Idaho licenses cosmetologists through the Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board, part of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL). You need an Idaho cosmetology license to legally perform hair, skin, and nail services for compensation anywhere in Idaho.
Idaho requires 1,600 hours of approved training plus NIC written and practical exams administered through Prov, Inc. Starting July 1, 2026, students may sit for exams after completing 80% of their hours (HB 514). No continuing education is required. Total initial cost is approximately $258. Here is exactly how to get your Idaho cosmetology license.
Idaho Cosmetology License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Agency | Idaho DOPL, Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board |
| Statutory Authority | Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 |
| Minimum Age | 16½ years old |
| Education Prerequisite | Completed 10th grade (two years of high school) or equivalent |
| Training Hours Required | 1,600 hours at a board-approved school (or 3,200-hour apprenticeship) |
| Exam Required | NIC Written + NIC Practical + Idaho Jurisprudence exam (Prov, Inc.) |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Exam Fees | $208 ($88 written + $120 practical, paid to Prov) |
| License Application Fee | $50 ($25 application + $25 license) |
| Total Initial Cost | ~$258 (excluding tuition) |
| Renewal Cycle | Every 2 years (biennial, effective July 1, 2024) |
| Renewal Fee | $25/year |
| Continuing Education | None required |
| Apply Online | DOPL Online Services |
| Board Website | dopl.idaho.gov/bcb |
Recent Legislation Affecting Idaho Cosmetology Licensing
HB 514 — Early Exam Eligibility (signed February 23, 2026, effective July 1, 2026): Students in all barber and cosmetology professions may sit for licensing exams after completing 80% of education hours. Previously, 100% completion was required. This passed unanimously (House 69-0-1, Senate 35-0-0).
HB 505 — Biennial Renewal (effective July 1, 2024): All barber and cosmetology licenses changed from annual to biennial (2-year) renewal.
Deregulation trend (2025): Idaho repealed licensure requirements for makeup artists (HB 121), thermal styling equipment dealers (HB 120), and glamour photography businesses (HB 122), all effective July 1, 2025.
HB 547 — Hours Reduction (did not pass): A bill to reduce cosmetology hours from 1,600 to 1,000 was referred back to committee and died when the legislature adjourned on April 2, 2026. The 1,600-hour requirement remains unchanged.
Education & Training Requirements
To pursue an Idaho cosmetology license, you must be at least 16½ years old and have completed two years of high school (10th grade) or equivalent.
Complete 1,600 hours at a board-approved school. The curriculum must cover hair histology, skin structure, diseases of hair and skin, permanent waving, hair coloring, electricity applications, hygiene, bacteriology, and chemistry related to disinfection. Schools may teach up to 50% of curriculum through distance education. Students cannot perform chemical services until completing 5% of required instruction.
Full-time programs typically take 10 to 14 months.
Apprenticeship alternative: A 3,200-hour apprenticeship under licensed supervision is available.
For a comparison of cosmetology hours across all states, see our cosmetology license guide.
Exam Requirements
Idaho uses NIC examinations administered by Prov, Inc.:
- Written exam: 110 items (100 scored + 10 pretest), 90 minutes, computer-based
- Practical exam: Hands-on demonstration of cosmetology skills
- Idaho Jurisprudence exam: Covers Idaho laws and rules
- Passing score: 75% on both written and practical
Exam fees: $88 (written) + $120 (practical) = $208 total, paid to Prov, Inc.
Application Process & Fees
- Complete 1,600 hours of training (or 80% starting July 1, 2026 for exam eligibility)
- Register for exams through Prov, Inc. and pay the $208 exam fees
- Pass all three exams (written, practical, jurisprudence)
- Apply through the DOPL Online Services portal
- Pay the $25 application fee and $25 license fee ($50 total)
| Fee Type | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam | $88 | Prov, Inc. |
| Practical exam | $120 | Prov, Inc. |
| Application | $25 | DOPL |
| Original license | $25 | DOPL |
| Total Initial Cost | $258 | |
| Biennial renewal | $25/year | DOPL |
| Reinstatement penalty | $35 | DOPL |
| Endorsement | $35 | DOPL |
No temporary licenses: DOPL does not issue temporary licenses for any barber or cosmetology profession.
License Renewal & Continuing Education
Idaho cosmetology licenses renew biennially (every two years, effective July 1, 2024). The renewal fee is $25 per year. No continuing education is required.
Reinstatement: If your license lapses, a $35 reinstatement penalty applies in addition to the renewal fee.
Reciprocity & License Transfer
Idaho offers endorsement (license transfer) without examination under Idaho Code 54-5816. You must hold a current, valid license from another jurisdiction and either demonstrate equivalent training or have at least 1 year of practice in the last 3 years. The endorsement fee is $35.
Experience credit: If your training falls short of Idaho’s 1,600-hour standard, 200 hours as a student or 400 hours as an apprentice are credited for every 6 months of practical experience.
Universal licensure (Idaho Code 67-9409): Idaho’s universal recognition law allows anyone with a current, valid, unrestricted license from another state to apply. No jurisprudence exam may be required as a barrier.
Military Provisions
Idaho provides strong accommodations under Idaho Code 67-9405 and 67-9406:
- Expedited processing within 15 business days for military members, veterans, and spouses
- No exam required for military endorsement
- No application fee
- License maintained during service: Active military license remains in good standing without renewal and cannot be canceled, suspended, or revoked during service
- Protection extends 6 months following discharge
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a cosmetology license in Idaho?
Most people complete the process in 11 to 16 months. Full-time programs (1,600 hours) take 10 to 14 months, with exams and processing adding 2 to 4 weeks.
How much does it cost to get a cosmetology license in Idaho?
Approximately $258: $208 in exam fees (paid to Prov) and $50 in board fees ($25 application + $25 license).
Does Idaho require continuing education for cosmetologists?
No. Idaho does not require any continuing education for cosmetology license renewal.
Can I take the Idaho cosmetology exam before finishing school?
Starting July 1, 2026 (under HB 514), you can sit for exams after completing 80% of your training hours. Until then, 100% completion is required.
Can I transfer my out-of-state cosmetology license to Idaho?
Yes. Idaho offers endorsement ($35 fee) without examination if you hold a current license and either meet Idaho’s training standards or have 1 year of practice in the last 3 years.
Official Resources
- Idaho Barber and Cosmetology Services Licensing Board (official website)
- Online License Application Portal (eDOPL)
- Prov, Inc. (exam registration)
- Idaho Code Title 54, Chapter 58 (Barber and Cosmetology Services Act)
- Board Contact: (208) 334-3233 | bcb@dopl.idaho.gov
- Board Address: 11341 W. Chinden Blvd., Building 4, Boise, ID 83714