Cosmetologist / Illinois
2026 data Illinois board official source

Illinois 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 Illinois data shows for Cosmetologists

To practice as a cosmetologist in Illinois, the state licensing board requires 1,551 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. The regulation sits under Illinois's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

The initial price tag is $35, and renewal costs $25 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 2 weeks to process once complete. Illinois doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

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

Licensing Requirements in Illinois

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,551 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$173
Renewal Fee
$85
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
$35
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$25
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 Illinois licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Illinois licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Illinois? ▼
In Illinois, the license path calls for 1551 education/training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, and a $173 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Illinois? ▼
Certification as a cosmetologist in Illinois means clearing the state's checklist: 1551 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Illinois licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Illinois 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 Illinois. Verify the specifics with the Illinois licensing board.
Does Illinois require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for cosmetologist licensing in Illinois. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Illinois? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Illinois is $35. The renewal fee is $25 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 2 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Illinois? ▼
In Illinois, 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.