cosmetology license application
Texas Cosmetology License Application: Every Step for 2026
The cosmetology license application in Texas has a specific sequence — school hours, exams, then TDLR. Here is exactly what to do, in order, to get your license and start working.
Quick Answer
- Texas cosmetology license application requires completing school hours first (1,000 for operator, 750 esthetician, 600 manicurist).
- Pass the PSI written exam (eligible after 900 hours for operators) and PSI practical exam before applying.
- Submit your initial application at tdlr.texas.gov and pay the $50 TDLR application fee.
- TDLR conducts a criminal background check on all applicants — prior convictions reviewed case by case.
- Effective May 1, 2026: all applicants must provide proof of lawful U.S. presence.
Who Can Submit a Texas Cosmetology License Application
To file a cosmetology license application in Texas, you must meet TDLR's rules first. Rules vary by license type.
All License Types
- Age 17 or older
- Proof of lawful U.S. presence (required from May 1, 2026)
U.S. citizens use their SSN on file. Lawful noncitizens must provide immigration documents.
Cosmetology Operator and Esthetician
No high school diploma needed. TDLR removed that rule in September 2023.
Manicurist
Diploma, GED, or passing score on an ability-to-benefit test is required.
All applicants get a background check. TDLR reviews past convictions case by case. They do not reject you just for having a record. Have concerns? Request a Criminal History Letter from TDLR first. It costs nothing and tells you your odds before you pay for school or exams.
If you have prior convictions, request a TDLR Criminal History Evaluation Letter before enrolling in school or paying exam fees. TDLR will give you a preliminary eligibility determination at no cost.
Complete School Hours Before Your Cosmetology License Application
You cannot file a cosmetology license application until you finish school and pass your exams. Hours come first. No shortcut.
Required hours at a TDLR-licensed school:
- Cosmetology operator: 1,000 hours
- Esthetician: 750 hours
- Manicurist: 600 hours
All hours must be at a TDLR-licensed school. Operators can do up to 250 theory hours online. All other hours must be in person.
TDLR tracks hours in the SHEARS system. Your school reports them. Check your total at tdlr.texas.gov/verify.htm.
Operators: you can take the PSI written exam after 900 hours. Take it early. It clears one step before you finish.
- Enroll in a TDLR-licensed cosmetology school and receive your student permit
- Complete required clock hours (1,000 / 750 / 600 depending on license type)
- Register for and pass the PSI written exam (operators: after 900 hours)
- Complete remaining school hours if needed
- Register for and pass the PSI practical exam
PSI Exams Required Before Applying
Every cosmetology license application needs two PSI exams: written and practical. PSI runs both for TDLR.
Written Exam
- Fee: ~$55
- Pass score: 70%
- Operators: eligible after 900 hours
- Topics: hair, scalp, infection control, Texas law, skin, nails
Practical Exam
- Fee: $76
- Eligible: after all school hours and passing written
- Format: hands-on demo; sanitation steps are heavily graded
Pay exam fees to PSI. Not TDLR. Register at PSI's portal.
Pro tip: submit your TDLR application before your practical exam date. Pass the exam and PSI hands you a temp license on the spot. Valid 21 days. You can start work the same day.
Valid 21 days after passing the practical exam — issued by PSI on the spot if your TDLR application was submitted before your exam date.
How to Submit Your Cosmetology License Application
Passed both exams? Your cosmetology license application goes to TDLR online. No paper form. All done through the TDLR portal.
Steps:
- Go to tdlr.texas.gov/verify.htm and log in.
- Pick Apply for a License. Choose your license type.
- Check that your school hours show in SHEARS. TDLR pulls this from your school's report.
- If you are a lawful noncitizen, upload your immigration documents.
- Complete the background check section.
- Pay the $50 fee by card.
- Submit.
TDLR mails your 2-year license after approval. Allow a few weeks. Your license period starts on the approval date — not your exam date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a Texas cosmetology license?
Complete your required school hours at a TDLR-licensed school, pass the PSI written and practical exams, then submit your initial application at tdlr.texas.gov/verify.htm and pay the $50 TDLR application fee.
Do I need a high school diploma to apply for a Texas cosmetology license?
Not for a cosmetology operator or esthetician license — TDLR removed that requirement on September 1, 2023. A high school diploma, GED, or ability-to-benefit test result is still required for the manicurist (nail tech) license.
What age do you have to be to apply for a Texas cosmetology license?
At least 17 years old. This applies to all Texas cosmetology license types — cosmetology operator, esthetician, and manicurist.
Does a criminal record disqualify me from getting a Texas cosmetology license?
Not automatically. TDLR reviews criminal history case by case. If you have prior convictions, request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter from TDLR before paying school tuition or exam fees — it gives you a preliminary eligibility determination.
What is the new lawful presence requirement for Texas cosmetology applications?
Effective May 1, 2026, all TDLR license applicants must provide proof of lawful U.S. presence. U.S. citizens typically satisfy this automatically through their SSN. Lawful noncitizens must provide accepted immigration documents at the time of application.