Montana Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists

Renew License Apply for a License Look Up a License Change Address MT License Verification Board Member Application

Cosmetologist

To apply for the Cosmetologist License using the  please click Online Application

  • Application Form


    For the Cosmetologist application click Exam Checklist


    Applicants for licensure by examination must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by examination, the applicant must submit the following documentation:

    • proof of age;
    • proof of graduation from an approved school or course of cosmetology with at least 1,500 hours of training;
    • proof of high school diploma or its equivalent; and
    • proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) cosmetology exam at 75% proficiency or higher.
    • Students are eligible to take the national exam upon completion of 90 percent of their curriculum and prior to graduating per board rule 24.121.805(15) SCHOOL OPERATING STANDARDS. Schools will verify student school hours to insure eligibility for taking the national exam and will issue the eligibility to test letter for the exam. A person may submit a license application when the person is no more than 90 days from completing the requisite course of study given the person's current and expected rate of progression, however a license will not be issued until all requirements for licensure are met.

    * Applicants by examination who have never been licensed and who completed their professional education out of state must meet the same requirements as an applicant from Montana.

  • Application Form


    For the Cosmetologist by clicking Credentialing Application Checklist

    Applicants for licensure by credentialing must submit a completed application electronically or by paper, including appropriate fees and required documentation. To qualify for licensure by credentialing the applicant must submit the following documentation:

    • proof of age;
    • proof of high school diploma or its equivalent;
    • proof of current unencumbered cosmetology license in another state;
    • license verification from each state or jurisdiction the applicant has been licensed in, whether the license is current or not; and
    • proof of passage of both the written and practical NIC (National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology) cosmetology exam at 75% proficiency or higher. If you have taken and passed the NIC exam in your state, you must submit proof of passage with your application. Otherwise, you will be required to take both the written and practical NIC examinations. Individual state board examinations are not acceptable. Please do not schedule your examinations without first obtaining prior approval from the Board.
    • the applicant must possess either:
      (a) a license type in good standing that includes scope of training and practice in manicuring and pedicuring, including massage and polishing, nail art, and use of an electric nail file; application and removal of artificial nails, gels, tips, and wraps; skin care, skin exfoliation, facials, makeup application, epilation, electricity and light therapies, and application of artificial lashes; hair coloring, hair lightening, waving, and relaxing; shampoo and scalp treatments; hairstyling, including weaves, braiding, and extensions; wet setting, blow drying, curling and flat ironing, and the arranging of dry hair; and haircutting with proper uses of tools (e.g., shears, razor, clippers, and thinning shears); and
      (b) either have completed a course of training of at least 1,500 hours in a school or attest to 3,000 hours of work experience as a licensed cosmetologist; or
      (a) a combination of licensure in good standing that includes scopes of training and practice equal to:
      I. hair coloring, hair lightening, waving, and relaxing; shampoo and scalp treatments; hairstyling, including weaves, braiding, and extensions; wet setting, blow drying, curling and flat ironing, and the arranging of dry hair and have completed a course of training equal to or exceeding 900 hours in a school;
      II. manicuring; pedicuring; and applying and removing artificial nails, gels, tips, and wraps and use of an electric nail file and have completed a course of training equal to or exceeding 200 hours in a school; and
      III. skin care; skin exfoliation, facials, and makeup application; epilation; electricity and light therapies; and application of artificial lashes and have completed a course of training equal to or exceeding 400 hours in a school.
  • Biennial Renewal for Individual Licenses 
    Regular renewal dates: (Individuals): Jan 2nd - March 1st
    Late Renew Online for 45 days until April 15th
  • $80 (All Fees are Non-Refundable)
  • Must be at least 18 years or older and provide proof, such as a birth certificate or driver's license.
Privacy & Security Accessibility Services Agencies