Apply In Person:

1. To Apply for Cosmetology License, the applicant has to approach the U.S. Department of Education, State cosmetology department link
2. An application form will be provided to the applicant by the concerned officer.
3. The applicant has to fill in all the necessary details in the application form. (Incomplete applications are not accepted)
4. Make sure that the applicant has attached all the necessary documents that are mentioned in the “Required Documents” section of this page.
5. The applicant has to attach photocopies of the required documents along with the application form while submitting it.
6. Submit the application form and the documents to the authorized officer.
7. The applicant may require an interview or background check as part of the application process. Be prepared to provide additional information or attend an interview if requested by the licensing board.
8. The applicant has to pay the prescribed fee as requested by the authority.
9. After receiving the application, the concerned authority will check the submitted application and document set. If all are in place, the application will be accepted.
10. Then the application will be processed further.
11. Once the process gets completed, the applicant gets a call from the office regarding the application.
12. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive the cosmetology license.
13. This entire process can be completed within 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

• A completed application form
• A copy of the applicant’s high school diploma or GED
• A copy of the applicant’s cosmetology diploma or certificate
• A copy of the applicant’s criminal background check
• Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
• A fee receipt
• Any other documents (if required)

State Board of Cosmetology
One Penn Center,
2601 N. 3rd Street
Harrisburg
PA 17110

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2649,
Harrisburg
PA 17105-2649
Phone: (717) 783-7130
Fax: (717) 705-5540
Email: St-COSMETOLOGY@pa.gov
Contact link

U.S. Department of Education
Mailing address:
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202
Phone - 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327)
Contact link
Regional Office link

• Any person who intends to graduate in cosmetology is eligible to make this application.

• The fee for this procedure has to be paid as per the authority’s request.

Explain the time until which the certificate/document is valid.
e.g. Birth Certificate Valid Forever

Please attach documents that can be used by people. e.g. links

Please attach sample completed documents that would help other people.

• This entire process can be completed within 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.

Videos explaining the procedure or to fill the applications.
Attach videos using the following tag <&video type='website'>video ID|width|height<&/video&> from external websites.
Please remove the '&' inside the tags during implementation.
Website = allocine, blip, dailymotion, facebook, gametrailers, googlevideo, html5, metacafe, myspace, revver,
sevenload, viddler, vimeo, youku, youtube
width = 560, height = 340, Video ID = Can be obtained from the URL of webpage where the video is displayed.
e.g In the following url 'http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0US7oR_t3M' Video ID is 'Y0US7oR_t3M'.

• Applicants must complete the application form before submitting it. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Applicants must provide genuine information while applying for this procedure.

• Name
• Address
• Age
• Date of Birth
• Contact number
• ZIP code
• City
• Email
• Fax
• Date
• qualification details
• Signature

• A cosmetology license in the United States is a professional credential that allows individuals to legally practice cosmetology services in a specific state. It is issued by the state licensing board or regulatory agency responsible for overseeing the cosmetology profession and ensuring public safety.

• A cosmetology license signifies that the holder has completed the necessary education, training, and examination requirements to provide a range of beauty and grooming services.
• These services can include hairstyling, cutting, coloring, chemical treatments, nail care, skin care, makeup application, and other related treatments.

Please explain what are other uses for obtaining this document/certificate.
e.g. Birth Certificate can be used as proof of identity.

Link

• By obtaining a cosmetology license, professionals demonstrate their competency in providing safe and quality beauty services to clients.
• The license ensures that individuals possess the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain proper sanitation, use appropriate techniques, and adhere to industry standards and regulations.