This page provides information for Alabama license requirements including how to apply for a new license, renew an existing one, reactivate an expired license and Alabama license reciprocity for when you need to transfer a license to this state or out of state. If available, we provide other useful information such as cosmetology school hours requirements, how to apply for additional license for professions like manicurists, nail technicians, instructors etc. If you did not find the answer you were looking for on this page or if you have questions or issues pertaining to cosmetology, then we recommend you contact the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering.
If you need to verify a license for a salon or person, then you can do so by visiting the Alabama Board of Cosmetology license verification website. From there you can search for the person or business and see if there are any disciplinary actions on record. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the person and or business providing your service.
When to Renew a Personal License
For Barbers, personal licenses are renewed in even-numbered years during your birth month. For Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Manicurists, Eyebrow Threaders, Estheticians/Manicurists, Manicure/Waxers and Natural Hair Stylists, personal licenses are renewed in odd-numbered years during your birth month. Renewals postmarked after the last day of your birth month will be assessed a late fee of $50. If your license is expired for more than four years, you must pass the practical exam then pay the back fees to when your license expired. To get the application, they request you contact their office.
When to Renew a Shop or School License
All shop and school licenses expire on September 30th and must be renewed by October 31st in odd-numbered years. Renewals postmarked after October 31st will be assessed a late fee of $50.
How to Renew a License
There are 2 ways you can renew your license.The first way, which is the easiest and fastest way, is to renew your license online. If you would rather print out a renewal and mail it in, click here to view all available renewal documents, print it out and after you complete the renewal form, mail it in to their office with the requirements listed.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 301750
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1750
Phone: 334-242-1918
Toll Free #: 800-815-7453
Fax: 334-242-1926
Email: cosmetology@aboc.alabama.gov
At the time you renew your license, please furnish proof of name change by sending a copy of your marriage license, driver's license or certificate of divorce. There is no charge if this is done during your renewal. If you wish to change your name at a time other than renewal, please click here to download the Request for Duplicate Personal License application. There is a $25 fee for this.
Changing Address on Personal License
You must inform the board promptly in writing of any address change. You may send in a Personal Address Change Form, or you may just send it in writing by mail or fax (must include your license number or Social Security number). Your file will be amended so that you may be sure to receive correspondence from the Board.
How to Replace Lost or Stolen License
You can download the Request for Duplicate Personal License form or contact their office at 800-815-7453 for the correct application. As a reminder, the address to send in your payments and or application is:
Mailing Address:
PO Box 301750
Montgomery, AL 36130-1750
Physical Address:
100 North Union Street Suite 324
Montgomery, AL 36104
If you are licensed in another state and want to transfer your license to Alabama, then first you must request that certification from your current state be sent to their office. This must be sent directly from your current state directly to their office. This should not be sent to you to be forwarded to their office, but should be sent to them by your state office only. Wait 2 weeks after you request this before contacting their office. They can do nothing without this first. Once they have received this certification, they will send you the paperwork you must complete and notify you if you are required to take any exams. There is a minimum $100 fee for this service.
If you have a license in Alabama and want to transfer to another state, you must make a written request for the board to send a letter of certification to the state to which you are moving. You may print out and complete the License Certification Request form. You must include a copy of your current Alabama License, your Social Security card and current Driver’s License with your request. There is a fee of $25.00 (money order or cashier's check only) per Certification requested.
If you have a license from another country and want to transfer it to Alabama then please contact their office for the correct application. There is a minimum fee for this service and you will be notified of the amount and if you are required to take any exams. For further questions concerning reciprocity, please email Denise.Hankin@aboc.alabama.gov.
Please follow all instructions. The application must be in their office at least 30 days before the opening date. Any questions concerning new shops, please contact Donna in their office at Donna.Thompson@aboc.alabama.gov.