How-to Guide: Master Cosmetologist, Cosmetology Instructor
How To Apply
If you would like to apply for a Master Cosmetologist, Cosmetology Instructor, Hair Designer, Hair Design Instructor license, or if you need to reinstate your license, review the requirements and the step-by-step guides below.
- Licensure requires a completed, signed, and notarized application along with the required fee.
- Refer to the specific instructions for the application depending on your application type.
- If you have recently completed cosmetology school or an apprenticeship, please do not apply until you have passed your state board examinations, and include your score reports with your application.
- Veterans Preference Points: If you are claiming veteran’s preference points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of ninety (90) days
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Master Cosmetologist Application
To apply online:
Once your checklist is completed, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, please submit all requested items at one time, as soon as possible, to prevent processing delays.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication used by the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
- Staff will communicate with you regarding the status of your application.
Veterans Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- If you are claiming Veteran’s Preference Points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Fees
Application for Licensure By Exam |
$30 |
Renewal Fee – March 31, even years |
$50 |
Late Renewal Fee – (within 30 days) |
$100 |
Endorsement |
$75 |
Application for Reinstatement |
$200 |
Instructor Application Fee |
$75 |
Instructor Renewal – June 30, odd years |
$75 |
Instructor Late Renewal (within 30 days) |
$150 |
Instructor Endorsement |
$100 |
Instructor Application for Reinstatement |
$200 |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
Master Cosmetologist Application
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Out of Country Applicants: If applicable, please submit a credentials evaluation from a board approved credentials evaluation provider.
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Passed Practical Exam
- Passed Written Exam
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- A non-refundable application fee of $30.
Cosmetology Instructor Application
This application is for licensed Cosmetologist to apply for an Instructor license.
You will need the following items to complete your application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Out of Country Applicants: Please submit a credentials evaluation from a board approved credentials evaluation provider.
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Passed Practical Exam
- Passed Written Exam
- Employment Affidavit/1 year Work Experience
- Valid GA Master’s License
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- A non-refundable application fee of $75.
Endorsement
If you are seeking licensure in Georgia by endorsement or wanting to ‘transfer’ your current license from another state, fill out this application.
Currently, the Board only accepts Endorsement applications by mail. Please do not attempt to apply by Endorsement on the online portal.
If you are seeking licensure in Georgia by endorsement or wanting to ‘transfer’ your current license from another state, fill out this application. For more information, please read the FAQ’s for Endorsement Requirements.
You will need the following items to complete your application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Verification of Education
- Verification of Original Licensure
- Verification of Current Licensure (where applicable)
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Passed GA Written Exam (if applicable)
- Passed GA Practical Exam(if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Cosmetologist endorsement fee - $75.
- Instructor Endorsement fee - $100.
Reinstatement
This application is for licensees whose license has lapsed or has been previously revoked.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, notarized application with reinstatement fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Instructors must use the Instructor License Reinstatement application. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- A non-refundable application fee of $200.
Renewal
If you currently hold this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for renewal before March 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees. (Instructors must apply for renewal before June 30 of the year it expires.)
If you currently hold this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for renewal before March 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees. (Instructors must apply for renewal before June 30 of the year it expires.)
- To process your renewal, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
Cosmetologists submit a non-refundable renewal fee of $50.
Instructors must submit a non-refundable renewal fee of $75.
How to Apply
To apply online:
Once your checklist is completed, Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
To apply by mail:
Please contact us to request a mail-in application.
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
- Online Resource National Interstate Council of Cosmetology Boards, Inc.
- Online Resource National Association of Barber Boards of America