Cosmetologist / New Hampshire
2026 data New Hampshire board official source

New Hampshire Cosmetologist License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the New Hampshire data shows for Cosmetologists

New Hampshire's path to cosmetologist licensure runs through 1,000 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. New Hampshire folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Upfront cost is $50, with renewal running $25 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 2 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. New Hampshire doesn't require continuing education for this license, so upkeep costs stay confined to the renewal fee itself.

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

Licensing Ease Score

A-
Licensing Ease Score
80/100
Cosmetologist · New Hampshire

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
1,000 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee A+
$35
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden A+
$13/yr
$25 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 New Hampshire

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,000 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$35
Renewal Fee
$25
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 New Hampshire licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with New Hampshire licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in New Hampshire? ▼
In New Hampshire, the license path calls for 1000 education/training hours, a passing score on State Cosmetology Board Exam, and a $35 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in New Hampshire? ▼
To become a licensed cosmetologist in New Hampshire, you must meet the state's requirements including 1000 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the New Hampshire licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to New Hampshire from another state? ▼
For cosmetologists, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: Varies by state — check with state board. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the New Hampshire licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does New Hampshire require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for cosmetologist licensing in New Hampshire. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in New Hampshire? ▼
The initial licensing fee in New Hampshire is $50. 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 New Hampshire? ▼
In New Hampshire, 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 New Hampshire, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

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

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