How-to Guide: Salons & Barber Shop Application
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for a Salon or Shop license, please submit a completed application and fee.
Licenses issued before July 1, 2015 were issued both a BRSH identifier and a COSA identifier. Shops with a BRSH number may renew or reinstate their current license and keep their BRSH number. New BRSH numbers are no longer issued by the Board. Currently, new salons and shops are issued only a COSA identifier.
If you would like to apply for licensure, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guides below.
- Licensure requires a completed, signed, and notarized application along with a required fee.
- See specific instruction for your application depending on the license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees in order to be considered for licensure.
The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers oversees licensure for Salons and Barber shops:
New Salon or Shop or Change Owners
Application for Salon Change of Name or Location
Please be aware that a salon/shop license is NOT the same as a business license. Please contact the city or county in which you are establishing your salon/shop to obtain a business license or occupational tax certificate.
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- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.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.
New Salon or Shop or Change Owners
If you would like to apply for a Salon or Shop license or change owners of a salon or shop, please submit a completed application and fee.
If you would like to apply for a Salon or Shop license, please submit a completed application and fee.
NOTE: Change of Ownership requires a new application and Bill of Sale/Lease (location, address and signature pages ONLY – you do not need to submit the entire document) to be submitted along with the required fees.
The board no longer issues Barber Shop licenses, you can only renew or reinstate your current license.
If you would like to apply for this license, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guides below.
Please be aware that a salon/shop license is NOT the same as a business license. Please contact the city or county in which you are establishing your salon/shop to obtain a business license.
You will need the following items to complete your cosmetology instructor license application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application and fee. Download application >>
- Facility Name
- Facility Physical Address
- Owner Information Page
- Bill of Sale/Lease Agreement
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75 for both a new salon or shop and to change owners of a salon or shop.
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
Reinstatement
If you would like to apply for reinstatement, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State.
If you would like to apply for reinstatement, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guides below.
NOTE: Change of Ownership requires a new application (not reinstatement) and Bill of Sale/Lease (location, address and signature pages ONLY – you do not need to submit the entire document) to be submitted along with the required fees.
You will need the following items to complete your application for reinstatement:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application and fee. Download application >>
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
- Owner Information Page
- Bill of Sale/Lease Agreement
- Facility Physical Address
- Facility Name
A non-refundable application fee of $300.00.
Renewal
If you currently hold this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for renewal before June 30 of odd numbered years to avoid late fees.
If you currently hold this license and need to renew in order to keep your license up to date, apply for renewal before June 30 of odd numbered years to avoid late fees.
- To process your renewal, log in to your account on the Georgia Online Licensing site.
- Click on the License Renewal button on the left-hand side of the page. Enter your login information.
- If you do not remember your login credentials, click on the link to reset for a “person” type license.
- Follow the instructions for online renewal specific for your license.
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $75.
Application for Salon Change of Name or Location
If you have previously registered with the Board but would like to submit a change of address or name, please complete this application.
If you have previously registered with the Board but would like to submit a change of address or name, please complete this application. You must submit this application by mail.
Change of Ownership requires a new application be submitted to the Board office with the required fee and issuance of a new license number.
You will need the following items to complete your application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application and fee. Download application>>
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Facility Name
- Facility Physical Address
- Owner Information Page
- Bill of Sale/Lease Agreement
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents
- Letter of Explanation
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application and fee. Download application>>
- Facility Name
- Facility Physical Address
- Owner Information Page
- Bill of Sale/Lease Agreement
- 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 $45.
How to File
To apply by mail:
Once your checklist is completed, please mail all documents to:
Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
MAIL APPLICATION WITH PAYMENT IN A 9x12 or LARGER ENVELOPE – DO NOT STAPLE pages or check/money order.
Do not fold pages of the application. Make check/money order payable to Georgia Secretary of State.
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences
- Online Resource National Interstate Council of Cosmetology Boards
- Online Resource National Association of Barber Boards of America