How to Check a Salon or Stylist License

Checking a license takes a few minutes and costs nothing. Here is what to have ready, where to search in several states, how to read the result and what to do when a record doesn't show up.

Why check a stylist or salon license?

A license check confirms that a person or salon is registered with the state and that the license is current. It can give you peace of mind before a big service, like color, smoothing or extensions. It also shows you whether a state board has taken action against a license, where that information is published.

It is also simple. Most lookups don't need an account, and once you have a name, the search only takes a moment.

Keep it in perspective. A license shows that someone met the state's requirements. It is not a quality rating, and rules differ by state. Our guide on what a cosmetology license means explains the difference.

What do you need before you search?

Most state lookups let you search by name or license number. A few details make the search faster:

• The stylist's full legal name, which may differ from the name they use at work
• The salon's legal business name, which may differ from the name on the sign
• A license number, if it is posted at the salon or on the salon's website
• The city or county, to narrow down common names

Where do you look up a license in your state?

Each state runs its own licensing board or agency, and each has its own search page. Here are official lookup pages for several states. We checked each one when writing this guide, but state websites change, so if a link moves, search the agency's name.

• Florida: Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — lookup
• Texas: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — lookup
• New York: Department of State, appearance enhancement licenses — lookup
• California: Board of Barbering and Cosmetology, through the Department of Consumer Affairs license search — lookup
• Illinois: Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) — lookup
• Georgia: State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, Secretary of State — lookup
• Pennsylvania: State Board of Cosmetology, Department of State (PALS) — lookup
• Ohio: State Cosmetology and Barber Board, through eLicense Ohio — lookup
• North Carolina: Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners — lookup
• Arizona: Barbering and Cosmetology Board — lookup

What if your state isn't listed?

Search your state's name plus "board of cosmetology license lookup." Before you type anything in, make sure the site belongs to the state. Look for a web address ending in .gov or a site the state government links to as its official board. Some private sites copy license data, but it may be old or incomplete.

How do you read the result?

Every state's page looks different, but most show the same core details. Here is what to look for:

• Status: active usually means the license is current. Expired, inactive, suspended or revoked mean the person or salon can't currently work under it.
• License type: make sure it matches the work, such as cosmetologist, barber or salon.
• Expiration date: a license that expires soon is normal, as long as it is renewed on time.
• Address: for salons, check that it matches the location you plan to visit.
• Board actions: some states list past discipline or complaints that led to action.

What if you can't find the license?

Don't panic. Try a few variations, such as a maiden name, a middle initial or the salon's legal business name. Some states list salons under the owner's name. Some don't publish salon records online at all, and new licenses can take time to appear.

You can also ask the salon. In many states, licenses must be posted where clients can see them, often at the front desk or at each station. A professional salon won't mind the question. If you still have doubts, call the state board and ask.

How does this directory use license records?

Where states publish salon license data, such as Florida, Texas and New York, we try to match records to our listings. We show a license badge only when a listing matched a public state record, along with the date we checked it. A missing badge is not proof of anything, since many states don't publish data we can match.

Salon owners who spot an error can claim and correct their listing. And once you know a salon is licensed, our guide on how to choose a hair salon helps you decide whether it is the right fit.

Questions people ask