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;
• If the applicant graduated from an apprenticeship program, the applicant must request that the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship submit a certificate of completion to meet the requirements of Iowa Administrative Code  481–940.2(1)(c)(3); 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 481–941.14 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, applicants that have previously been licensed, registered or certified in another state must provide official verification of licensure for all states in which the applicant has received a license. Applicants who have not been licensed in another state, district or territory are exempt from this requirement.

The license verification must include the following: 

• Licensee Name;
• License Number;
• Issue Date;
• Expiration Date;
• License Status; and
• 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.