New State, New Rules—New Cosmetology License?
What to Do About Your License if You Move States
The beauty biz is an exciting and rewarding professional path to pursue.
Full of opportunities to expand your skillset, build relationships, and enjoy entrepreneurial adventures, cosmetology is a calling to ambitious creatives, community builders, and more.
Of course, the wonderful benefits of being in the beauty biz do come at a price. It takes hours of education and training to become qualified and obtain a license.
It takes passion and the desire to continually improve. It takes hard work to build a business and find success.
For many beauty pros, the time it takes to create a community and grow their business is well worth the investment.
However, not every community is destined to exist forever. New opportunities arise, life changes, and you may find yourself moving to another state.
Why Moving is a Big Deal for Beauty Pros
Aside from leaving the community and client base you’ve built your beauty biz with, moving to a different state comes with a host of unknowns. Among them, one of the biggest concerns is retaining your licensing so you can legally offer your cosmetology services in your new home state.
From worries about having to secure a different license to the possibility of fees to transfer your current license to the new state, the questions that flood your mind can be overwhelming.
Answering these questions before you move can prevent you from being blindsided by the requirements of your destination.
The truth is, most states do have standards that differ from their counterparts, leaving you to figure out what must be done before you can kick off your cosmetology career in your new location.
Thankfully, getting certified and licensed is usually a straightforward process.
How to Get Licensed as a Cosmetologist in a New State
Okay, so there’s a good chance you’ll need to deal with the licensing issue before you can begin working in your new state. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that most states make it relatively easy to obtain the proper licensing.
Some may even let you transfer your current license with as little effort as signing some paperwork.
The trick is figuring out what your new state requires and how you can streamline the process to make it as quick and painless as possible. Visiting the state’s website and perusing their requirements is often the easiest way to find this information and apply it to your situation.
Because every state is different, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to your licensing dilemma when you move.
The best thing you can do is research the process before you move. This ensures that you will be prepared for the road ahead and can (potentially) accomplish everything you need to by the time you actually make the move.
That being said, there are a handful of common options that states may embrace when it comes to cosmetology license reciprocation.
Cosmetology License Transfer
States that allow you to transfer your cosmetology license make the process incredibly simple. If your new state follows this format, your move should be straightforward.
Transferring your cosmetology license should be as easy as providing a record of your training hours, proof that you passed your board exams, and a copy of your current license.
The exact requirements can vary from state to state, but most will be comparable to this basic format, making it one of the best options for those moving to a new state!
Cosmetology License Reciprocity
Unlike a transfer, cosmetology license reciprocity does not require that you change your license to that of your new state. Instead, you can work in your new state while using the license from your current state.
When reciprocity is an option, it is typically because the two states in question share a significant overlap in their licensing requirements. Keep in mind that reciprocity is rare, so doing thorough research before moving across state lines is always a good idea.
Cosmetology License Endorsement
If your current license is active and in good standing, you may qualify for a cosmetology license endorsement.
Sometimes available in states where the requirements are similar to that of your own, a license endorsement is a transfer that allows you to qualify for licensing in your new state without having to receive approval via a board examination.
There will likely be other requirements to be met in conjunction with those mentioned above, and they are sure to vary by state. Still, license endorsement is a great way to receive licensing when moving to a new place.
More Cosmetology Need-to-Know Licensing Facts
Is your head spinning with new information yet? If so, we apologize. This is important knowledge, but it sure can be a lot to process.
The three licensing methods above are a fantastic foundation that should prepare you for your move to a new state. However, they aren’t the only approach to handling cosmetology licensing in different states.
You Can Be Licensed in Multiple States
One way to simplify your move and ensure you are able to get to work in your new state is to obtain licensing in multiple states. So long as you fulfill the requirements of each state and pass their respective exams, you can have and hold a license.
Better still, many state requirements overlap with one another, making the process of obtaining multiple licenses a realistic goal. Plus, you’ll be able to practice in any of the states where you have a valid license, opening up a world of opportunity!
Sit for the Exam After You Move
There’s rarely a set order in which to accomplish the tasks required to receive licensing in your new state. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to transfer over the necessary information, including training hours, before you are able to take the required exams.
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