cosmetology license fees
Texas Cosmetology License Fees: Every State Fee You Will Pay
Cosmetology license fees in Texas cover three stages — getting licensed, renewing on time, and renewing late. Here is every TDLR fee, what it covers, and when you pay it.
Quick Answer
- Initial cosmetology operator license: ~$181 total in state fees ($50 application + ~$55 PSI written + $76 PSI practical).
- On-time renewal fee: $50 for all Texas cosmetology license types.
- Late renewal fees: $75 up to 90 days, $100 from 91 days to 18 months, $100 plus director approval from 18 months to 3 years.
- Esthetician state fees total ~$172–181. Manicurist state fees total ~$165.
- School tuition is separate and paid directly to your school — it is not a TDLR fee.
Initial Cosmetology License Fees to Get Licensed
Three fees come with your first Texas license. School cost is separate. That goes to your school, not TDLR.
Cosmetology Operator (~$181)
- PSI written exam: ~$55
- PSI practical exam: $76
- TDLR application: $50
Esthetician (~$172–181)
Same three fees. PSI costs shift a bit by test. Check TDLR's cosmetology page for current numbers.
Manicurist (~$165 total)
Same three fees. TDLR application is $50. PSI written and practical exams make up the rest. Check TDLR's cosmetology page for current PSI costs. Pay TDLR at tdlr.texas.gov/verify.htm when you apply.
- PSI written exam (~$55) — paid to PSI when scheduling
- PSI practical exam ($76) — paid to PSI when scheduling
- TDLR initial application ($50) — paid to TDLR at tdlr.texas.gov
- School tuition — paid to your school, not TDLR
- Total state fees for cosmetology operator: ~$181
→ Texas cosmetology license requirements and application steps
Late Renewal Cosmetology License Fees
Late renewal costs more than on-time renewal — and the gap widens the longer you wait. TDLR applies cosmetology license fees in tiers based on how long your license has been expired.
Late Fee Schedule
| Expired | Late Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 90 days | $75 | Standard online renewal |
| 91 days–18 months | $100 | Standard online renewal |
| 18 months–3 years | $100 | Plus TDLR director approval required |
| Over 3 years | Cannot renew | New application at $50 required |
The TDLR renewal portal calculates your fee automatically based on your expiration date — you do not need to determine the tier manually.
Late renewal fees are in addition to completing any outstanding CE requirements. TDLR will not process a late renewal until required CE hours appear in their system. If you have both a lapsed license and incomplete CE, complete CE first — then submit your renewal.
All late renewals are paid through tdlr.texas.gov/verify.htm.
If your Texas cosmetology license has been expired more than 3 years, TDLR cannot process a renewal at any fee. You must submit a new initial application at $50 and meet all current licensing requirements.
Fee Comparison by License Type
All license types share the same $50 application and $50 renewal fee. The difference in total cosmetology license fees comes from PSI exam costs.
To Get Licensed
- Cosmetology operator: ~$181
- Esthetician: ~$172–181
- Manicurist: ~$165
- Combo manicurist/esthetician: Pay exam and application fees for each license
To Renew Every 2 Years
- On time: $50
- Late (up to 90 days): $75
- Late (91 days–18 months): $100
PSI sets exam fees and can change them. Verify at the time you register. School tuition is separate — it is not a TDLR fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a Texas cosmetology license?
Approximately $181 in state fees for a cosmetology operator: PSI written exam (~$55), PSI practical exam ($76), and TDLR application ($50). School tuition is separate and not a TDLR fee.
How much does Texas cosmetology license renewal cost?
$50 for on-time renewal, regardless of license type. Late renewal costs $75 up to 90 days expired, $100 from 91 days to 18 months, and $100 plus director approval from 18 months to 3 years.
Are renewal fees the same for esthetician and manicurist licenses?
Yes. All Texas cosmetology license types — cosmetology operator, esthetician, manicurist, and specialty licenses — renew at $50 on time. Late fees are also the same across all license types.
Do I pay cosmetology license fees to TDLR or PSI?
Both. Exam fees go to PSI when you register for your written and practical exams. The initial application fee and renewal fees go to TDLR through their online portal at tdlr.texas.gov/verify.htm.
What happens to my $50 application fee if my application is denied?
TDLR's refund policy applies on a case-by-case basis. If you have criminal history concerns, request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter from TDLR before paying any fees — this lets you assess eligibility before committing money.