Texas Cosmetology License Expired? How to Renew a Lapsed License

If your Texas cosmetology license has expired, stop performing services that require the license until TDLR renews it. Your next step depends on how long the license has been expired.^[1]

In many cases, a license expired for less than three years can still be renewed. A license expired for three years or more cannot be renewed, so the former license holder must apply for a new license.^[2]

Can you work with an expired cosmetology license in Texas?

No. Texas law states that a person whose license has expired may not engage in activities that require the license until it has been renewed.^[3]

TDLR's cosmetology rules also state that a late renewal creates an unlicensed period from the expiration date through the date the renewed license is issued. During that period, you may not perform barbering or cosmetology services that require a license.^[1]

How long has your Texas cosmetology license been expired?

Use the expiration date on your license record to find the correct path.

Expired for 90 days or less

You may renew by completing the normal renewal requirements and paying a fee equal to 1.5 times the regular renewal fee.^[3]

TDLR currently lists the regular renewal fee for a Cosmetology Operator or specialty practitioner license as $50.^[4] Based on that published fee and the statutory multiplier, the late renewal amount is $75.

Expired for more than 90 days but less than 18 months

You may renew by completing the renewal requirements and paying a fee equal to two times the regular renewal fee.^[3]

Based on TDLR's current $50 practitioner renewal fee, that amount is $100.^[4]

Expired for at least 18 months but less than three years

Renewal requires approval from TDLR's executive director. You must submit the Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal, meet all additional renewal requirements, and pay a late renewal fee equal to two times the regular fee.^[2][3]

TDLR's form says cosmetology payments for this request must be made by cashier's check or money order.^[5]

Expired for three years or more

The license is not eligible for renewal. TDLR says you must apply for a new license and meet the current requirements for original licensure.^[2][3]

Do you still need continuing education after your license expires?

Yes, if CE applies to your license. TDLR's rules say that the required continuing education must be completed within the two-year period immediately before the renewal date, whether the renewal is on time or late.^[1]

Most Texas cosmetology practitioners need 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education, including:

1. 1 hour of sanitation
2. 1 hour of human trafficking awareness
3. 2 hours in an allowed subject, such as Texas barbering and cosmetology law and rules, sanitation, mental health awareness, or a topic listed in Section 83.202^[6]

Licensees who have held a Texas license for at least 15 years may qualify for a 2-hour path consisting of 1 hour of sanitation and 1 hour of human trafficking awareness.^[6]

Step-by-step: how to renew an expired Texas cosmetology license

Step 1: Confirm the license status and expiration date

Use TDLR's practitioner renewal page and license records to determine whether the license is less than 90 days expired, more than 90 days but less than 18 months expired, between 18 months and three years expired, or at least three years expired.^[2][7]

Step 2: Complete the required CE

Take a TDLR-approved course that meets your hour and topic requirements. Do not repeat the same registered course for credit, because TDLR does not award CE credit for taking the same course more than once.^[6]

Keep your completion certificate for two years after the completion date.^[6]

Step 3: Make sure the course provider reports your completion

The provider is responsible for reporting course completion to TDLR. TDLR provides a Continuing Education Courses Look Up so you can verify your record.^[6]

RenewEd CE reports completed courses to TDLR within 24 hours after you finish and pay.^[8]

Step 4: Submit the correct renewal application and fee

For licenses expired less than 18 months, follow TDLR's practitioner renewal process.^[5][7]

For licenses expired at least 18 months but less than three years, use the expired-license forms listed by TDLR, including the Request to Executive Director for Expired License Renewal.^[2][5]

If you are unsure which application applies, contact TDLR before paying. TDLR lists (800) 803-9202 for callers in Texas and (512) 463-6599.^[5]

Step 5: Wait until TDLR renews the license before working

Completing CE or submitting an application does not by itself restore your authority to practice. Do not resume licensed cosmetology services until TDLR has issued the renewed license.^[1][3]

What does the RenewEd CE cosmetology course include?

RenewEd CE's Texas Cosmetology CE 4-Hour course is TDLR Course #33234 from CE Provider #2553. It includes 200 minutes of instruction covering sanitation and infection control, human trafficking awareness, Texas law and scope, and client safety and professional practice.^[8]

The course is online, self-paced, offered in English and Spanish, and has no final exam.^[8]

Finish your CE and start the renewal process

If your license is still eligible for renewal, complete the required CE first, then submit the correct renewal application and late fee to TDLR. RenewEd CE reports your completed course to TDLR within 24 hours after you finish and pay.

Start your Texas cosmetology CE course at renewedce.com/CosmetologistRenewalTX