How to reinstate your esthetician license
Reinstating an esthetician license means going through your state's board of cosmetology or esthetics to restore a license that has expired, lapsed, or been inactive. The process is faster and cheaper than getting a new license from scratch, but it is not automatic — you must submit paperwork, pay fees, and sometimes complete additional requirements before the board reissues your license.
The exact steps depend on how long your license has been inactive and what your state requires. Some states let you reinstate online; others require you to appear in person or submit notarized documents. Most states charge a reinstatement fee separate from a renewal fee, and some require you to take continuing education classes or pass a practical exam if your license has been inactive for several years.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's board of cosmetology or esthetics directly — they are the only source for your specific reinstatement requirements and current fees.
- Reinstatement is usually faster and less expensive than retaking your full esthetician exam, but you may need to complete continuing education or pass a practical test depending on how long your license has been inactive.
- You will need to submit proof of identity, your original license number or Social Security number, and payment for reinstatement and renewal fees.
- Some states allow online reinstatement; others require notarized documents or in-person visits to the board office.
Find your state board and check current requirements
Your state board of cosmetology or esthetics controls reinstatement rules, fees, and timelines. Search online for "[your state] board of cosmetology" or "[your state] board of esthetics" to find the official website. Some states combine cosmetology and esthetics under one board; others have separate boards.
Once you find the board's website, look for a section labeled "Reinstatement," "License Renewal," or "Inactive License." read or read the reinstatement process form and the list of required documents. The board's website will also show the current reinstatement fee and any continuing education requirements. If you cannot find this information online, call the board's licensing department directly — they can tell you exactly what you need and whether your license can be reinstated or must be reissued.
Write down your original license number before you contact the board. If you do not have it, the board can look it up using your name and Social Security number. Having this information ready speeds up the process.
Gather required documents and proof of identity
Most states require the same basic documents for reinstatement: a completed reinstatement process form, a government-issued photo ID, and proof that you paid the reinstatement fee. Some states also ask for your original license number, your Social Security number, or both.
If your license has been inactive for more than a few years, your state may require proof that you have completed continuing education hours in esthetics. Check your state board's website to see how many hours are required and what types of courses count. Some states accept online courses; others require in-person training. Keep receipts or certificates of completion for any courses you take.
A few states require a notarized affidavit stating that you have not practiced esthetics without a license while your license was inactive. If your state requires this, you can get a document notarized at a bank, library, or notary public office for a small fee.
Pay reinstatement and renewal fees
Reinstatement fees vary by state and typically range from $50 to $300, though some states charge more. This fee is separate from your renewal fee, which you will also owe if your license has expired. Some states combine both fees into one payment; others bill them separately.
Check your state board's website for the exact amount and the payment methods they accept. Most boards accept credit cards, checks, or money orders. Some allow online payment through their website; others require you to mail a check or pay in person. Do not send cash through the mail.
Keep a copy of your payment receipt or confirmation number. If the board loses your payment or there is a delay, you will need proof that you paid.
Submit your process by mail, online, or in person
How you submit your reinstatement process depends on your state. Some states have an online portal where you can upload documents and pay fees without leaving home. Others require you to print the process, sign it, and mail it along with copies of your documents and a check. A few states ask you to appear in person at the board office.
If you are mailing your process, send it to the address listed on the board's website and keep a copy for your records. Use certified mail or a tracked service so you can confirm the board received it. Do not send original documents — send copies only, and keep the originals for yourself.
If your state requires an in-person visit, call ahead to schedule an appointment. Some board offices have limited hours or require appointments to prevent long waits.
Complete continuing education or practical exam if required
If your license has been inactive for a set number of years — often three to five years, depending on your state — your board may require you to complete continuing education before reinstatement is approved. This is not the same as your original esthetician training; it is usually a shorter course covering updates to safety rules, new techniques, or state law changes.
Some states let you complete continuing education before you submit your reinstatement process; others require you to complete it after approval but before your license is officially reissued. Check your state board's website to see the timeline and whether you can take courses online or must attend in person.
A small number of states require you to pass a practical exam — a hands-on test of your esthetics skills — if your license has been inactive for several years. This is less common than continuing education requirements, but it does happen. If your state requires it, the board will tell you when and where you can schedule the exam.
Wait for board approval and receive your reinstated license
After you submit your process, the board will review it to make sure all documents are complete and fees are paid. This review usually takes two to four weeks, though some states are slower. You can call the board to ask about the status of your process, but do not expect a response faster than their stated timeline.
Once the board approves your reinstatement, they will mail your reinstated license to the address you provided on your process. Some states send it by regular mail; others use certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Your new license will have a new expiration date, usually one to three years from the date of reinstatement.
If the board denies your reinstatement process, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete paperwork, unpaid fees, or a disciplinary action on your record. If you receive a denial, contact the board to find out what you can do to fix the problem and resubmit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
Most states process reinstatement applications in two to four weeks after they receive all required documents and fees. If you are missing paperwork or if the board needs to verify information, it may take longer. Continuing education requirements can add several weeks if you have not completed them before submitting your process.
Can I practice esthetics while my reinstatement is pending?
No. You cannot legally practice esthetics without an active license. If you need to work before your reinstatement is approved, you must wait until your license is officially reissued. Practicing without a license can result in fines or legal action.
What if I do not have my original license number?
The board can look up your license using your name and Social Security number. Call the board's licensing department and provide this information. They will give you your license number and confirm whether your license is may be able to access for reinstatement.
Do I have to retake my esthetician exam to reinstate my license?
Usually no. Reinstatement is designed to be faster than getting a new license. However, if your license has been inactive for many years — typically five or more — your state may require a practical exam or additional continuing education instead of a full exam retake.
What if my license was suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons?
Reinstatement is not available if your license was revoked or suspended due to a disciplinary action. Contact your state board to find out whether your license falls into this category and what your options are. You may need to wait a certain amount of time before you can reapply for a new license.