As of January 1, 2012, in accordance with our current retention schedule, Board staff will maintain school hours, transcripts, and exam scores for five years before destruction.  Requests for records more than five years old cannot be processed.
	Amendments to O.C.G.A. § 50-36-1 become effective January 1, 2012.  After December 31, 2011, Georgia law will require all applicants for licensure, and all those applying for renewal of an existing license, to submit secure and verifiable documentation with their application.  Please consider filing your renewal application on or before December 31, 2011 as this will expedite your renewal.  A list of the approved Secure and Verifiable Documents may be found on this page or on the Attorney General’s website. Click here in order to begin your online renewal.
	Memo Regarding OSHA Hazard Alert
	You may now apply on-line for these license types: Master Cosmetology, Esthetician, Nail Technician, Hair Designer, Master Cosmetology Instructor, Esthetician Instructor, Nail Technician Instructor, and Hair Designer Instructor, Cosmetology Apprentice, Esthetician Apprentice, Hair Designer Apprentice, Nail Tech Apprentice. Once you have taken and passed both sections of the examination, you may apply online by going to the following link: https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/mylicense/Login.aspx?process=app On this site, you may submit your application and pay your application fee using a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express credit or debit card.  Application fees are non-refundable.

Information regarding wet disinfection standards for tools, implements, or equipment

Salons are required to follow the cleaning and recommended disinfection of implements according to Board rule 130-5-.05.  Please visit the EPA website, http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/chemregindex.htm, for the complete list of EPA registered,  hospital-grade disinfectants.

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology consists of nine members appointed by the Governor. At least five members must have at least five years of practical experience in the practice of cosmetology at the master level, a portion of which must have been as a beauty salon owner or manager. One member of the Board must have at least five years of practical experience at the nail technician level and one must have at least five years of practical experience at the esthetician level. There are also two consumer members who are not licensed as cosmetologists, nail technicians or estheticians.

The Board is responsible for reviewing applications, administering examinations, licensing qualified applicants and regulating the professional practice of licensees throughout the state. Applicants for licensure must meet the required educational and training requirements before they are allowed to sit for the practical and written examination. In addition, salons are inspected and complaints are investigated to determine whether or not disciplinary action by the Board is warranted.

Board meetings are open to the public and are generally held at the Office of Secretary of State, Professional Licensing Boards Division office located at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia. Meeting dates, time and location are posted on this website. Persons wishing to submit complaints or other matters for Board consideration should submit the matter in writing to the office.