Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I obtain an application for licensure?

Contact the Board Office at (478) 207-2440 and provide your name and address.
An application will be mailed to you within 24 hours of your request.

You may also download applications and other forms from our website at www.sos.state.ga.us.

2. How much are the application fees?

$30 – All Applications for Initial Licensure (ex. Master Cosmetologist, Hair Designer, Esthetician, Nail Technician and all Instructors)

$50 – Application for Out of State / Out of Country Reciprocity

$45 – Application for Apprentice

$75 – Application for Cosmetology Salon / Shop

$300 – Application for School

3. What are the Board's reciprocity requirements?

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology reciprocity requirements are according to O.C.G.A. 43-10-9, which states that reciprocity may be extended to licensees from other states and countries that have similar training and licensing requirements and will extend reciprocity to Georgia licensees. Out of country applicants’ training will be reviewed by the board and applicants may be required to take the written and practical examination.

The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology does not reciprocate with California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida (unless licensed prior to August 1986), Hawaii, Illinois (unless licensed prior to December 1984), Oregon,  Mississippi (do not reciprocate nail license ), New York (unless licensed prior to June 2001), Puerto Rico, South Carolina (do not reciprocate nail technician) and the Virgin Islands. For all other states, reciprocity may be granted or denied on an individual basis in accordance with the law.

Please note you must provide verification of licensure from your original state/country of licensure and the license must be active when you submit your application for reciprocity. Out of country applications require board review.  All documents must be translated in English.

All Instructor reciprocity application must go before the board for approval.  The Instructor must have been issued a master level license for the state of Georgia in their profession before he/she can apply to reciprocate an instructor license.

4.  If my application is denied, am I entitled to a refund?

Fees submitted with applications are processing fees and are non-refundable.

5. Do I have to take an examination?

All licensees must take an examination or be licensed in by reciprocity. Those that are licensed by reciprocity must produce documentation from the original state board of licensure that written and practical examinations were administered.

6. How do I apply for examination or when will the next examination be held?

Beginning October 1, 2006, the Master Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Nail Technician and Instructors examinations will be administered only by D. L. Roope Administrations, Inc.

Future cosmetology examination information inquiries should contact D. L. Roope at 1-888-375-2020, or D. L. Roope Administrations, Inc., P.O. Box 631, Hampden, ME  04444-0631, Fax (207) 848-5511, or visit www.DLRoope.com  ; for information about the examinations; fees, dates, locations, exam content and grade notifications.

All Out of State or Out of Country reciprocity applications should continue to be submitted to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology, Post Office Box 13446, Macon, Georgia  31208.   All out of State applicants who are not licensed must take the exam(s) in the state where their school training was received.  The Georgia State Board of Cosmetology does not accept out of state school hours or apprentice hours for an individual to sit for exam.

7. I have passed my examination. When will I receive my license?

After obtaining a passing score on both the written and practical portion of the examination, a candidate must submit an application for licensure to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology with the appropriate fee.  A copy of the Cosmetology Application for Licensure will be available on our website at www.sos.state.ga.us .  Please be reminded that passing the written and practical exam does not guarantee licensure.  All criminal convictions and any board sanctions must be reviewed by the Board as a consideration for licensure.

Complete applications for licensure will be processed within seven to ten work days of the receipt of your application.

8. I am not satisfied with my examination results and I believe I was graded unfairly – what must I do to get a decision from the board?

You must contact D. L. Roope at 1-888-375-2020, or D. L. Roope Administrations, Inc., P.O. Box 631, Hampden, ME  04444-0631, Fax (207) 848-5511, or visit www.DLRoope.com   and express your concerns on why you feel your scores are incorrect. 

9. What happens if I fail the written exam?

You will need to submit the re-examination application along with fee to D. L. Roope Administration Inc.  Contact D. L. Roope at 1-888-375-2020, or D. L. Roope Administrations, Inc., P.O. Box 631, Hampden, ME  04444-0631, Fax (207) 848-5511, or visit www.DLRoope.com .

10.  What happens if I pass one part of the examination with the Professional Licensing Board ( PLB ) exam unit?

Any part of the exam you may have passed at the PLB may be used to apply toward an Application for Licensure. You may contact D. L. Roope Administration Inc. to apply to take the written or practical exam if needed.

11. I need my certification mailed to another state. How long will this take?

All requests for certifications must be in writing or you may submit a Request for Verification of Training Hour Form. Certifications are mailed to the respective state(s) within 10 to 15 work days of request. The licensee is notified by mail when the certification is mailed. In your request, please include your name, license number, and the state board to which you would like it sent. Additionally, please include a cashier's check or money order in the amount of $25 for processing.

12. What happens if I don't renew my license?

If a license is not renewed the license is placed in a lapsed-late renewal period for six months. If a person does not renew within the six months, the license is considered lapsed. An individual who continues to practice with an expired license may be subject to a fine and a public disciplinary action.

13. What are the Boards' continuing education requirements?

Notice: Continuing Education

14.  Is a shop or salon license the same as a business license?

No.  You must obtain a business license in the county or city in which you are opening your establishment.  If a salon/shop changes, location, address or ownership requires a new application.

15.  If I have mailed in my application with the appropriate fee, can I open my salon/shop or begin working?