How To Apply

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for a Nail Technician or a Nail Tech Instructor license, or if you need to reinstate your license, review the requirements and the step-by-step guides below. 

If you are licensed in another state and would like to apply for licensure in Georgia, please follow the instructions on how to apply for Endorsement. 

Be sure to provide a valid email address with your application. For Board staff to process your application in a timely and efficient manner, all communication from the Board will be conducted through email. 

Please allow 15 business days to process your application. If your application is incomplete and you need to submit additional documentation, please allow an additional 15 days for processing. 

  • 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 to be considered for licensure. 

See specific instructions for your application depending on the license and application type: 

Nail Tech Initial Application

Nail Tech Instructor Application

Reinstatement

Endorsement

Renewal

After you Apply – What to Expect

  • Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume. 
    • If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20-day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
    • Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.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.

Disability Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.  

Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form>>

 

 

Veteran’s 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. Download program information>>

  • 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 – August 31, odd years

$45

Late Renewal Fee – (within 30 days)

$90

Application for Reinstatement

$200

Nail Technician Endorsement

$75

Nail Tech Instructor Application Fee

$75

Nail Tech Instructor Renewal – June 30, odd years

$75

Nail Tech Instructor Late Renewal (within 30 days)

$150

Nail Tech Instructor Application for Reinstatement

$200

Nail Technician Instructor Endorsement

$100

Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022

  • Online processing fee: $5.00
  • Mail-In processing fee: $10.00

Nail Tech Initial Application

This application is for first-time licensees only.

Nail Tech Instructor Application

This application is for licensed Nail Instructors to apply for an Instructor license.  

Reinstatement

This application is for licensees whose license has lapsed or has been previously revoked.

Endorsement

If you are seeking licensure in Georgia by endorsement or wanting to ‘transfer’ your current license from another state, fill out this application.

Renewal

If you currently hold this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for renewal before August 31 of the year it expires to avoid late fees. (Instructors must renew before June 30 of the year it expires.)

How to File

To file 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 Georgia Board of Cosmetology and Barbers