdf It is the responsibility of licensees to understand the Appearance Enhancement License Law. For instance, owners of an appearance enhancement shop shall conspicuously post a sign (pdf) at the entrance of the business indicating that the business and individual operators are licensed by the New York State Department of State and that rules and regulations governing the business and practices are available for review upon request.

PUBLICATIONS:

Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures: A Guide for Nail Salon Workers:
English – Courtesy of OSHA (pdf)

Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures: A Guide for Nail Salon Workers:
Spanish – Courtesy of OSHA (pdf)

Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures: A Guide for Nail Salon Workers:
Vietnamese – Courtesy of OSHA (pdf)

Stay Healthy and Safe While Giving Manicures and Pedicures: A Guide for Nail Salon Workers:
Korean – Courtesy of OSHA (pdf)