Cosmetologist / Idaho
2026 data Idaho board official source

Idaho Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the Idaho data shows for Cosmetologists

Idaho's path to cosmetologist licensure runs through 1,081 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 16 can be licensed. Idaho folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Upfront cost is $50, with renewal running $20 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 2 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Idaho, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

For cosmetologists, the reciprocity picture is: Varies by state — check with state board.

Licensing Ease Score

B+
Licensing Ease Score
78/100
Cosmetologist · Idaho

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training D
1,081 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A
$55
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$17/yr
$34 every 2 years
Continuing Education A+
None required
No continuing-education mandate
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,081 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$55
Renewal Fee
$34
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
2 wks
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
16 years
Compare fees across all states for Cosmetologist →

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Idaho? ▼
In Idaho, the license path calls for 1081 education/training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, and a $55 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Idaho? ▼
Idaho licenses cosmetologists who complete its requirements (1081 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Idaho licensing board.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Idaho from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for cosmetologists nationally works like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Idaho. Verify the specifics with the Idaho licensing board.
Does Idaho require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
Yes, Idaho requires a criminal background check as part of the cosmetologist licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Idaho? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Idaho is $50. 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 Idaho? ▼
In Idaho, 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

What to do with this cosmetologist license

Cosmetologist in Idaho, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Idaho's cosmetologist requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Cosmetologist in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state cosmetologist license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Idaho's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Idaho overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Idaho licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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