Cosmetologist / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota 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 Minnesota data shows for Cosmetologists

Minnesota's path to cosmetologist licensure runs through 1,211 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. Minnesota folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Upfront cost is $70, with renewal running $35 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 3 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Minnesota 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 Ease Score

B
Licensing Ease Score
71/100
Cosmetologist · Minnesota

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
1,211 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C+
$88
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A-
$24/yr
$48 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 Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,211 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$88
Renewal Fee
$48
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 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 Minnesota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota requires 1211 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Cosmetology Board Exam), and an initial fee of $88. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota licenses cosmetologists who complete its requirements (1211 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Minnesota licensing board.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Minnesota from another state? ▼
Cosmetologist licenses generally reciprocate as follows: Varies by state — check with state board. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Minnesota licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Minnesota require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for cosmetologist licensing in Minnesota. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Minnesota? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Minnesota is $70. The renewal fee is $35 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Minnesota? ▼
In Minnesota, license processing for cosmetologists typically takes approximately 3 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 Minnesota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Minnesota'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 Minnesota's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Minnesota overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Minnesota 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.