Entering Colorado for the first time? Trained in another country? Please see our easy to use to guide for testing requirements, foreign equivalence, eligibility by school training, and exam content.
- Which Application Should You Use?
If you have never had a license:
If you have never held a license to practice as a barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, hairstylist or nail technician, you must apply for a license by examination. Exam applicants must apply and schedule their examinations with PSI. You may access the Candidate Handbook and reservation information at PSI Online or call 1-800-733-9267 for further information.
If you used to have a Colorado license but it expired:
If you have ever held a Colorado license to practice as a barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, hairstylist or nail technician, you must apply for a license by reinstatement.
If you are currently licensed in another state:
If you currently hold an active license in good standing to practice as a barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, hairstylist or nail technician in another state or territory, you may apply for licensure by endorsement. You will need to:
Complete the Application for License by Endorsement Submit the application fee. Request that verification of licensure be sent directly to our office from all states in which you have ever been licensed to practice
- California licensees: Please be advised that verification of licensure from California may take up to three (3) months to process. Please allow sufficient time for verification requests. Your application cannot be processed without official verification.
Once we receive all of the above information, your application will be reviewed and you will be immediately notified as soon as the review is complete.
If you meet the requirements for endorsement, you will be issued a license to practice in Colorado. If you do not meet the requirements, you will be required to take all or part of the Colorado written and practical examinations.
If you are licensed in another country:
If you currently hold an active license in good standing to practice as a barber, cosmetologist, esthetician, hairstylist or nail technician in another country, you may apply for licensure by endorsement. You will need to:
Complete the Application for License by Endorsement: Foreign-Trained Applicant. Submit the application fee. Request that verification of licensure be sent directly to our office from all jurisdictions in which you have been licensed to practice.
Once we receive all of the above information, your application will be reviewed and you will be immediately notified as soon as the review is complete.
If you meet the requirements for endorsement, you will be issued a license to practice in Colorado. If you do not meet the requirements, you will be required to take all or part of the Colorado written and practical examinations.
Forms: All Barber and Cosmetology applications and forms are available below:
- Barber, Cosmetologist, Esthetician, Hairstylist, and Nail Technician Applications and Forms
- Barber and Cosmetology Shop and Salon Applications
- License by Examination: Apply Online through the PSI website
- Endorsement &, Endorsement Foreign-Trained: Apply Online through DORA Online Services
- Approved CE Information Sheet
- Foreign Trained Barbers, Cosmetologists, Estheticians, Hairstylists and Nail Technicians:
Credential reviews must be conducted by AEQUO International or an organization that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).
AEQUO International
info@aequointernational.com
1-888-882-3786AICE
P.O. Box 6756
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
Phone: 310-550-3305 | Email:info@aice-eval.orgSpanTran: The Evaluation Company (NACES Member)
Houston Office
2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451
Houston, TX 77057
Phone: 713-266-8805 | Fax: 713-789-6022New York Office
450 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1107
New York, NY 10123
Phone: 646-475-2570 | Fax: 646-475-2580Miami Intake Office
2655 Le Jeune Rd., Suite 602
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: 303-749-0333
Communication from the Division: The Division of Professions and Occupations\' primary communication is via email. Please be sure to include your current email address on your application to receive important information about your application status and process.
License Expiration Bump Period for New Applicants: All new applicants who are issued a license within 120 days of the upcoming renewal expiration date will be issued a license with the next expiration date.
License Renewal Information:
- All Barber, Esthetician, Hairstylist, and Nail Technician licenses expire on March 31 of even-numbered years.
- All Cosmetologist licenses expire on April 30 of every year and are dependent upon the issuance date.
- All Barber and Cosmetology Shop and Salon registrations expire on November 30 of odd-numbered years.
- View your expiration date on your online account. Please note that renewals open approximately six weeks prior to the expiration date.