Board of Barber and Cosmetology

The District of Columbia Board of Barber and Cosmetology oversees the practices of barbers, body artists, and cosmetologists, including specialized areas such as braiding, electrolysis, esthetics, and manicuring. The Board also regulates instructors, managers, and facility owners in these fields. It strives to elevate practice standards, ensure quality service, establish ethical codes, and protect the health, safety, and welfare of both residents and visitors by enforcing the city's Barber and Cosmetology license law, effective since May 2001.

The Board is composed of 14 members appointed by the Mayor: three barbers, three cosmetologists, three specialty cosmetologists, three body artists, and two consumer members. A quorum is achieved with eight members.

Meetings are held virtually on the first Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

Board meeting minutes are available at www.open-dc.gov.

Apply for License

Click to apply for a license.

 

Items Needed for Application

• One 2”x2” passport-style photo (.jpeg format)
• Valid government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license)
• Debit or credit card to pay application, exam, or license fees

 

License Requirements:

Barbers and Cosmetologists – 1500 hours

• Official School Transcript
• Formal Education Certificate (For DC Schools Only)

 

Esthetician Basic – 600 hours

• Official School Transcript
• Formal Education Certificate (For DC Schools Only)

Esthetician Master/Advanced – 600 hours*

• Official School Transcript
• Formal Education Certificate (For DC Schools Only)

*Exam waived with proof of certification from the National Coalition of  Esthetician    Association (NCEA).

• Copy of Current Basic Esthetician
• Copy of NCEA Certificate. Must be sent directly to the DC Board from the NCEA. Not valid when received from the applicant.

Manicurists – 350 hours

• Official School Transcript
• Formal Education Certificate (For DC Schools Only)

 

Braiders – 100 hours

• Official School Transcript
• Formal Education Certificate (For DC Schools Only)

 

Body Artists (Tattooists, Piercers, Micropigmentation Specialists)

• A letter from a business verifying proof of 500 hours completed, signed by the licensed artist you trained under
• First Aid Certificate
• CPR Certificate
• Blood Borne Pathogens Certificate

 

Managers – 500 hours

 Manager licenses are obtained by exam with either proof of education or experience. 

          
Education:

• Official Transcript showing proof of 500 hours of a cosmetology manager training course
• Formal Education Certificate (For DC Schools Only)

 

Experience:

• A copy of current operator license. 
• A letter verifying proof of 2 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist working in a salon or spa. The letter must include the following:
• • The dates and details of job duties
  • Written on salon letterhead or must include the salon name, address, and phone number
  • Signed by the manager they’ve worked/trained under and include their license number

 

Instructors – 1000 hours**

• Official School Transcript
• Formal Education Certificate (For DC Schools Only)

 

Practical Examination

All license types are required to take a practical exam, except Braiders, Master Estheticians, Managers and Owners.

After passing the theory/written exam, applicants are notified by the Exam Coordinator with instructions for scheduling the practical exam.  Examinations are held at:

Bennett Career Institute

700 Monroe Street, NE

Washington DC 20017

Please do not contact the school directly for scheduling or questions about the practical exam.

 

Owners  

• Certificate of Good Standing
• Basic Business License (BBL) Application (Screenshot showing it’s in progress)
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Federal Tax ID Document
• Copy of License for Designated Manager
• Clean Hands Certificate
• Trade Name Registration if DBA Name is Applicable

 

Theory/Written Examination Instructions

License by Endorsement 

If you are licensed in another state, you can apply for a DC license by endorsement (exam waiver).  You will need to upload a copy of your current out-of-state license and request a Letter of Certification from the State Board where you are currently licensed. This certification must be sent directly to the DC Board by US Mail or email:

 

Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection/DLCP

Occupational and Professional Licensing/OPL

1100 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024

ATTN: DC BOARD OF BARBER AND COSMETOLOGY, BOARD ADMINISTRATOR

[email protected]

NOTE: Certifications are only valid when sent directly from the endorsing state board to the DC Board, not from the applicant.

License Fee

Initial Application by Exam for All License Types - $230.00

• Initial Licensing Application Fee: $65.00
• Initial Examination Fee: $55.00
• Initial License Fee:  $110

Renewals for All License Types

• Renewal Fee for Operators and Owners: $110.00
• Renewal Fee for Managers and Instructors: $155.00
• Late Renewal Fee:  $50.00

Reinstatements for All License Types - $210.00

• Reinstatement License Fee: $155.00
• Reinstatement Fee:  $50.00

Licenses that are expired 60 days past the renewal date must be reinstated.

Other Fees

• Letter of Certification/License Verification $30.00
• Examination/Re-examination See § 3500*

*Please note that according to D.C. Code § 47-2853.10, application fees for initial licensing, certification, registration, renewal and reinstatement shall not be refundable, even if the applicant withdraws his or her application for licensure, certification or registration, or is found to be not qualified

 

Apply for License Renewal/Reinstatement
 

Submit an application for renewal of an occupational or professional license.

Enter your license number in the box marked “Occupational and Professional License Number” and click Submit.  If you don’t know your license number, enter your name using the License Lookup option.

 

 

Letter of Certification/License Verification
Request a Letter of License Certification

 

Search for an Occupational or Professional License
File a Complaint

 

Meeting Dates

Find the schedule for DLCP Board Meetings here.

• Barber and Cosmetology Continuing Education Instructor Application
• Continuing Education Approved Providers