Utah licenses cosmetologists through the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), part of the Utah Department of Commerce. You need a Utah cosmetology license (officially called a cosmetologist/barber license) to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in Utah.
Utah requires 1,250 hours of approved training at a licensed school (or an equivalent apprenticeship) plus written and practical NIC exams administered by Prov. The total cost including exams and license is approximately $270. Most people complete the full process in 9 to 14 months. Here is exactly how to do it.
Recent Legislative Changes Affecting Utah Cosmetology Licensing
SB 330: Cosmetology Modifications (Signed March 27, 2025; effective January 1, 2026): Utah enacted a major overhaul of its cosmetology licensing structure. The cosmetologist/barber training requirement was reduced from 1,600 hours to 1,250 hours. The law also consolidated the cosmetology and barbering licenses into a single cosmetologist/barber credential, allowing holders to identify as either profession. New permit categories were created for specialized services (barbering, haircutting, basic esthetics, chemical hair services, and facial hair removal) requiring fewer hours. A formal apprenticeship pathway was established with the same hour requirements as school-based training. Threading services were exempted from licensure.
Utah Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Department of Commerce |
| Official License Title | Cosmetologist/Barber |
| Training Hours Required | 1,250 hours at a licensed or recognized school (or approved apprenticeship) |
| Apprenticeship Available? | Yes — 1,250 hours under a licensed supervisor (max 2 apprentices per supervisor) |
| Minimum Age | 16 years old |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + NIC Practical exams (administered by Prov) |
| Passing Score | 70% on each exam |
| Exam Fees | $105 per exam ($210 total for written + practical) |
| License Application Fee | $60 |
| Total Initial Cost | Approximately $270 (excluding tuition) |
| License Renewal | Every 2 years (expires September 30 of odd-numbered years) | $52 |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | MyLicenseOne Portal |
| Board Website | commerce.utah.gov/dopl/cosmetology |
Education and Training Requirements
Utah requires completion of 1,250 hours of instruction at a DOPL-licensed or recognized cosmetology school. This requirement was reduced from 1,600 hours under SB 330, effective January 1, 2026. Full-time programs typically take 9 to 14 months to complete.
The curriculum must cover:
- Barbering and haircutting
- Chemical hair services (coloring, perming, relaxing)
- Manual hair removal
- Eyelash and eyebrow technology (excluding eyelash extensions)
- Basic esthetics (facials, skincare)
- Nail technology (manicures, pedicures, artificial nails)
- Sanitation, disinfection, and infection control
- Utah laws and rules
Apprenticeship pathway: Utah now offers a formal apprenticeship alternative requiring the same 1,250 hours. The supervising cosmetologist/barber must hold an active Utah license, provide one-on-one direct supervision, and cannot supervise more than two apprentices simultaneously. Apprenticeship programs must be completed within two years.
If you graduated from a school outside Utah: If your school provided fewer than 1,250 hours, you may count hours practiced as a cosmetologist in another jurisdiction to satisfy the total hour requirement.
For a comparison of cosmetology license requirements across all states, see our complete guide.
Exam Requirements
After completing your training, you must pass both a written (theory) exam and a practical exam. Utah uses the National Interstate Council (NIC) examinations administered by Prov.
Exam fees: $105 per exam ($210 total for both written and practical). Fees are the same for first-time testing and retakes.
Exam details:
- Written Exam: Computer-based, multiple-choice covering cosmetology theory, sanitation, infection control, and Utah laws and rules
- Practical Exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills
- Passing Score: 70% or higher on each exam
- Languages: Theory exams are offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean. Practical exams are offered in English only.
- Exam validity: NIC exam scores must have been passed within one year prior to your license application date
Accepted exams: Utah also accepts any substantially equivalent theory, practical, or instructor examination approved by the licensing authority of another state, provided you achieved a passing score of 70% or greater.
Application Process and Fees
As of January 31, 2026, Utah requires all cosmetology license applications to be submitted online. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Complete your 1,250 hours of training at a licensed school or through an approved apprenticeship
- Register for and pass both NIC exams through Prov ($105 per exam, $210 total)
- Create a Utah ID account and apply online through the MyLicenseOne Portal
- Submit your application with the $60 license fee
- Provide documentation of your completed training hours (certified by your school or apprenticeship supervisor)
- Your exam scores will be electronically delivered to DOPL by Prov
Processing time: Applications are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks after receipt of all required documents .
Utah Cosmetology License Fee Summary
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam | $105 | Prov |
| Practical Exam | $105 | Prov |
| License Application | $60 | DOPL |
| Total Initial Cost | $270 | |
| Biennial Renewal | $52 | DOPL |
| Late Reinstatement (within 30 days) | $20 additional per license | DOPL |
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Utah cosmetologist/barber licenses expire every two years on September 30 of odd-numbered years. DOPL mails renewal notices at least 60 days before expiration to your address of record.
To renew:
- Renew online through the MyLicenseOne Portal or by mail using the Cosmetologist/Barber Renewal Form
- Pay the $52 renewal fee
Utah does not require continuing education for cosmetologist/barber license renewal.
Late renewal: If you renew within 30 days after expiration, you must pay the renewal fee plus an additional $20 reinstatement fee per license.
Reinstatement (lapsed 2 to 5 years): You may apply for reinstatement without retaking the exams. After 5 years, you may be required to pass the licensing exams again .
Important: Keep your address current with DOPL. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not exempt you from renewal requirements. Per Utah Code 58-11a-305, you must prominently display your license at your place of practice.
Reciprocity and License Transfer
Utah offers licensure by endorsement for cosmetologists licensed in other states, territories, or districts of the United States. Utah does not have blanket reciprocity agreements but evaluates endorsement applicants individually.
To qualify for endorsement, you must:
- Hold an active license in good standing from another jurisdiction
- Have held that license for at least one year
- Have training and experience substantially equivalent to Utah’s requirements
- Pass the NIC Theory and Practical exams (or provide proof of passing a substantially equivalent exam with a score of 70% or higher)
- Request that your current state send an official license verification directly to DOPL
- Submit the endorsement application with required fees through the MyLicenseOne Portal
If your training hours are lower: Utah may credit hours practiced as a cosmetologist in another jurisdiction to satisfy the 1,250-hour requirement.
Internationally-trained applicants: You must have your training hours verified through an approved credentialing company listed on the DOPL application. Supporting documentation should be sent directly to the credentialing company, while your application and fees go to DOPL.
If you are considering a move, compare requirements with states like Colorado or Arizona.
Military Provisions
Utah provides several accommodations for military-connected applicants:
Military Spouse Practice Authorization: Spouses of military service members stationed in Utah may practice cosmetology using an active out-of-state license without obtaining a Utah license. DOPL provides a verification letter to help spouses demonstrate this exemption to employers.
Fee Waivers for Active Duty: Full-time active duty service members can request waivers of processing fees for both initial license applications and renewals by submitting a Military and Public Assistance Request for Fee Waiver form.
Automatic License Extension: Licenses expiring during active duty or deployment are automatically extended until 90 days after the service member’s last date of deployment or discharge. Within this 90-day window, the service member may renew at no cost by submitting a fee waiver request.
Inactive License for Deployed Members: Service members may convert their license to inactive status or renew an inactive license with fee waivers during deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours do you need for a cosmetology license in Utah?
Utah requires 1,250 hours of cosmetology training at a licensed school or through an approved apprenticeship. This was reduced from 1,600 hours under SB 330, which took effect January 1, 2026. Full-time students typically complete the program in 9 to 14 months.
How much does it cost to get a Utah cosmetology license?
The total licensing cost (excluding school tuition) is approximately $270: $210 in exam fees paid to Prov ($105 per exam for written and practical) and $60 in application fees paid to DOPL.
Does Utah require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Utah does not require continuing education for cosmetologist/barber license renewal. You simply pay the $52 renewal fee every two years.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Utah?
Yes, through endorsement. You must have held your license in good standing for at least one year, request license verification be sent directly to DOPL, and pass the NIC exams (or demonstrate equivalent exam passage at 70% or higher). If your original training had fewer hours than Utah requires, work experience in another jurisdiction may supplement the deficit.
What exams does Utah accept for cosmetology licensure?
Utah accepts NIC (National Interstate Council) examinations passed with a score of 70% or greater within one year of application, or any substantially equivalent theory, practical, or instructor examination approved by the licensing authority of another state with a passing score of 70% or greater.
What is the difference between a cosmetology license and a barber license in Utah?
Under SB 330, Utah consolidated cosmetology and barbering into a single cosmetologist/barber license requiring 1,250 hours. Holders may identify as either a cosmetologist or a barber. A separate barbering permit (130 hours) is also available for those who want to perform only basic barbering services. For more on the differences, see our barber vs cosmetology license comparison.
Official Resources
- Utah Division of Professional Licensing — Cosmetology (official website)
- Online License Application (MyLicenseOne Portal)
- Exam Information
- Prov (exam registration)
- Cosmetology Laws and Rules
- Military Resources
- DOPL Contact: (801) 530-6628 | P.O. Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741