Applications/Forms
- Step 1: Download and fill out these supplemental forms.
Step 2: Click here to fill out the Examination Application for your licensure type, Upload Your Supplemental Forms, and Pay Your Fee.
Licensure by Examination is for applicants who:
- Have never held a licensed in SC or any other state,
- Have been licensed in another state but it is no longer active, or
- Have an active license in another state, less than 2 years and have not passed the National-Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) theory and practical examination.
Cosmetologist: Cosmo License Requirements and Application Overview
Esthetician: Esthetician License Requirements and Application Overview
Nail Technician: Nail Technician License Requirements and Application Overview
Instructor ApplicationsInstructors: Instructor License Requirements and Application Overview
- Step 1: Download and fill out these supplemental forms.
Step 2: Click here to fill out the Endorsement Application for your licensure type, Upload Your Supplemental Forms, and Pay Your Fee.
Licensure by Endorsement requires the applicant to be in good standing and actively licensed in another state and meet one of the following:
Actively licensed in another state and passed the National Council of State Boards of Cosmetology (NIC) theory and practical examination, or
Actively licensed, for at least two (2) years, in another state and completed four (4) hours of Board-Approved Continuing Education.
If you are actively license in another state but do not meet the requirements above, you will need to apply by Examination.
Cosmetologist: Licensure Requirements and Process Overview
Esthetician: Licensure Requirements and Process Overview
Nail Technician: Licensure Requirements and Process Overview
Instructor: Instructor Licensure Requirements and Process Overview
Request for Repeat Examination Information
Only active, exam eligible applicants who have failed an exam may submit a Request for Reexamination.
Applicants whose initial application is expired or Lapsed status licensees must complete the initial application.
Repeat Examination Request Submission
Repeat Examination Requests may only be submitted via Document Submission in the Licensee Portal.
For instructions on how to access and submit applications in Document Submission, click here.
Applications are processed in the order they are received. Upon completion of processing, notice will be sent via email.
To check your status, https://eservice.llr.sc.gov/SSO/ApplicationStatus/Index.
For Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Nail Technicians and Instructors
If your license expired March 10, 2023, you must complete 1 (4) hour CE course on safety and sanitation. CE courses can be found here
In order for your license to be reinstated, you must submit a reinstatement application, the applicable fee, applicable supporting documents, including a current passport photo and your USC CE certificate from your 1 (4) hour CE class. If your license is not reinstated as of March 10, 2026, you will be required to pass the exam again (practical and theory).
You may check CE hours by clicking: Check your CE Hours Here
Licensees must obtain the required CE's from a Board-approved provider. CE's may be obtained via in-person or online.
Reactivation/Reinstatement Application (Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Technician and Instructor license Reinstatement Application)
Reinstatement Application (Salon)
Reinstatement Application (Booth Renter)
Reinstatement Application (Cosmetology School)
Booth Renter Applications
The Booth Renter application is an online application that requires you to submit your payment electronically. Before starting the online application process, download the form below. You will need to upload or supply all requested information before your application can be processed.
Click Here to fill out the Booth Renter Application
Establishment Applications
Student Time Sheet Reporting Forms
The following cosmetology hour reporting forms are to be used for reporting all student enrollments and recording of student hours. This is to be done at a ratio of no more than twenty students per one instructor. All documents must contain the proper signatures, dates and correct times as required by state laws and regulations.
*Please note*
(CH-001A) This daily hour sheet should be used for school programs with full time students who sign in and out for lunch.
(CH-001B) This daily hour sheet should be used for school programs with part time students who do not take lunch breaks.
- This form can also be used by schools to record student make-up hours.
- These hours must be labeled as make-up hours.
- All hours are to be recorded by the instructor providing the instruction and should include only actual classroom instruction time, minute for minute as required by the board.
- Student Daily Sign In CH 001A
- Student Daily Sign In CH 001B
- Online Monthly Record of Student Hour Forms are now available. You may download the form here, complete the form and then upload the forms to the below link.
Training Affidavits
Due to continued concerns regarding abuse of license sharing/lending, Board provided clarification regarding duplicate license requests. As of May 5, 2025, the Board will issue the following:
- Initial License or renewal of Licensure: (1) Wall certificate and (1) Pocket Card
- Request for first Duplicate License: (1) Wall Certificate - a Pocket Card will not be issued
- Request for (2+) Duplicate License: Review of reason for request with proper documentation; may be requested to come before the Board.
Duplicate License Request Form
You must provide the proper documentation for name change request, to receive a new license. This will include:
- Completion of Name Change Form with Fee
- Copy of your Driver’s License
- Copy of your Name Change Document (i.e.; marriage license, divorce decree, etc.)
- 2x2 Passport Photo
Please note that duplicate license request due to name change, will not be counted as a duplicate request.
Credential Evaluation Services and Qualifications for Licensure
Personal Name/Address Change - Copy of legal document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court orders, etc.)