Cosmetologist / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington 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 Washington data shows for Cosmetologists

Washington's path to cosmetologist licensure runs through 1,486 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. Washington folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Cosmetology School".

Budget $90 to get started, plus $40 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 3 weeks once your application is complete. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Washington, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

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

Licensing Ease Score

C+
Licensing Ease Score
60/100
Cosmetologist · Washington

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 F
1,486 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$157
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B-
$39/yr
$78 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 Washington

Education / Training Hours
Cosmetology School
1,486 hours
Exam Requirement
State Cosmetology Board Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$157
Renewal Fee
$78
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 Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Cosmetologist in Washington? ▼
Washington's requirements cover 1486 hours of education or training, the State Cosmetology Board Exam exam, and an initial fee of $157. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Cosmetologist in Washington? ▼
Certification as a cosmetologist in Washington means clearing the state's checklist: 1486 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Washington licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Cosmetologist license to Washington from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for cosmetologists: Varies by state — check with state board. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Washington licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Washington require a background check for Cosmetologist licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for cosmetologist licensing in Washington. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
How much does it cost to get a Cosmetologist license in Washington? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Washington is $90. The renewal fee is $40 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Cosmetologist license processing take in Washington? ▼
In Washington, 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 Washington, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a cosmetologist-wide, 50-state comparison.

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

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