How Do I Renew a Barbering & Cosmetology License or Permit?

You may pay the fee online. Note: Application fees are nonrefundable. The renewal fees for barbering and cosmetology arts and sciences are as follows:

• Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences Licenses: $60
• Establishment Licenses: $80
• Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences School Licenses: $270
• Late Fee to Renew during the Grace Period: $60

Before signing up for an online or in-person continuing education course, review Iowa Administrative Code 481—944(157) to ensure the program meets the requirements outlined in board rules. The certificate of completion should clearly indicate an authorized sponsor or course provider.

Continuing Education Requirements: No Instructor's License 

• First Renewal Period after Receiving Initial License: Exempt from continuing education requirements.
• One Active License Related to Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences: Six (6) hours of continuing education. The total number of continuing education hours must include the following:
  • A minimum if four (4) hours specific to the license discipline; and 
  • A minimum of two (2) hours in the areas of Iowa barbering & cosmetology laws, rules and infection control.
• Two Active Licenses Related to Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences: Ten (10) hours of continuing education. The total number of continuing education hours must include the following:
  • A minimum of four (4) hours each, eight (8) hours in total, specific to each license discipline; and 
  • A minimum of two (2) hours in the areas of Iowa barbering & cosmetology laws, rules and infection control.
• Three Active Licenses Related to Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences: Fourteen (14) hours of continuing education. The total number of continuing education hours must include the following:
  • A minimum of four (4) hours each, twelve (12) hours in total, specific to each license discipline; and 
  • A minimum of two (2) hours in the areas of Iowa barbering & cosmetology laws, rules and infection control.

Continuing Education Requirements: Holds an Instructor's License

In addition to the requirements outlined above, based on the number of active licenses held, instructors wishing to renew the instructor’s license must also complete six (6) continuing education in teaching methodology. 

• An Instructor with One Active License Related to Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences: Twelve (12) hours of continuing education. The total number must include the following:
  • A minimum of six (6) hours in the area of the license discipline; and
  • A minimum of six (6) hours in teaching methodology.
• An Instructor with Two Active Licenses Related to Barbering and Cosmetology Arts & Sciences: Sixteen (16) hours of continuing education. The total number must include the following:
  • A minimum of ten (10) hours in the areas of the license disciplines; and
  • A minimum of six (6) hours in teaching methodology.

Certifications do not have continuing education requirements for continued practice.  Licensees who are certified to perform the following services must be certified by the board to perform these services for the specific material(s) or apparatus(es) used.

• Chemical Peels
• Microdermabrasion
• Services Using a Certified Laser Product
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) for Hair Removal
• Shaving

Certifications will remain attached to your practice license indefinitely. Review IAC 481—940.5(157) for practice-specific training requirements.

Exemption to Continuing Education Requirements

Current licensees who are practicing exclusively in another state can satisfy the continuing education requirements for license renewal by meeting the continuing education requirements of the state(s) where the licensee practices. Licensees who live and practice in a state that does not have a continuing education requirement for renewal are not be required to meet Iowa’s continuing education requirement but must pay all renewal fees when due.

Licensees who satisfies at least one of the following are exempt from continuing education requirements for periods during which the circumstance applies.

• Serves honorably on active duty in the military services;
• Is the spouse of an active-duty military service person;
• Is a government employee working in the person’s licensed specialty and is assigned to duty outside of the United States; or
• Is engaged in active practice of the discipline in another state and is absent from the state of Iowa.

Extension or Exemption for Disability or Illness

A licensee who had a physical or mental disability or illness during the license period may apply for an extension or exemption. 

• Extension: provides for additional time in which to complete the continuing education requirements.
• Exemption: Exempts licensees from some or all of the continuing education requirements.  

An applicant must submit a completed application form, which will be reviewed by the board.

Application for Continuing Education Extension or Exemption Due to Disability or Illness

The application requires the signature of a licensed health care professional who can attest to the existence of the disability or illness during the license period.

If the application is from a license who is the primary caregiver for a relative who is ill or disabled and needs care from that primary caregiver, the physician must verify the licensee's status as the primary caregiver.

A licensee who applies for an extension or exemption will be notified of the decision regarding the request. A licensee who obtains approval must retain a copy of the decision and make it available upon request.