Cosmetologist / Georgia
2026 data Georgia board official source

Georgia Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides hair, skin, and nail care services. Required in all 50 states.

What the Georgia data shows for Cosmetologists

Becoming a licensed cosmetologist in Georgia means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 1,276 training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 16. Georgia regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Budget $45 to get started, plus $20 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 2 weeks once your application is complete. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Georgia, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

On reciprocity, cosmetologists should know: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Requirements in Georgia

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,276 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$104
Renewal Fee
$55
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$45
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$20
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
Not required
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Cosmetologist All Georgia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Georgia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Georgia? ▼
Georgia's requirements cover 1276 hours of education or training, the State Cosmetology Board Exam exam, and an initial fee of $104. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Georgia? ▼
Georgia licenses cosmetologists who complete its requirements (1276 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Georgia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Georgia from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for cosmetologists: Varies by state — check with state board. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Georgia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Georgia require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the cosmetologist licensing process in Georgia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Georgia? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Georgia is $45. The renewal fee is $20 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Georgia? ▼
In Georgia, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 2 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.