How Do I Apply for a Barbering & Cosmetology License?

Documentation and questions may be submitted by email: plpublic@idph.iowa.gov.

The application fee for barbering & cosmetology license is $60.  An applicant may pay the fee online.  All application fees are nonrefundable.

An applicant must submit documentation of one of the following:

• Graduation from a board-approved or nationally-accredited barbering and cosmetology school/program verifying completion of a minimum of 1,550 hours; or
• If the applicant graduated from a barbering and cosmetology school/program that is not nationally accredited or approved by the board, the school must provide an official transcript and curriculum showing that the course of study meets the requirements in Iowa Administrative Code 841–941.14 for review by the board prior to issuance of a license.

An applicant must submit evidence of successful completion of a board-approved exam as follows:

• Passing score of 75% or higher on the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology, Inc. (NIC) or national theory cosmetology exam. If taken out of state, the exam administrator must send verification directly to our office.

If applicable, an applicant that has previously been licensed, registered or certified in another jurisdiction must provide a verification of license from the jurisdiction in which the applicant has most recently been licensed. 

The license verification must include the following: 

• Licensee name
• License number
• Issue date
• Expiration date
• License status including reference to any pending or past disciplinary action.

The verification may be printed from another state licensing board’s website if it contains all of the information noted above. If an online verification is not available, the verification must be sent directly from the licensing board(s).

Licensees must hold a current shaving certificate, or the licensee is prohibited from the practice of shaving. 

Exception: An individual who was issued an Iowa barber license prior to July 1, 2023, is not required to obtain a separate shaving certificate.