As of July 1, DCRA will begin accepting renewal applications for occupational and professional licenses.
- On July 1, 2021, you may start submitting your renewal application online if your license reflects an expiration date during the COVID-19 pandemic. For licenses that expire October 31, 2021 or later, renewal notices will be sent at a later date.
- You are strongly encouraged to renew early to ensure that renewal is completed before enforcement begins.
- All occupational and professional licenses are issued biennially, with the exception of Special Police Officers, whose licenses are issued annually. Licenses that expire October 31, 2021 or later may be renewed as per their usual renewal cycles. Note: if your license reflects an expiration date of 2022, no renewal action is required until 2022 when you may renew beginning 90 days before your current license expires.
General Information
The District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology regulates the practice of barbers, body artists, and cosmetologists, including specialty cosmetology practices such as braiding, electrolysis, esthetics, manicuring and others as the Mayor may from time to time establish by rule, instructors and managers of these practices, and owners of such facilities. The Board works diligently to raise the standards of practice, ensure quality service, establish accepted codes of ethical behavior, and protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and visitors of the District of Columbia by upholding the city’s Barber and Cosmetology license law, which took effect on May 2001.
The Board of Barber and Cosmetology consists of 14 members, appointed by the Mayor: three barbers; three cosmetologists, three specialty cosmetologists; three body artists; and two consumer members. Eight members constitute a quorum.
The Board meets on the first Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs located at 1100 4th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024. Due to the public health emergency, all board meetings are currently being held virtually.
Board meeting minutes are available at www.open-dc.gov.
Applicant
Apply for license
Items Needed for Application
- One 2”x2” passport-style photo (.jpeg format)
- Un-expired government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license)
- Debit or credit card to pay application, exam, or license fees
Examination
Exams may be scheduled online or by phone.
To schedule online, visit psiexams.com. New users will need to create an account and register prior to scheduling an exam. Once registered, select “Schedule and examination” and then:
- Select Government/State Licensing Agencies
- Select District of Columbia exams
- Select Account for the type of licensing exam that you are seeking
Applicants may also schedule by phone at 1 (855) 557-0616.
Fees
Barbers
Application $65.00 License:
- Barber $110.00 (up to 2 years)
- Manager $110.00 (up to 2 years)
- Instructor $110.00 (up to 2 years)
- Owner $110.00 (up to 2 years)
Renewal
- Renewal (Barber & Owner) $110.00 (up to 2 years)
- Renewal (Barber, Manager & Instructor) $155.00
- Late Renewal Fee $50.00 Examination/Re-examination See § 3500.3
- Reinstated License $155.00 (up to 2 years)
- Inactive Status $155.00
- Duplicate License $30.00
- Verification of Records $30.00
Cosmetologist
- Application $65.00
- License $110.00 (up to 2 years)
- Renewal $110.00 (up to 2 years)
- Renewal (Managers & Instructors) $155.00
- Renewal (Specialty Managers & Instructors) $155.00
- Late Renewal Fee $50.00
- Examination/Re-examination (See § 3500.3)
- Reinstated License $110.00 (up to 2 years)
- Reinstated License (Managers & Instructors) $155.00
- Reinstated License (Specialty Managers & Instructors) $155.00
- Inactive Status (All categories) $110.00
- Inactive Status (Managers, Instructors & Specialty) $155.00
- Duplicate License $30.00
- Verification of Records $30.00
- Temporary License (All operators except electrologists) $110.00
Licensee
License Renewal
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Login to the system using your license number and your password.
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If you do not remember your password; click “Forgot your password?”
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Check your e-mail inbox for a link to reset your password (check your Spam/Junkfolder).
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Once logged in, scroll down to your license type and select Renewal
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Click “Begin” to start the application.
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Answer all the screening questions and make your payment.
PLEASE NOTE – Do not upload Photos and Continuing Education Certificates
Cosmetology License Renewal Information
The biennial license renewal deadline is April 15, 2020 for Body Artists, Cosmetologists and Cosmetology Specialists.
To complete your online renewal, follow the steps below:
- Begin the online renewal process here.
- Login to the system using your license number and your password.
- If you do not remember your password; click “Forgot your password?”
- Check your e-mail inbox for a link to reset your password (check your Spam/Junk folder).
- Once logged in, scroll down to your license type and select Renewal
- Click “Begin” to start the application.
- Answer all the screening questions and make your payment.
PLEASE NOTE – Do not upload Photos and Continuing Education Certificates
Letter of Certification/License Verification
Request a Letter of License Certification
Consumer
Calendar
Meeting Dates
- January 10, 2022
- February 7, 2022
- March 7, 2022
- April 4, 2022
- May 2, 2022
- June 6, 2022
- July 11, 2022
- August – Recess
- September 12, 2022
- October 3, 2022
- November 7, 2022
- December 5, 2022
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