Cosmetologist / Missouri
2026 data Missouri board official source

Missouri 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 Missouri data shows for Cosmetologists

Missouri sets the entry bar for cosmetologists at 1,203 training hours and a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 16 or older. The credential is administered under Missouri's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Budget $50 to get started, plus $20 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 2 weeks once your application is complete. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Missouri, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

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

Licensing Ease Score

B
Licensing Ease Score
72/100
Cosmetologist · Missouri

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
1,203 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C+
$86
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A-
$24/yr
$47 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 Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,203 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$86
Renewal Fee
$47
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 Missouri licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Missouri licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Missouri? ▼
Missouri's requirements cover 1203 hours of education or training, the State Cosmetology Board Exam exam, and an initial fee of $86. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Missouri? ▼
To become a licensed cosmetologist in Missouri, you must meet the state's requirements including 1203 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Missouri licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Missouri 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 Missouri. Verify the specifics with the Missouri licensing board.
Does Missouri require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for cosmetologist licensing in Missouri. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Missouri? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
In Missouri, 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 Missouri, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

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

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